JAMES (George Payne Rainsford,1799-1860, Novelist & Poet)

Fine Autograph Letter Signed to "My dear Hutchins" saying that he had yesterday written him "a very melancholy letter and as far as the book trade goes my communication from Longman's of this morning does not improve the view they declining all arrangements but the hard bargain they have attempted to drive. I must therefore come to town. Nevertheless I write in better spirits for the sad state of my present calling has driven me to take more vigourous steps in search of another than I have ever before done or perhaps ever should have done. Summoning courage I must away this morning to Walmer Castle not to see the Duke but to see Mr Arbuthnot who as you know now lives with him always and possesses his entire confidence. I told him exactly how I was situated and what I wanted and instead of throwing cold water upon my hopes and cataloguing all the claims that rest upon government he gave me the greatest encouragement, said that he doubted not that with time and perseverance I should obtain what I sought, that I had every right to expect it, and that he would mention my views to the Duke. Adding, indeed, that the Duke had made up his mind in no degree to interfere with the distribution of patronage; but that he would take upon himself to say that if any person applied to the Duke respecting me and my capabilities his Grace would give me the highest character both for conduct and talent. He added emphatically 'and you may say so for I know it.' I confess this does raise my spirits and indeed the whole of Mr Arbuthnot's conversation with me which was long was in every degree encouraging especially as he is a man famed for peculiar discretion and for never saying one word too much. It was not a little gratifying either in the abstract to hear the opinion which he assured me the Duke entertained of me. Another thing, an act of generous friendship but also tended to inspirit me. Captain Vincent, the Chairman of the Conservative Association here has this day written to Mr Lindsay in whose famous struggle for Sandwich we both bore part, requesting him particularly to bring my claims before Sir Robert Peel and adding that he resigns all claims upon his own part in my favour and if he had served the Government well he shall consider any appointment conferred upon me as amply rewarding him. I told you all my bad news and I cannot refrain from telling you all my good also. I do now indeed entertain some if I can but hold on of obtaining some permanent less exhausting occupation than that which I have hitherto followed. I came to town on Monday by the Steamer from Herne ..." and ending with further discussion of possible travel and meeting arrangements, 3 sides 4to., with autograph address leaf and seal, The Shrubbery, Walmer, Dover, 17th October

James was appointed Historiographer Royal during the last years of William IV's reign, and published several official pamphlets. In 1842 he lived at Walmer and was frequently a guest of the Duke of Wellington at Walmer Castle. In 1845 he went to Germany, partly for recreation and partly to gather material for his writings.
Charles ARBUTHNOT (1767-1850), was a diplomat and politician. He was Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire between 1804 and 1807 and held a number of political offices. He was a good friend of the Duke of Wellington. His second wife, Harriet became a hostess at Wellington's society dinners. During the latter years of Arbuthnot's life, after the death of Harriet, he lived in Apsley House, the Duke's London residence, as his confidential friend.

Item Date:  1842

Stock No:  39423      £875

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