Item 41: Letter from Anthony Trollope to “My dear John”, 1870 November 3
Item — Box: 4, Folder: 41
Dates
- Created: 1870 November 3
Creator
- Trollope, Anthony, 1815-1882 (Person)
Disclaimer for Name and Subject Authorities
Some of the name and subject authority tags have been assigned by educated guessing and estimation of persons and subjects by region, age, profession, and familial relationships. They have been thoroughly researched by using primary and secondary sources available digitally, and named in each description, or in some cases linked directly to the person tag.
Access:
All series and subseries within this collection are open for research, with the exception of a few files within the Academia series that are restricted. The Academia series contains financial and sensitive institutional records from Wilkes College, and financial report records from Princeton University that will remain restricted for 80 years upon creation.
Extent
1 items
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Type of Material:
Letter
Condition Note:
Good. Vinegar smell and warping.
Measurements:
7 in. x 4 ½ in.
Description:
The letter was authored on November 3, 1870, by English novelist and civil servant, Anthony Trollope to an unidentified recipient by the address of “My Dear John”. The contents of the letter seem to be the author expressing that they are unable to do something because of other duties. The letter mentions Edward Colston, an English merchant, slave trader, philanthropist, who held influential sway as a Tory Member of Parliament in the 18th century. Trollope’s tone infers a critique of the man, aligning with the growing awareness to be seen in the late 20th century of his involvement in Britain's slave trade. While a significant time lapse from Trollope’s time, Colstone’s prominence rose greatly within the 19th century, ultimately leading to the erection of his statue in 1895. The letter’s recipient is two possible men, John Tilley, Trollope’s brother-in-law, or John Lewis Merivale, a man said to be his earliest friend and schoolfellow at Harrow. He addresses both men as “My Dear John” in his other letters to them.
Other transcribed letters of Anthony Trollope’s may be found at archives.org, where letters to both men are included.
Location:
Garrick Club
Transcription:
3 November 1870.
My dear John
I am very sorry to say that the work I have left to do this month, and which is almost more than I can manage will not allow me to accept your very kind invitation. I have heard of Edward Coleston’s character all my life, and should very much have wanted to attend the festivities under your Presidency; but I cannot afford the time. There are so many [things] that require days and there is so much work to be done.
Pray remember me most kindly to your wife
yours always sincerely
Anthony Trollope
Creator
- Trollope, Anthony, 1815-1882 (Person)
Repository Details
Part of the Wilkes University Archives Repository
Contact:
84 W South St.
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701 US
570-408-2000
570-408-7823 (Fax)
ask.archives@wilkes.edu
84 W South St.
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701 US
570-408-2000
570-408-7823 (Fax)
ask.archives@wilkes.edu