Book Description

All letters are to Thomas Francis Dillon Croker except for (4) which is to Mrs. Crofton Croker. (1) Regarding the selling of the Shakespeare ring and other questions regarding Croker family Shakespeare memorabilia; (2) Regarding Mr. Ridfeld's draft for £45 pounds for "750 copies of Extracts from Moore's letters," Shakespeare items relating to Croker's "dear father" (mulberry block, whistle), and other details; (3) Regarding delivery of a letter from Croker's father and an introduction to Mrs. Degen. Includes integral 2nd letter dated October 28, 1854, from Maria Degan to Croker about Croker's father's collection of relics; (4) Addressed to Mrs. Crofton Croker offering condolences on the death of Mr. Croker. Mentions Mary Balmanno's poem to Croker on his acquisition of the Shakespeare Gimmel ring (see PS1059.B76 L7). Requests a picture of Mr. Croker; (5) Offering condolences on the death of his mother and discussing a portrait of her husband. Mentions Coriolanus, Harriet Beecher Stowe and her husband and son, Mr. Bradbury (the proprietor of Punch), Charles and Maria Degen, Mrs. Balmanno, Dr. Kane and the Grinnell Arctic Expedition, the remains of Sir John Franklin, Sir Edward Belcher. Describes how to send the mulberry when it is found; (6) Regarding portrait made by T.F. Dillon Croker of Thomas Croker (for Mrs. Balmanno's work) and a request regarding contacting Mr. Bradbury. Assumes that Lord Londesborough will purchase the Shakespeare ring. Awaits the catalogue of his father's collection; (7) Regarding renewed contact with Mr. Bradbury and a portrait of Croker's aunt. Expresses horror at the low price that Croker has set for the Shakespeare ring, and implores Croker to bid on it for him. With lengthy postscript regarding Croker family Shakespeare memorabilia and its current whereabouts. Postscript about the Degens and the Shakespeare ring; (8) Regarding the portrait of Croker's father and Mrs. Balmanno's volume, The Pen and Pencil. The case and catalogue arrived safely. Thanks him for the mulberry piece.