Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Lot #159
William Wilberforce Autograph Letter Signed

Estimate: $1500+

The 30 Minute Rule begins October 16 at 7:00 PM EDT. An Initial Bid Must Be Placed By October 16 at 6:00 PM EDT To Participate After 6:00 PM EDT

Server Time: 9/28/2024 08:18:36 PM EDT
Sell a Similar Item?
Refer Collections and Get Paid

Description

British politician, evangelist, and philanthropist (1759-1833) who played an important role in the movement to abolish slavery. ALS signed “W. Wilberforce,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 7.75 x 9.25, October 14, 1789. Handwritten letter to an unknown recipient, in part: “Different matters have intervened to prevent my saying anything respecting my motions sufficiently certain to allow me to answer your friendly letter; I have been in much doubt about the practicability of getting to you from circumstances which it would be too long a story to tell, but the idea of our being but about 20 miles asunder still recurs & does not allow me to quit this part of the country with’t fulfilling my engagement: my visit must of necessity be short—on Monday the 26th or Tuesday the 27th Inst. you may expect me at dinner if it will be convenient to you to receive me. When you write be kind enough to mention whether or not Mr. Shore will be at Norton; if so, I must give him a call and perhaps spend Monday with him, as when I once paid him a…visit before (when I was with you and Mastro). He hardly seemed to take it quite kindly and he is a man for whom I feel every sentiment of respect—Tell me also whether Mr. Wilkinson be at Sheffield or if there be any other person there on whom I ought to call. Perhaps you may know also if Mr. Edmunds be at home, whose house I think is not far from you. Now to proceed to what is more interesting. I hope your little ones have got well thro' their inoculation. This must, I think, all things taken into account, be a most anxious time for a parent, and the parents’ friend will be glad to hear his solicitude…I have been for a fortnight at the house of an excellent and much loved friend, Mr. Gisborne of Yorace Lodge, a name you perhaps have heard of. I am returned either to finish my course of waters, from which I trust I am receiving beneficial advice. My dear sir, best respects to all friends within your circle.” Wilberforce adds a lengthy postscript that continues onto the reverse of the second integral page. In fine condition, with some light edge toning.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts
  • Dates: September 28, 2024 - October 16, 2024





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for $75.00

*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.