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William E. Gladstone, writing on House of Commons Library embossed letterhead, to an unknown American about the United States and the current "imperfect" bill to recognize the principle of International Copyright. Concedes that the bill should help both American and foreign authors. March 25, 1890. Includes stereoscopic card of Gladstone.

William Grenville, Whitehall, to Alexander Straton, Charge d'Affaires at Vienna, informing Straton of the death of King Louis XVI: "his Most Christian Majesty…was inhumanly executed in the Place De Louis 15: on Monday last, pursuant to a Decree of the National Convention" and the King ordered in Council for the departure of Monsr Chauvelin from this Kingdom within eight days." William Grenville was the Foreign Secretary at the time and the Marquis was a French Ambassador who no longer had legal credentials. January 25, 1793.

William Prescott, in Boston, sends William Cullen Bryant an article on Bryant's writings written by the Count de Circourt. Prescott describes M. de Circourt as "…one of the most accomplished critics in France…it might be gratifying to you, as it is always to your countrymen, to see in what manner your writings are appreciated by intelligent foreigners." February 3, 1848. Includes a print of a drawing of William H. Prescott by George Richmond, from a drawing in the possession of the Earl of Carlisle, engraved by H. Wright Smith. Possibly from the book 'Biographical and citical miscellanies' by W.H. Prescott, published 1859.

Permission signed by King William III and given "by his Majtys command Nottingham" to Sir Willoughby Aston, High Sheriffe of County of Chester, to "give and grant you full license & permission during your said Office of Sheriffe to remaine or dwell out of our said County…" December 29, 1690. A paper seal is attached to letter with red wax. Includes an engraving of King William III. Includes a steel engraving by W.Holl of a William III portrait, after a painting by Caspar Netscher.

William IV, writing from Brighton, states that Baron [A?] is the "fittest person" and that "Baron [A?] will proceed from London to the Congress." 1833. Includes an engraving of King William IV, by J. Cochran, from 'National Portrait Gallery, volume III' published c.1835 by Henry Dawe.

William IV complains to the Duke of Clarence of the near loss of a ship due to the lack of a chronometer. He writes that Commander Colonel Fox wrote him a letter about the incident, where an American ship informed them of the danger on their way to Halifax, so they were able to escape. "Private and Confidential" noted on top of page. November 15, 1829.

William IV warrant which releases Richard Kettle, the younger from the Devon County Gaol where he is confined under a game law conviction with a 20 pound fine. The reason given is Kettle's lawyer's neglect and the length of time Kettle has been in prison. March 19, 1834. Signed by William IV and others.

William Petty Shelburne (Second Earl) (First Marquis of Landsdowne), London, to an unknown gentleman about handling the affairs of Shelburne's nephew and deceased brother. Shelburne says he is "determined not to interfere" but "promised the exors that I would give them my opinion whenever they called on me" and that Sir William Petty has advised that they pay their lawyer and apothecary well. Shelburne wishes the recipient to take over his brother's affairs because he is close to his nephew's Mother's family, even though Mr. Morwley has done a good job. January 26, 1795. Lord Lansdowne's brother was the Hon. Thomas Fitzmaurice (1742-1793) of Cliveden and a Member of Parliament.

December 9, 1765 letter from William Pitt (the elder) to "Dear Sir" asking him to forward the enclosed letter to Comte de Wallwoden "by the first safe opportunity." The letter is the "notification of the melancholy loss of Lady Yarmouth" which he received on October 22. Lady Yarmouth (Amalie von Wendt) was the mistress of King George II and Wallmoden was their son. Includes an engraving of William Pitt.

Wilberforce, at Sir Charles Middleton's, sends a list of "unhappy people" who he wants to "secure a place in the Fleet now preparing for Botany Bay." This letter is in response to the recipient's earlier refusal to take these female convicts unless their care was by the County and not the Government. Wilberforce encourages the recipient's cooperation by stating "I trust & believe that in your office I shall find official feelings so tempered with personal ones that you will not press any objections, which tend to detain a number of poor wretches in a crowded prison, where from necessity perhaps they have been kept too long." The female convicts are at York Castle and are to be sent to N.S. Wales. April 13, 1789.