SEWARD ANNA: (1747-1809) English Romantic Poet. Ink signature ('A. Seward') and fourteen lines of holograph text, to the recto and verso, on a slim oblong 12mo piece neatly removed from the conclusion of a letter to Mr. [Edward Sneyd. Seward's text reads, in part, 'I have a blamable impetuosity in my temper which often hurries me into speaking my sentiments too freely, even when they are oppos'd by those for whose judgements I have the highest veneration. The intimacy & connection which has always subsisted between you, & my Father & Mother has made me look upon your children as my sisters, I love them all, but for Honora & for my poor Nancy I had the warmest affection, in the first I promise myself such future happiness…..' and in a postscript Seward writes 'Poor little Honora full of sorrow sends her duty to you'. An interesting association piece. A couple of small, light stains, just affecting a few words of text (which remain perfectly legible) but not the signature. About VG

Edward Sneyd (d.1776) Major in the Royal Horse Guards.

In 1764 Anna Seward's sister, Sarah, died and subsequently Canon and Mrs. Seward, Anna and Sarah's parents, adopted Honora Sneyd (1751-1780). Sneyd was nine years younger than Anna, and the two shared a household for thirteen years. Anna and Honora formed a close attachment; when Honora's father had her return to his household when she was nineteen, Anna was stricken, though relieved that Honora did not move far away and they could still spend time together.