Chesterfield, Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl (1694-1773). Autograph letter signed. London. Addressed to Mrs. Ann Kirkby, March 15, 1762

File — Box: 1, Folder: 13

Staff Only

Scope and Content

From the Collection:

This collection consists of letters and supporting documentation, books on the art of letter writing, a small miscellaneous grouping of catalogs and photographs, and issues of The Wolf Magazine of Letters from June-July 1979 to Summer Quarterly 1991. The earliest letter, from the Marquise de Sevigne, dates from 1695; while the most recent was signed by entertainer Mike Douglas in 1980. Most of the letters date from the 19th century. The collection, which now numbers 85 letters, will continue to grow; in conjunction with his gift, Mr. Lang established a gift annuity to be used for the maintenance and augmentation of the collection.

Dates

Creation: March 15, 1762

Creator

Stanhope, Philip Dormer, Lord Chesterfield, 4th Earl of Chesterfield (Author, Person)

Language of Materials

From the Collection:

The records are in English

Restrictions on Access

There are no restrictions on access to this collection.

Extent

From the Collection: 1.26 linear feet

Additional Description

Condition

Fine. Moderate staining, browning, and fading of ink, accompanied by blank cover with stains from original wax seal

2pages, 9"x 7" (4to)

Transcription

London, March 15th 1762

Madam

I have received your letter with the enclosed papers which I here return to you, as I know that the manuscripts of a favorite son are carefully kept by a tender Mother. You now find what I told you is true, that it was impossible that he could live on his pay, and what is worse never can until he is a field officer, and he is likely to be a half pay officer many years before he is a field one, and then he must be in jayl if you and his father do not keep him out of one. The war must necessarily end this year for want of both men and money to carry it on, for all Europe is depopulated and beggared. Pray do not find fault with his handwriting, for every hand is good enough that can be easily and currently red, and his is the best military hand that ever I saw.

As to what you mention about the repairs of the Chancel, I am sure you will not think that the 45 pounds, has the least weight in making me hesitate about it, but I must write first to Mr. Fisher and Godley to have the right ascertained, for with submission to your Husband and your Father, I know very well that any claim of the Church however ill founded, if once allowed, becomes a sacred right which is sacrilege to touch. This consideration justifys me in having the right examined and ascertained. But at the same time Mr. Kirby shall be no loser, for if the right appears not to be of his side, I will as I have done in two or three such cases, give as a Benevolence, what for the sake of those who are to come after me, I must not pay as a matter of right.

When the Turkey and the Cheese came to my house, I well knew without previous notice, who they came from, by the praises which those who eat of it bestowed upon it; I touched neither, having been confined to my room for twelve weeks, and most of that time in the utmost torture that a tedious and painful Rheumatism could inflict. I am far from being yet recovered I am still confined to my room and most part of my day to my bed, only thank God my pains are not now so exquisite. I am with great truth

Your, and Mr. Kirkby’s faithful servant Chesterfield