Henrietta Cavendish Holles, Countess of Oxford and Mortimer ...

Henrietta Cavendish Holles, Countess of Oxford and Mortimer (1694–1755) The Harleian Manuscripts: Their Sale to the Nation and the Administration of the Oxford Estates, 1752–1754 Twenty manuscript letters and associated documents, principally correspondence from Henrietta Cavendish Holles, Countess of Oxford and Mortimer, to James West (1703–1772); dated principally 1752–1754, with additional material of uncertain date; including autograph letters signed "H. Cavendish Holles Oxford", a manuscript declaration in a clerical hand, signed by the Countess, concerning the £10,000 purchase of the Harleian manuscripts for the British Museum, an extensively corrected draft letter by James West, testamentary provisions and correspondence from Margaret Cavendish Bentinck, Duchess of Portland; predominantly folded bifolia, with occasional single leaves, several retaining integral address panels, contemporary dockets, postal markings and remnants of red wax seals; historic folds, occasional spotting, minor tears and handling wear; generally very good condition. (20) An important archive documenting the sale of the celebrated Harleian manuscript collection to the nation for £10,000, together with the subsequent administration of the purchase money, the Countess's financial affairs and the responsibilities of her trustees, James West and Robert Harley. 26 March 1753, the Countess discusses the proposed disposal of manuscripts, informing West that "As to the Manuscripts I have wrote to the Duke of Portland & my Daughter & you will Hear from them", together with arrangements for an indemnity concerning £2,000; 7 April 1753, acknowledges receipt of £2,000 in bills and associated indemnities, referring to "the Disposal of the Manuscripts" and observing that she will consider the application of the proceeds once payment is assured; 12 January 1754, discusses improvements to Welbeck and financial arrangements involving Messrs Child & Backwell, proposing in a significant postscript to apply £8,000 of the £10,000 purchase money towards her financial obligations, writing "I shou'd think it proper to pay Mr Child only 8000£ out of the 10000£ purchase Money for the Manuscripts"; 28 January 1754, acknowledges drafts totalling £3,000 and the preparation of indemnities for West and Harley; 2 February 1754, the Countess expresses surprise that West has made no charge for his services as trustee, observing "I dont find any thing charg'd in them for your Trouble & Expences", and requests that future expenses be charged and paid annually; 13 February 1754, acknowledges West's long and unpaid service, referring to a legacy of £1,200 left to him in her codicil in recognition of his work, while discussing the propriety of further remuneration given the nature of his trusteeship; Of particular significance is a manuscript declaration in a clerical hand, signed by Henrietta Cavendish Holles, Countess of Oxford and Mortimer, dated February 1754, recording that her trustees, Robert Harley and James West, had received £10,000 from the Trustees of the British Museum for the purchase of the Harleian collection of manuscripts. The document expressly identifies the parliamentary trustees, acknowledges receipt of the purchase money and directs that the sum be deposited with Messrs Backwell, Child & Co., bankers, to the Countess's trust account, thereby discharging Harley and West from responsibility for the payment. 9 March 1754, the Countess confirms "the 10,000£ being received for the Manuscripts and paid into Mr Childs Shop", directing that £8,000 be applied towards the principal of Mrs Agatha Hild's mortgage and the interest outstanding; expresses her wish to hear that her house has been cleared of the manuscripts, writing "now I shall be glad to hear of my House being clear of the Manuscripts"; further references to the death of Henry Pelham. The Harleian manuscript collection was assembled principally by Robert Harley, 1st Earl of Oxford and Mortimer (1661–1724), and his son Edward Harley, 2nd Earl (1689–1741). Following Edward's death, the manuscripts remained with his widow, Henrietta Cavendish Holles, and their daughter, Margaret, Duchess of Portland. According to the Dictionary of National Biography, Lady Oxford agreed to sell the manuscripts to the nation to prevent their dispersal. Acquired for £10,000 under the British Museum Act of 1753, they formed one of the Museum's foundation collections and subsequently passed to the British Library. James West, who had served as a trustee for the Harley family, was also among the first fifteen elected trustees of the British Museum under the Act of 1753. See Dictionary of National Biography, vol. 24 (1890), 'Harley, Edward (1689–1741)', and Edward Edwards, Lives of the Founders of the British Museum (London, 1870).

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