Elgar (Edward)

Three autograph letters signed ('Edward Elgar' and 'Ed Elgar'), two to his music publisher Alfred Littleton, one reading "We have been in great distress of mind over May's father's illness. The poor child had to fly off at a moment's notice. We hear she has arrived at Worcester but know nothing further. This is only to say that I am despatching 3 part songs somewhat advanced, please have them printed in type (not engraved) in the ordinary way and do let me have proofs soon, I want to see something to excite me further, There should be four in the op. but I send now only nos 2,3 & 4. The last is a clinker and the best I have done"; the second letter says "I have been ill with influenza in bed 10 days, I think this has settled any idea of music which has waned frightfully during the last month...The noises of this place are beyond belief. New York is quiet in comparison"; the third letter is addressed to Mr Clayton and reads "Many thanks for your letter about the National Anthem of the U.S.A. I see no objection to the publication of my version of 'God Save the King' with the American words, provided the title page can be so worded as to acquit me of any connection with the enterprise. I should not think this would be difficult. You might let my name appear only in a foot-note"; 9 pages, some yellowing, 4to, Via Gregoriana 38, Rome, 12-30 January and 20 February 1908; together with a letter to Littleton from Elgar's wife Caroline Alice ('C.A. Elgar') saying in part "Edward is fairly well again. He was, as I daresay you know, laid up for about 3 weeks with severe cold and influenza" and adding "Edward is so glad to have the proofs of the pt. songs he has been looking for them , he has them now all except 'The Reveillee', but I am to ask if you would very kindly have some duplicate copies of proofs sent him", four pages, 4to, Via Gregoriana 38, Rome, 15 February 1908; and two other letters from Elgar's wife to Mr Jaeger, 4 March 1904. (6)