MOTLEY, John Lothrop (1814-1877). American historian and diplomat.
Two Autograph Letters Signed, two draft letters and two further partial drafts. All date from Motley's brief period as American ambassador to the United Kingdom, 1869-1870.

Autograph Letter Signed (initials) to his wife Mary, 5 pages 8vo, Stratfieldsaye [Stratfield Saye, the home of the dukes of Wellington], 1 December no year Bemoamning the need to leave her alone, especially as she was not well; passing on the duke's recommendations for medication, 'I have had a long talk with the Duke about diet this morning. He is all for your using Liebig's Extract which he takes every morning - a cup full seasoned w[i]th his famous cayenne ...'; describing the house party, 'The Cowleys who are civil enough - the Dean of Windsor & his wife rather a pretty not very amusing women, sister of Mrs Hippy Damer - the Lavalettes - Lady Dolly & "Ian" McDonald, Alfred Montgomery & another ...; expressing disapproval of the changes at the Stratfield Saye which have resulted in all meals being taken in the hall, etc. etc.

Autograph Letter Signed, evidently a draft, signed with initials, to C[harles] F[rancis] Adams, his predecessor at the Court of Saint James; a letter of condolence on the death of Adams's daughter, 23 July 1870.

Draft Autograph Letter Signed to the queen of Holland, 4 pages 8vo, 30 June 1870; explaining the difficulty of obtaining leave from his duties in London to pay her a visit, and condoling with her on the death of 'L[or]d C.'

Draft Autograph Letter Signed to [Francis] Knollys (later Viscount Knollys), private secretary to the prince of Wales; apologising for having failed to attend a ball given by the prince the previous evening despite having been honoured with an invitation. It would appear that the date of the ball had been changed to 4 July, placing Motley in 'a rather embarrassing position' as he had invited a large number of friends 'in celebration of this day'.

Conclusion of a draft Autograph Letter Signed (signed in full) to the duke of Bedford, 1 page 8vo, no date; a letter of condolence.

Part of a draft letter of condolence, 1½ pages 8vo, no date

The large number of changes in the drafts provide good evidence of Motley compositional methods.
[No: 25510]