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Edmund Burke. Autograph letter signed ("Edm Burke") to Secretary of State John King ("My dear King"). N.p., 29 October 1793....
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Description
Edmund Burke. Autograph letter signed ("Edm Burke") to Secretary of State John King ("My dear King"). N.p., 29 October 1793.2 pages, 4to (230 x 188 mm), on a bifolium, written in brown ink, with integral blank. Housed in a cloth folding case.
CHOOSING A GOVERNOR FOR BOTANY BAY, THE FIRST WESTERN SETTLEMENT IN AUSTRALIA.
A very interesting and thoughtful letter regarding a candidate for the important post of Governor of Botany Bay, the first British settlement in Australia, established in January 1788.
"I have again had some talk with my worthy excellent friend Capt. Woodford about his Views with regard to the Government of Botany Bay. I find him seriously set upon it. I am sure... I do not know any man more fit for that Object or any other. If he has any disqualification it is that he seems to me to be above it; & if I had the placing of men according to the demands of the publick upon them on account of their qualities & dispositions, I would put him in the diplomatic Line: But, I confess, if I were young myself, I should like this Employment. To turn what is dangerous to society to its advantage is a great, & if it is managed with ability, an honourable Task... I believe we do not differ as to his aptitude for this employment, which, I consider in regard to what is to be in it, as of no such importance. He has my best wishes; & this is all I can say on the matter. All the world is entitled to express an opinion; very few (I am sure I am not of the few) to recommend. The weather is changing. God send that the face of our affairs may change too. Before they do essentially, the Systems must also change..." In a postscript at the bottom of the second page Burke adds: "The Declaration is very ably drawn."
Condition: Some minor mounting remnant or adhesion on upper fore-margin of first page, and on integral blank leaf; creased at folds; a little soiling to folds on blank integral leaf verso; a few ink smudges.
Provenance: From the William A. Strutz Library.
View all of [The William A. Strutz Library ]
Auction Info
2024 December 11 Important English and American Literature: The William A. Strutz Library, Part II, Rare Books Signature® Auction #6300 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
December, 2024
11th
Wednesday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 8
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