James Vincent Harding Roman Catholic (1 results)

Cross-interrogatories: 5pp., 4to. On two bifoliums of grey paper, stitched one inside the other. In very good condition, lightly-aged. Begins: 'Cross Interrogatories to be administered on behalf of the Plaintiff hereinafter named to is Excellency Monsieur Achille Fould one of the witnesses to be produced and examined on the part and behalf of Nicolas Cardinal Wiseman the Defendant in a certain Cause now depending in Her Majesties Court of Queens Bench at Westminster between Louis Marie Roux the Plaintiff and the said Nicolas Cardinal Wiseman Defendant before Emile Laurent Louis Asher Jameson The Abbe Raymond The Abbe Casanova William Henry Smith and the Reverend Francis Searle Commissioners named and appointed in that behalf in and by a Commission issued out of the said Court on the day [sic] of March One thousand eight hundred and fifty seven'. The first four pages carry - in a close, neat hand - seventeen cross-interrogatories, and the fifth page the letter from Levy 'To the Reverend Francis Searle and to Messrs Harding the Defendants Attornies.' Harding's letter to Searle: 3pp., 4to. On bifolium of grey paper. Addressed on reverse of second leaf, with seals in red and black wax, and postmarks, to Searle at the Hotel Wagram, Rue de Rivoli, Paris. On aged paper, with damage and loss to both leaves, resulting in some loss of text (including the second half of Harding's signature). 'It is most material [.] if as I anticipate M. Fould objects to be examined, to know whaht really did pass and I beg you to ascertain this accurately [.] learn decidedly what passed between F[ould]. & Levy if you have not already obtained the information [.] Two of the Commissioners named are the Abbé Raymond and the Abbé Casanova - Learn who they are if you can - Learn about the Archbishops Officialité, whether in 1847 there was question fo suspending Roux for frequenting the House of Madame, and by what means he got off - I do not think I need say more'. The case centred on a debt of £25000, owed to Roux by 'Madame Wyse, the wife of the English Minister at Athens, Sir Thomas Wyse, and first cousin of the Emperor of the French'. For more information see the three reports of the case in The Times, 6 and 17 April and 27 June 1857.