Two ALsS to 'Dear Sir', not further identified, but possibly H.T. Ellacombe. From Penzance, Jan. 15th and Jan. 31st 1842. 'Bad weather & many obstacles prevented my sending the enclosed before.'

33 lines on 2pp 4to, and 19 lines on 2pp 8vo; remains of seal on second letter. Two letters concerning the internal features and historical significance of Madron Parish Church, near Penzance, consecrated in 1386. Le Grice appears to have uncovered some interesting carvings on the pews, where 'names have been cut by some person to denote his seat', and he excitedly wonders if these might 'be a clue' as to the identity of some earlier parishioners. Coats of Arms have also been exposed during a renovation, and Le Grice is keen to explore the church's Tudor links. He acknowledges his correspondent might not be able to come to him in Penzance, but wonders if he might go to see him in Bitton; 'Don't you know the old story of Mahomet?' The unnamed correspondent might possibly be Henry Thomas Ellacombe, the antiquary, who was vicar of St. Mary's church, Bitton, from 1835. Le Grice was a school friend of Lamb and Coleridge, and often stayed with the former during the school holidays. He fell out with several of his contemporaries, some of whom (including Wordsworth and Southey) took offence at his perceived dismissal of Romantic poetry. Le Grice, had in fact, merely (if a little tactlessly) voiced his approval for the poets of bygone ages, and had not intended to slight the new generation of Romantic poets. He is buried in the graveyard at Madron. PLEASE NOTE: For customers within the UK this item is subject to VAT at 20%.…