Autograph letter from Rev. Thomas Raffles to Mr. (William) Bullock, lending him a catalogue of his autograph collection.
Liverpool: July 1845. A letter from Rev. Raffles, a Congregational minister in Liverpool, abolitionist, historian, 1st cousin to Sir Stamford Raffles of Singapore fame and autograph collector, to Mr. Bullock, most likely William Bullock, (c. 1773-1849) an English traveler, naturalist and antiquarian. In 1795, Bullock founded a Museum of Natural Curiosities in Liverpool. In 1801, he published a descriptive catalogue of the works of art, armoury, objects of natural history, and other curiosities in the collection, some of which had been brought back by members of James Cook's expeditions.
The text reads: Sir, If you will take the trouble to call at No. 25 Gower Street in (Barke's?), you will find a parcel there for you containing the catalogue of autographs I'm desire (to see.)? It is included in the formal catalogue of the Exhibition. I have no list separate from that. I shall be glad of its return at your convenience. I am, Sir. V. Revd. (...?) Tho Raffles. Mr. Bullock, Esq. P.S. The autographs in this catalogue are a very small portion of my collection."
The Thomas Raffles Collection was purchased by Mrs Enriqueta Augustina Rylands at Sotheby's auction of Thomas Raffles' collection of European and American autograph letters and historical documents in June-July 1891. It now resides in the John Rylands Library at the University of Manchester. Amongst many other items, Mrs. Rylands purchased the substantial bound autograph collections (lots 545-550, Eng MSS 351-387).
ALS, 4pp, (2 blank), 4 1/4 x 7", period folds flattened. With a steel engraved portrait of Raffles published by Fisher in 1822. Item #25443
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