Autograph Letters Signed "Kilmorey" (x2) [2nd Earl of Kilmorey] and "K" to "Williams" [C.R. Williams}. With ALS from his successor to same, and two related items.

Francis Needham, 2nd Earl of Kilmorey (1787-1880)

Published by -1880 one undated, 1874

About this Item

Total 12pp., 8vo, remnants of laying down obscuring some letters, mainly clear and legible. Subjects: [1874] Gratitude to correspondent and a woman; two bad falls; Lady Newry setting fire to herself; compliments on his sketches; their "fruit continues to abound"; notes on happinesss then a cause for gloom; [Undated] Lady K. ruminating on present for Williams' birthday - he decides himself, "the original of [his] sketch"; illness in the family; about to distribute the "annual gift to our poor" (1200 pounds of beef); [1878] Discusses Williams' philosophical remarks and account of P.H. [?], going to Germany; gossip; alliance with [William?] Cunard [shipowner?] of Mount Lebanon, "new villa", in Twickenham neighbourhood) and the subjects they discuss together, "mechanics, art patents, husbandry and last tho not least religion at full length"; civilised dissent on religion keeps his mind active; Cunard about to make a trip to America [note added in another hand giving place of writing and date, "Gordon House, Isleworth 16 Sept 1878"; also added on reverse a newspaper clipping paid down with obit for Kilmorey, with note giving date of death and age (93). 3rd Earl of Kilmorey writes in July 1880 about daily increase of duties, glad that the end was as it was and looking forward ot meeting him as a friend. On another page, he wrotes a heartfelt prayer, expressing his need for God's pity at length. WITH: A. [MS.] "Extract of a letter from myself (CRW [C.R. Williams] giving an account of the Funeral of the Earl of Kilmorey who died at Gordon House at the age of 93", 2pp. fol. B. [Printed pamphlet] "The Story of a Certain Round Table" ([May 1879), 8pp., 8vo, formerly tipped in something, now sunned and loose and/detached where sewn. The pamphlet referred to a Roman Mosaic Table commissioned by Kilmorey when on a visit to Rome. The Table gained first prize at the Great Exhibition in 1851. Kilmorey (according to the account accompanying these items) gave it to his great friend Caroline, Dowager Marchioness of Downshire who later decided to sell it, causing the rift discussed in the pamphlet. It's now in the V & A.(http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O157742/table-the-beautiful-sky-of-italy/). No copy on COPAC or WorldCat. Note: Kilmorey's Family Seat is now at Mourne Park, Newry, Co. Down.

Seller Inventory # 10432

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Autograph Letters Signed "Kilmorey" (x2) [2nd Earl of Kilmorey] and "K" to "Williams" [C.R. Williams}. With ALS from his successor to same, and two related items.
• Publisher: -1880 one undated
• Publication Date: 1874