[Byron's Circle]. Hodgson, Francis - [Autograph Letter Signed] Francis Hodgson Regrets to Decline Robert Balmanno's Offer

Bakewell, [England], 1827. [2] pp. Bifolium. Integral address with seal. 7.5 x 9 inches. Francis Hodgson (1781-1852), a writer, cleric, educator, and close friend of Lord Byron, wrote back to Robert Balmanno, gently turning down his request that Hodgson contribute to his literary periodical. While we don't have Balmanno's letter we can assume that he referenced Hodgson's recent publication in Alaric A. Watts' journal [Literary Souvenir] (Watts' letters appear in James Thomas Hodgson: Memoir of the Rev. Francis Hodgson, B. D. scholar, poet, and divine. London: Macmillan, 1878. Vol. II, p. 169-70), given Hodgson's reply: "I beg leave to express my regret for the circumstance you mention as suggesting your present undertaking, and also sincerely to wish your success in that attempt. But I am grieved to add that it is out of my power, with any comfort or consistency, to lend you the assistance you do me the honor of requesting. The fact is, it was neither my intention, nor wish to come forward as a contributor to any of the Periodical works now publishing; but particular circumstances continue to render it difficult for me to decline the assistance requested by Mr. Alaric Watts. To do anything further in this way would quite break upon my plans & expose me not only to solicitations, but to imputations which I assure you would be imperious as well as unpleasant." Balmanno's letter seems to have rubbed Hodgson the wrong way in other respects, since his response seems to imply that Balmanno was referencing a connection to both Hodgson's parishioners as well as having other important connections: "However, with the powerful help you intimate for both departments, of your work, it will be of little consequence whether you have aid comparatively so unimportant." Robert Balmanno (1780-1861) was an author and collector of engravings and autographs. He was editor of the London Literary Gazette before moving to New York where he founded the New York Shakespeare Society. Letters of Hodgson are quite uncommon on the market. ( Byron's letters to him fetched over a quarter of a million pounds in 2009). Very good, few tears along edges and folds, chip on blan from opening seal.

See/Hide Conditions of Sale

Following conditions of sale apply:
Terms of Sale

1. All orders are subject to prior sale. To order call, fax, email, or use online order screen.
2. Books are in very good condition unless otherwise noted.
3. Books may be returned in original condition for any reason within 30 days. It is helpful if you notify us first.
4. Payment can be by check, money order, Paypal, wire transfer, or American Express, Mastercard, and Visa charge cards. Foreign orders should be in U.S. funds drawn on a U.S. bank.
5. New York residents will be billed appropriate sales tax (unless a tax id number is provided); if paying by check please add the proper amount.
6. Libraries and Institutions can be billed according to their needs.
7. All items are shipped boxed. For domestic orders books are normally shipped USPS media unless another method is specified; shipping and handling is $5.00 for the first book and $2.50 for each additional volume, media rate. For Priority Mail, add $2.50 for the first volume. For Express Mail or other needs, please contact us.
8. For international orders, shipping and handling is calculated individually in order to insure the most economical rate. Smaller items can often be sent Global Priority for $34.00. Heavier and more expensive items will usually be significantly more due to postal requirements.
9. Large or extra heavy books and sets may incur an additional fee.
10. All items are shipped insured by us at no additional charge.