Letters from John Hughes, post and dramatist, to 1st and Countess Cowper, and from...

John: Has heard that Ld C has discussed him with Mr [Edward] Hughes and conveys his gratitude for his patronage. 28 Sept 1717

John: letter to Lady C originally enclosing a gift of a translation of a work by Fontenelle, with two additional dialogues s at the end by himself [? Dialogue des Morts]. 2 Dec 1717

Edward: Thanks for favours done by Ld C for his kinsman Hughes. 12 Feb 1717/18 Horse Guards

John: Letter on resignation of Ld C. 19 April 1718

John: Letter of thanks for a recommendation also originally enclosing a translation of Boileau. 5 May 1718

Edward: Letter accompanying the gift of a pike and carp. Expressions of gratitude. 21 May 1718

John: Enclosing verses by a Mr Welsted, a gentleman he has heard mentioned by Steele as a promising genius. He has also found two pictures that Ld C might like, and has also seen the pictures mentioned by Mr Woodford as having been brought from Italy, but does not think there are any Ld C would have liked. 5 Aug 1718

John: thanks for letter received, and discussion of Welsted's verses on Duke of Marlborough. 12 Aug 1718

John: Mews of his health, and apology for having been taken ill at Cole Green. 25 Sept 1718; Cole Green

John: Has been ill, and confined at home. Repeats thanks for his entertainment at Cole Green, hopes Lady Sarah is better. Also encloses a volume containing a dialogue in the manner of Lucian by Mr Valsh, and also some early verses of his own. Mentions possibility of his play being produced in the winter. 25 Oct 1718

John: Thanks for letter, news of health. 4 Nov 1718

John: To Lady C Thanks for receiving him, reference to a play and asks permission to dedicate it to her. Also draft reply from Lady C in answer, telling him not to dedicate to her, as this would be doing himself a disservice. 2 Dec 1718

John: Accompanying a trifle. 14 March 1718/19

John: To Lady C Has engaged Mrs Robinson [to perform for Lady C] instead of Mrs Barbier, to play the harpsichord. Has also contacted Mr Handel, who may come if not otherwise engaged. 1 May 1719

John: News of health, will have recourse to asses milk and the air of Carshalton, to which he is encouraged by the success of his visit last year. 2 June 1719

John: Concerning the Commission [of the Peace for Herts] and Mr Toller, whom he excuses. Remarks that he only recommended Ld C's neighbour at Welwyn, as far as he knows. Mentions other recommendations for insertion. 23 June 1719

Edward: To remind Ld C of his promise that he should have the house and orchard adjoining the mill [at Hertingfordbury] and a meadow also. 6 Aug 1719 Hertingfordbury

John: Letter originally accompanying a portrait of himself by Kneller, which he is presenting to Ld C. 22 Jan 1719/20

Edward: Letter originally enclosing the following item on behalf of his late kinsman Mr Hughes. 19 Feb 1719/20 Horse Guards

John: Copy of letter to Ld C of thanks for patronage and recommendation to his successor as Lord Chancellor and dedication of a new tragedy to him, part of which was written in the neighbourhood of his country seat. Endorsed "sent in a lre of Mr Edw Hughes fro Mr John Hughes after his decease". 19 Feb 1719/20

Jabez: Letter originally accompany the last work of his late brother John, thanking him for the favours shown him by Ld C. 24 Feb 1719/20

Ann: Letter of thanks for favours shown to her late son John. 1 March 1719/20

Edward: Relates to some papers placed before Ld C by Mr Sydenham. Expresses his willingness to attend on his lordship, but says he will not betray his principles. 19 Aug 1722

<p>[See draft letter from Lord Cowper to Lord Parker, 20 April 1718 (in DE/P/F56, under Parker) asking him to continue John Hughes in office as Secretary of the Commissions of the Peace]</p>