Letter from "Ben", London, to Rose Blaze de Bury, 1853 December 26 : autograph manuscript signed.

Responding with expressions of shock and sympathy to Blaze de Bury's report of a recent bereavement (i.e. the death of Ann Dunbar); acknowledging the magnitude of the loss "of such a Protector" to her and to the Blaze de Bury family; asking if Lord Brougham could "procure some eligible situation" for her husband (Henri Blaze de Bury) in the wake of the tragedy; requesting that she not address future correspondence to him to the University Club, as "that would render me liable to the ensuing years subscription", and giving her his address at "33 Chester Square - Pimlico - London"; complaining about his deteriorating health. Accompanied by an addenda of two pages on a single unfolded sheet concerning his concern over "the time of your deliverance" (apparently a reference to the expected birth of Blaze de Bury's second child) and his anxiety that no one will convey the news to him; expressing his pleasure that "the Caldwells have made such a demonstration of kindness" towards her, adding that he thinks it "very probable that they will be true to their professions", and that "if Miss C. knows anything", she should by considerate in regards to the "Irish monies"; discussing the disposition of Blaze de Bury's inheritance from Anne Dunbar, mentioning his "Supreme dread" of "Irish agents" and the dubious example of Ellis (possibly a reference to the Caldwell's Dublin solicitor and land agent Hercules Ellis (1810-1879)), assuring that "Lord Brougham will, doubtless, give the best advice you can have upon this point, if, in his way to Parliament, he should stop long enough to give the subject due deliberation"; thanking her for her offer to pay for his subscription(?) to the (University?) Club.