BULWER-LYTTON, Edward Robert (1831-1891). Statesman and poet.
Four Autograph Letters Signed ("Lytton" and "R B Lytton") to a M. Fournier, French Chargé d'Affaires at The Hague. With three unpublished autograph poems.
The letters in French, c.1855-7, concern appointments; the sending of a packet of tea to Lady Holland; seeking an article in “Revue de Deux Mondes” on Credit Mobilier; excusing himself from an excursion on valetudinarian grounds. The English letter (post-1880, when Lytton was raised to an earldom), remarks on Bright’s speeches and the likelihood that the Church of England will be disestablished - “much to my regret”. He is sending the Tauchnitz edition of his “Fables” as a gift to his correspondent’s wife.
The letters are accompanied by “Unpublished Poems for Mad[am]e Fournier”, comprising Autograph Manuscript fair copies (except for one minor revision in the first) of three poems titled “The Troubadour”, “Humanity”, “The Ferry-Man’s Daughter”. 4pages 4to, signed at the end “R.B. Lytton The Hague 3rd March/57 Tuesday Evening”.
Letters: some creases but in very good condition. Manuscript pages: minor closed tears to folds and some contemporary ink smudges but otherwise in v.g. condition.