Watermarked date on paper: 1801.

Binding: contemporary calf (rebacked), with blind crosshatch scoring and metal lock on cover. Reverse calf spine with gilt decoration and title in gilt: Egmont MS. Letters 1793-1800.

In English.

Manuscript, in a single hand, of copies of letters from Bridget Perceval, Countess of Egmont, and her husband, John Perceval, 4th earl of Egmont, recommending their relatives and acquaintances to correspondents and requesting assistance in obtaining political, clerical, or government positions for them. The collection includes requests to Louis Dutens and William Windham for a private secretaryship for Bridget's eldest brother, Glynn; a request to Luttrell Wynne for a preachership for Perceval's other brother, William; a request to Thomas Boone for help advancing Richard Duddridge, currently a tidewaiter at the custom house; and another to John James Hamilton, 1st marquis of Abercorn, to advance James Drummond to Usher of the Commons. The collection also contains the correspondents' replies, consisting primarily of regretful expressions of their inability to be of assistance.

Other correspondents include Robert Hobart, 4th earl of Buckinghamshire; George Canning; Frederick Howard, 5th earl of Carlisle; George James Cholmondeley, 1st marquis of Cholmondeley; Sylvester Douglas, baron Glenbervie; Warren Hasting; George Townshend, 1st earl of Leicester; William Henry Cavendish Bentinck, 3rd duke of Portland (1738-1809); Alexander Wedderburn, 1st earl of Rosslyn; John Henry Manners, 5th duke of Rutland; and George John Spencer, 2nd earl Spencer.

Nobility > Great Britain > Correspondence.

Patronage, Ecclesiastical > Great Britain.

Patronage, Political > Great Britain.

Great Britain > Politics and government > 1789-1820.

Great Britain > Social life and customs > 19th century.