PRICE (William Philip, 1817-1891, M.P., of Tibberton Court, near Gloucester)

3 Autograph Letter Signed to Alfred Ellis, (1821-1879, of Belgrave, second son of John Ellis, 1789-1862, Chairman of the Midland Railway), saying he had two friends "who were Classical Tutors at University College and who were kind enough to say they would hunt for some good quotations for the plate", he has heard from both, "I am really proud to think I should have selected the best passage that could be chosen ... and as the Poets of old were Prophets too, I really begin to think that glorious old Homer must have had your father in his prophetic eye ... Bright made a capital speech in the House tonight - I believe we are to have a fight on the Indian revolution Monday" (23rd April 1858), "It is useless to talk to my colleagues ... about the inscription as they all say 'Settle it with the family' ... Before sending up the form ... to the Engraver ... we might leave out the words 'as part of a Service of Plate' altogether ... they are a burthen on the inscription", so giving a little more room, "The testimonial would proceed from a low class of motives if it recognized only 'ability and success', Ability is a natural gift and Success is often its natural consequence, but neither of them are necessarily virtues ... whilst the Midland Shareholders admire the ability and are grateful for the success of your fathers administration they have also learnt to appreciate the manly simplicity of his character and the many higher qualities which have won ... their personal regard ... What do you say - to these [not present] - or to any similar words" (11th May 1858), "I return Messrs Hunt & Roskell's letter ... they too share the general contentment & satisfaction - I was afraid their 'representative' would be quite passed over, & I had to make a fight for him ... The letter they get on these occasions is useful to them, & their Mr Friswell is a very Gentlemanly and well-informed young man ... it has been a most interesting labour - if labour it can be called ... I am just ... starting for a few days to Scotland to see my son" (9th July 1858), in all 10 sides 8vo., no place, 23rd April - 9th July

W. P. Price was also a timber merchant and from 1873 a Railway Commissioner.
John Ellis was an early enthusiast, and projected the third railway line in England, from Swannington to Bagworth, Leicestershire, opened in July 1832.
John Samuel Hunt and Robert Roskell, c.1805-1888, succeeded Storr & Mortimer at 156 New Bond Street. The plate, prepared to order as the 'Ellis Testimonial', cost £564.

Item Date:  1858

Stock No:  15203      £125

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