Marine Parade,

Brighton

Wednesday, 15th April 1829

 

To His Grace, Charles Sumner, Bishop of Winchester

 

My Lord Bishop

 

I take up my pen to beg you once more to accede to my oft-repeated request. As I have explained in my many previous letters, I wish only to take possession of my own property: that aged book which I know must rest somewhere in the library at the Bishop’s Palace. Had Bishop Pretyman Tomline not unfortunately died on the very day I was to call on him I am certain there would have been no impediment in returning the book to me, its rightful owner.

 

As I have already several times explained in my previous correspondence, the book was lost to me some years ago and I have searched diligently for it ever since. In your brief reply to my first letter (some eighteen months ago) you denied all knowledge of the volume, though I gave you a full description of its aged leather binding and singular metal clasp. Since then you have chosen to ignore each of my ensuing missives. Any other man might take this as a grievous slight but I am certain Your Lordship means no offence. Yours is a busy calling with many demands upon your time, hence I ask no more of you than this simple indulgence: do but give me the run of your library for an hour or two and I shall possess myself of the book , quit your abode, and trouble Your Lordship no longer.

 

As one who prides himself on his humility, I confess I am also a man of stern intent and determined to see my property restored. Thus I ask only that you grant me this brief audience. I shall travel to Winchester on Saturday next where I have bespoken a room at the Bell & Crown Inn. I shall call upon your Lordship on Saturday at a convenient hour. I also intend visiting Winchester Cathedral, wherein I hope to relive fond memories. It will be an honour to meet Your Lordship and to be reunited with that tome which is peculiarly my own and no other’s.

 

Yours etc.

 

James Stanier Clarke Esq.