Record

LevelFile
Finding Number (Click this to view full catalogue structure)JCLAdd/577-580
TitleLetters from Joseph Chamberlain to Professor [Sir Michael] Foster, (1836-1907, surgeon, FRS)
Extent4 items
Date1883-1896
DescriptionThese letters are dated 4 Feb[ruary] 1883, and 29 May, 26 Nov[ember] and 29 Nov[ember] [18]96. Three letters are written from Highbury, Moor Green, Birmingham; one letter, dated 29 Nov 1896, is from 40, Prince's Gardens, [London], S.W. The earliest letter is addressed 'Dear Professor Foster'; the others are addressed as 'My dear Foster'.

The letter of 4 February 1883, concerns an invitation to dine with him in Hall, which he accepts, since he has 'no one in particular to see, except Hammond, my boy's tutor, upon whom I will call, if convenient.'

The letter of 29 May 1896 asks Foster's advice on how best to settle a disagreement with a bulb grower at Naples called Dammann, who sent Chamberlain 'a lot of the worst bulbs' he had ever had.

The other two letters from 1896 concern a dinner engagement at the Royal Society [and are written to Foster as secretary of Royal Society]. Foster had asked Chamberlain to give an after dinner speech. Chamberlain replies: 'I hate speaking, especially after dinner speaking - but if you want me to hold forth, I will do my best to bore you.' However, he later writes that he has 'received the Queen's command to drive to Windsor' so will be unable to keep his engagement.
Access StatusOpen
Related MaterialACLAdd/244 is addressed to the same recipient and was purchased at the same time as these
letters

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