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Auction: 314 - Numismatic Collector's Series Sale
Lot: 1122

Sydney, Thomas Townshend, Viscount English politician (1732-1800); Secretary at War and Home Secretary; namesake of the Australian metropolis. Interesting political content Autograph Letter Signed three times, once as "Sydney" and twice with the initial "S," 2-1/2 pp, 4to, Tottenham Park [London, home of the Earl of Ailesbury], October 10, 1788. He informs "My Dear Jack" [undoubtedly his son, John Townshend] that he knows no one to recommend for an appointment, as "Sr. C[harles] Barrow´s sudden termination of a long illness has disconcerted matters, & Sir G. Paul has got the start. I have thought it adviseable to send your letter or an extract of it to Mr. [Prime Minister William] Pitt...I am quite in the dark myself..." After advising him to not "engage yourself lightly," he explains that he has gotten the Receivership of the County of Gloucestershire for Sir William Guise. The following page and a half are filled with lengthy postscripts, wondering if someone can be found "of the County, that will stand upon the right Interest, or is there no compromise to be made against a general election?" and trying to track down whether Jack is in Bath or Gloucester. Paper clip stains on first page, soiling to second page, minor edge and fold wear, otherwise VG. Sir Charles Barrow would die early in 1789. His place in parliament was filled by John Pitt, a Tory, which suggests that Sydney, a Whig, was unable to get an appointment of someone with "the right Interest".

Estimate
$200 to $300