Autograph Letter Signed 'H.S. Maine' to His Uncle, 2 December 1845.
An Early Letter from Distinguished Legal Historian Henry Sumner Maine Maine, Sir Henry Sumner [1822-1888]. [Autograph Letter Signed ('H.S. Maine') from Henry Sumner Maine to His Uncle, Trinity Hall, Cambridge, December 2, 1845]. 3 pp. 7" x 4-1/4" (18.1 x 11.2 cm) bifolium, docketed "2d Decr. 1845/ H.S. Maine/ Cambridge Settlement" on verso. Light toning, fold lines, light soiling to verso. Very good. $250. * Henry Sumner Maine was an eminent English jurist and historian. At the time of this letter, he had just graduated from Pembroke College, Cambridge and accepted a junior tutorship at Trinity Hall. Two years later, he was appointed Regius Professor of Civil Law, and he went on to a distinguished career as a writer, educator and civil servant. In this letter, addressed to an uncle, he discusses family matters. He begins by asking "the exact time at which you heard anything from my Uncle Fell [his mother's maiden name] about the Settlement? I wish much to know, for both Mamma and myself are very anxious about the whole matter." He continues by mentioning the possibility that he may be able to visit "for a short time at Xmas," and refers to a conversation with his cousin and future wife Jane Morton Maine [1827-1920]: "Jane tells me you say there need be no attempt at secrecy, if I do come, as everybody will guess the reason. I cannot help however thinking that there is at all times a very great difference between a direct avowal and any amount of suspicion, however strong it may be." He asks his uncle to "go on as at present, until all uncertainty is at an end by my getting settled. My opinion of the necessity of this is as strong as ever." He hopes that the "policy arrived in safety," and is "delighted to hear that Willie continues to improve."
Price: $250.00
Book number 85157