COBDEN RICHARD: (1804-1865) British Radical & Liberal Statesman. Small series of four A.Ls.S., R Cobden, four pages (total), 8vo, Paris, 21st June - 27th July 1860, all to Monsieur Rondot. In his first letter Cobden introduces Lewis Haymann of Nottingham, remarking 'I think you will be interested in having a little conversation with him on matters connected with the manufacturers of that town and neighbourhood', in his second letter inviting Rondot to meet some friends from Bradford and Halifax, in the third suggesting that they resume their conversation any time after 8pm that evening and in the fourth letter returning 'the very intelligent report of the Lyon Chamber of Commerce' and asking for a report on the present state of the industry of St. Etienne. Each of the letters with blank integral leaves. VG to EX, 4 €125-190

Cobden was in Paris during 1860 following the signing of the Cobden-Chevalier Treaty on 23rd January. The Anglo-French Free Trade Treaty reduced French duties on most British manufactured goods and reduced British duties on French wines and brandy. The Treaty remained in place until 1892 when the French ended it.

Lewis Haymann was head of the firm Haymann & Alexander in Nottingham's Lace Market, an area long famous for the manufacture of lace. Haymann served as Mayor of Nottingham in 1857 and is also credited as the pioneer of the lace curtain.