Description

Description: William Henry Smyth published a history of the Hartwell Mansion and estates, Aedes Hartwellianae: or Notices of the Manor or Mansion of Hartwell in 1851. In this autograph letter signed (April 21, 1864) to an unnamed recipient, Smyth apologizes for a hasty response from one of his family members. He regrets not being able to provide a copy of the book, referring to the “Pedigree of the Lees,” an illustrious Buckinghamshire family. [Smyth’s famous refractor telescope was sold to Dr. John Lee, an astronomer and philanthropist, who set-up it up at his observatory in the Harwell house]:

“Dear Sir

In the midst of the London confusion [the confusion around the British Peace Conference regarding the Schleswig-Holstein Question or the Dano-Prussian War?] the reply to Mr. Hardwicke was hurried off by a member of my family,–but the volume was certainly intended to aid the very useful compilation in view,–and I only regret that it is out of my power to now to offer you a copy of the Aedes Hartwellianae, since there is a carefully drawn-up Pedigree of the Lees, and other matter which might interest you.

I have even deemed it a duty to aid & assist  to the best of our power, the authors of works of public interest as to accuracy, etc.

I beg to remain, Dear Sir,

Yours faithfully,

W.H. Smyth”

Written on two 7¼” x 4½” pages of ivory laid paper. Item #A01801

William Henry Smyth (1788-1865) was an English Royal Navy officer, hydrographer, astronomer and numismatist. He is noted for his involvement in the early history of a number of learned societies and authored numerous books. His Bedford Catalogue, Vol II of the Cycle of Celestial Objects (1844), containing his 1,604 double stars and nebulae, became a standard reference work for many years (reprinted in 1986). In 1845, he received the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society and then the Presidency of the Society.

The Hartwell House has a long history dating back to the Norman Conquest.  It was acquired by the Lees family through marriage to the Hampdens in 1650. The Royal Meteorological Society started as the British Meteorological Society in the library of the Hartwell House in 1850.

Condition: Writing is clear and legible.  In very good condition.