sir john bowring fourth governor (2 Ergebnisse)

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 5pp, 16mo, on two bifoliums of gilt-edged laid paper. In very good condition, lightly aged and folded once for postage. Signed 'John Bowring'. Written in playful, mock-heroic style. Begins: 'Many, many days ago my dear Mrs Villiers, did I put sackcloth on my shoulders & pile ashes on my head anent a very wicked sin of omission, in which I was peccant towards you - you who I humbly trust in your great goodness will fling over me the mantle of your forgiving charity'. He continues: 'The fact is - no living Lady - I mean no mortal lady writes so well as you do so I attributed your note to gentlemanly calligraphy & sent an answer to an E. Villiers who rejoiceth (as he may in truth well rejoice) in being your son.' The letter continues in the same tone, with the son having 'disdained any such beneficient intention towards me - & then the light flashed on me - & then came a resolution to crave mercy at your hands - & then - and then - the old worn out story - of the creeping on of to morrow'. He hopes to be pardoned for his 'shameful and ungrateful request'. The item is from the papers of Lady Maria Theresa Lewis (nee Villiers) (1803-1865), to whom Mary Berry left her papers for publication. The Lewis papers also contain a covering letter on the subject to Lady Theresa Lewis from Lockhart.

Two pages, 8vo, blue paper, fold marks, slight damage at fold not affecting text, mainly good condition. Despite a neat appearance, a difficult hand occasionally. Text: "Of our disaster [underlined] you will have heard from others. I know you will not be displeased to hear of our safety from us [underlined]. We have lost nearly everything - Maria everything [see Note B. below] & have been clothed by Christian charity. I think better of human nature & more highly of human virtue after what I have seen. It was a beautiful display of every mortal excellence. I have been proud [underlined] of Maria. Her mother - how would she have [?] to the details of our dolorous story! The dead are spared the sufferings of the living. In a letter from Edith [received?] at Malta & [dated?] from Vicar's Cross she speaks of your [?] & hospitable kindness. I dare say I shall put in a claim - will you allow it? to the shelter of your roof & I will tell you of the [???] of our dangers,- our doings & our rescue. W. telegraphed an account of our disaster to Egypt & found a messenger from the Pacha & his State carriage in here waiting for us,- so we crossed the desert in sovereign splendor - but embarked at Alexandria without delay - & t0-morrow hope to be in Marseille & in London by Wednesday the 6th July. Kind regards to all around you | Yours very affectionately | John Bowring".Note: A. Bowring's work in Hong Kong ended in May 1859; B. His wife, Maria, died apparently in 1858 (Wikipedia) leaving here a puzzle.