Social Reformers

Group of autograph letters by prominent 19th century social reformers, including: six letters by Joseph Hume (one to a Captain Robeson, saying in part "I'm not at all surprised at your anxiety, it is cruel to continue you in such state. But I cannot do more than I have done publicly and privately for you", one page, 8 August 1885; another letter to G.F. Young asking if he can have the Court House for a meeting, three pages, 26 September 1832; "It is next to an impossibility to find two men who mix much in Politics to agree in all their opinions, and I therefore, do not expect to be an exception to the general rule. But I hope to be able to assign equal and valid reasons why I have advocated my measure and why I have not brought forward another", three pages, 16 September 1832, and three others); two letters by John Bright (one to Rev. Crutchely, saying that he has not studied any of the purist English writers, adding "I have read Milton, of course, and I have often read Paradise Regained, in my opinion the most beautiful poem in our language, much more often than Robinson Crusoe as you suppose" and asking not to be included in the recipient's new sermon, two pages, One Ash, 4 January 1886) and one letter by Richard Cobden (to W.H. Masen, saying "I have written to the Dean explaining the reason why I am unable to comply with your request. To preserve my voice for the opening of Parliament, when it may be required, I have found it necessary to abstain from addressing public meetings", two pages, Dunford, 25 December 1864, with original mailing envelope); light handling wear, occasional yellowing, all 4to (9)