WOOLNER

(1828-1901, First Naval Lord) and his wife Lady Hoskins (Dorothea Ann Eliza Robinsno, 1839-1901, daughter of Sir George Stamp Robinson, 7th Baronet) the first two to the Admiral, telling him that he is “free on next Saturday. Curiously, I was making an appointment with Coventry Patmore the Poet on that day, but postponed it till the following Saturday... I scarcely expected anything so grand as to dine with two Admirals and one popular Alexander, or perhaps Alexandria would have a nearer and more familiar sound...”, 2 sides 8vo., 15th November 1885, the next thanks him for a ticket “I had made my arrangements but the horrible morning made it too dangerous. I have only lately recovered from a cold in throat which kept me 4 days in bed, and I feared to face it, as if I had caught a cold I must have put off a great City Dinner; and as I put off their last invitation at the last moment... You might face a cannon yet fear the fire of a Lady’s eyes. Glad the portraits is improved - if you want help in framing, command me, as I should save you several pounds getting it for professional price. I could not manage this with Hogarth, as he ‘treats me like a gentleman’ - confound him!...”, 2 sides 8vo.., 24th November 1885, the next one is to his wife saying that he has called and thinks “the frame which Schubring selected a very good choice indeed. It was designed by Watts for his portraits. I was so sorry this morning to find that I had missed the pleasure of seeing Sir Anthony, as you know he always comes upon one like a burst of bright weather. I was with the ‘Missus’ and my big daughter as Hastings staying with C. Patmore the poet for two days...”, 1 side 8vo., 1st December 1885, the fourth is to the Admiral again fearing “it would be hopeless asking you to take Lady Hoskins to the P. View of the Old Masters... Should there be a chance there are two cards at your disposal if you let me know without delay. I say this before receiving applications for them...”, 1 side 8vo., 22nd December 1885, the fifth is to Lady Hoskins saying that he “saw Vokins and found that as he had a plan of the cabin there was no difficulty in making the arrangement of the prints; I asked him to let me know if he had any questions to ask, but I mean l likewise to call in again and see how he proceeds. I thought that so far as he had gone he was doing very well. Happy fact, all my hay has been stacked in perfect condition! The the farmer this is like a symphony played in true time. Dolly obtained the prize for anatomical drawing at the School of Art (Female)...”, 3 sides 8vo., 4th July 1889 the next is a very long letter to the Admiral saying he has intended to write “but lethargy, ‘that last infirmity of noble minds’, prevented me and now for very shame I am aroused to do so, as on Tuesday I am going to Kettering to spend a day with Lady Hoskins. Now if she says have you written to Sir Anthony lately, I can bold reply ‘O yes I wrote to him on Sunday’ wisely concealing my long silence and neglect. I could not manage to go to Greece last winter and try to find you out, as I half threatened, for the truth is I was obliged to remain to look after my pecuniary interests. I had loaded the boat of my fortune heavily with Can. Pacifics, and had to stand to the helm, and dared not move from my post. Happily all went the right way, and new they are higher than they have ever been. I have seen all accounts of your doings in t he papers, and tho’ most of them seem in the way of proud duty, I confess my sympathy has been awakened when I have read of your having to entertain and making yourself pleasant to Royalties; considering the serious duties you perform perforce such entertainings seem rather like having to take your hat off and make formal bows in the middle of a battle. I hope you have found time to read Stanley’s last book for it is one of the most entertaining books of heroic and victorious adventure ever written - I must say that Emin comes out in the end a rather a sneak and the snubbing that Gordon used to bestow upon him seems to me well bestowed; for he is evidently destitute of the sense of gratitude... There seems every prospect that the expected European row may be postponed for several years, as the fact of England having become so chummy with Germany practically brings them, in the popular imagination into the triple and makes a quadruple Alliance. Under these circumstances it becomes a trifle difficult for either France or Russia to know what safe move to make without being subject a rapid checkmate. My Dolly is exceedingly proud that you have one of her little drawings in your Cabin...”, 8 sides 8vo., 24th August 1890, the final letter is to Lady Hoskins saying it “was most kind to send me the Zoo tickets. I hope your drive carried off your headache, for the air was truly divine. I was charmed the other day to see how well Sir Anthony was looking, and think that high responsibility lifts him into a higher region of health, and for the sake of our country I hope this good state of things will long continue. Alas, alas! That lovely wire haired terrier your cousin gave me has been stolen and. my of my joy in Rapkins has fled. He must have been hunting for me and some tramp picked him up - He liked no one but me, so that he will be no joy to anyone else...”, 3 sides 8vo., together with an original autograph envelope addressed to Lady Hoskins on 20th March 1885, all from 29 Welbeck St, the final letter dated 25th April