Original 1833 Autograph Letter Signed by John Claudius Loudon
Addressed to Benjamin Poore Esq., New York – Introducing Edward Wilson, son of Earl Grey’s gardener.
This is a fine 3-page folded letter, entirely in Loudon’s hand, dated Bayswater, March 19, 1833. In it, Loudon writes to New York-based Benjamin Poore, providing a letter of introduction for Mr. Edward Wilson, a young gardener of “good moral character & more than usual abilities,” whose father served as gardener to Earl Grey, the British Prime Minister from 1830–1834. Loudon requests that Poore offer Wilson some measure of protection and assistance in America, and notes that Wilson carries various certificates of recommendation.
The letter closes warmly, with Loudon sending regards from his wife and sisters to Mrs. Poore and family, and signing “Yours very sincerely, J. C. Loudon.”
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Full Transcription:
Front, top left:
England
Benjn. Poore Esq.
Page 1:
Bayswater March 19
1833
My dear Sir,
As you are so kind as to allow me the means of a protection, I have given this note to the Bearer Mr. Edwd. Wilson, a young gardener of good moral character & more than usual abilities, who brings various certificates
Outer panel:
Open by Mr. Edwd. Wilson.
Benjn. Poore Esq.
New York
Page 2:
with him which he will show you. Mr. Wilson’s father is gardener to Earl Grey in Northumberland.
My wife & sisters join in kind regards to Mrs. Poore & family & I remain
My dear Sir
Yours very sincerely
J. C. Loudon
Docket:
Edward Wilson
Letter from J. C. Loudon
Recd. June 1833
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Biographies:
John Claudius Loudon (1783–1843) – Scottish botanist, garden designer, and prolific horticultural writer. He revolutionized landscape gardening in Britain, popularized arboretums, and published influential works including The Encyclopaedia of Gardening and The Encyclopaedia of Agriculture. Loudon’s designs and writings shaped 19th-century garden aesthetics across Britain and beyond.
Earl Grey (Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, 1764–1845) – British Prime Minister (1830–1834) famed for the Reform Act 1832, which modernized the British electoral system, and for the tea blend that bears his name. His estates in Northumberland were renowned for their landscaped gardens and horticultural excellence.
Benjamin Perley Poore (1820–1887) – Although this letter is addressed to “Benjamin Poore Esq.” in 1833 (when Perley was just a youth), it is likely to his father. Perley later became a prominent American journalist, political writer, and Congressional correspondent, famous for his detailed political almanacs and insider accounts of Washington life.
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Condition:
Well-preserved for its age. Fold marks from mailing, light handling wear, clear and legible ink, strong Loudon signature.
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A fine historical letter linking one of Britain’s most influential horticulturists, the household of a Prime Minister, and an American family prominent in journalism and politics.