Lord Chesterfield, Famous Author of "Letters to His Son," the Influential Gentleman's Manual, ALS

A 1p autograph letter signed by Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield (1694-1773), as "Chesterfield" at lower right. Written in London, England on October 24, 1761. On cream laid bifold paper, the inner pages of which are blank, and the last page of which is date docketed. Several pencil inscriptions from former collectors, notably in 1927 and 1997, can be found verso. Expected light folds and isolated stains. Traces of adhesive residue can be found along the bottom edge of the first page. The bifold hinge has been reinforced verso. Else near fine. 7.25" x 8.875."

Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield was a British courtier, statesman, and diplomat best known for authoring the epistolary collection published as "Letters to his Son on the Art of Becoming a Man of the World and a Gentleman" (1774). Lord Chesterfield wrote over 400 letters in English, French, and Latin to his illegitimate son Philip Stanhope (1732-1768) between 1737 and Philip's death in 1768. The letters were intended to supplement his son's education; they treat conventional academic subjects like history and literature, but also explore the nuances and contradictions of eighteenth-century social etiquette. Lord Chesterfield's rather cynical advice--particularly about how to interact in polite society--scandalized his contemporaries. The letters, though never intended for publication, were published by Lord Chesterfield's daughter-in-law Eugenia for the sum of 1500 guineas following the deaths of her husband and father-in-law.

Lord Chesterfield wrote another letter, this time to Mrs. Ann Kirby of Nottingham, discussing her son who had enlisted in the British Army during the Seven Years' War. Lord Chesterfield's rather world-weary and sardonic tone is exactly what we would expect from the author of "Letter to his Son."

"London. Oct: ye 24th 1761

Madam,

I think my self obliged to you for your kind present of five hundred or a thousand pounds; and though (as you observe) it is not out of your own pockett, it would probably never have come into mine without your information. I will send orders to Padley to have it examined by some skillfull person who shall mark only for felling those trees that hinder the others from growing.

I am very glad to hear that your military son, does so well in the profession which he has chosen, if he gets to be a first Lieutenant so soon as he seems to expect he will have had very good luck; but then turn the Medal, and he will probably be a Half pay Lieutenant, for twenty or thirty years after the peace; and you must supply the defficiency of that very scanty subsistence. I am with great truth

Your faithfull
humble servant

Chesterfield

My compliments to Mr. Kirkby."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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