Historic Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) from American elocutionist Locke Richardson to noted suffragist and social reformer Tennessee Celeste Claflin (later Lady Cook, Viscountess of Monserrate). Written from 2 Balfour Place, Mayfair, London, dated simply “Thursday,” likely between 1877–1885 when Claflin was living in London under her maiden name.
In this warm, personal letter, Richardson thanks Mrs. Claflin for a generous £60 contribution, expresses sincere gratitude for her “kind and most efficient interest,” and looks forward with “the very greatest pleasure” to “our little trip on Monday.” A brief postscript notes that “the audience and the surroundings yesterday were inspiring,” suggesting the context of a performance or public reading.
This is a fine association piece linking one of the most famous American women’s rights activists of the Victorian era with a celebrated performer of the period.
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Full Transcription
2 Balfour Pl,
Thursday
My Dear Mrs. Claflin
In acknowledging the receipt of your note enclosing £60, I desire again to thank you most sincerely and heartily for your kind and most efficient interest in my behalf. I am looking forward with the very greatest pleasure to our little trip on Monday. You will let me know as to particulars.
Faithfully Yours
Locke Richardson
The audience and the surroundings yesterday were inspiring.
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Biographies
Locke Richardson (1851–1897)
American elocutionist and dramatic reader known for his masterful Shakespearean recitations and public readings of classic literature. He toured extensively in the United States and the United Kingdom, earning acclaim for his expressive delivery and memory feats. Richardson also authored works on elocution and trained aspiring speakers, bridging the worlds of performance and education in the late 19th century.
Tennessee Celeste Claflin (1844–1923)
American suffragist, stockbroker, and social reformer. Alongside her sister Victoria Woodhull, she became the first woman to operate a Wall Street brokerage firm and to publish a weekly newspaper in the U.S. Moving to London in the 1870s, she entered high society and continued her advocacy for women’s rights, free speech, and social reform. In 1885 she married Sir Francis Cook, becoming Lady Cook, Viscountess of Monserrate. Known for her patronage of the arts and progressive causes, she hosted salons that attracted leading intellectuals and performers of her day.
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Condition:
Light folds from original mailing, otherwise well-preserved with strong ink contrast.
Provenance:
Private collection; originated from a 19th-century correspondence archive.