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Document number: 4952
Date:
Dating: Hughes was MP for Oxford 1830-1837
Recipient: TALBOT William Henry Fox
Author: HUGHES William Hughes
Collection: British Library, London, Manuscripts - Fox Talbot Collection
Last updated: 15th May 2015

Mr Hughes Hughes, MP for Oxford, begs to solicit the favor of Mr Talbot’s franking the accompanying cover,<1> as under, to his Son, and sealing it with his Coat of Arms

W Hughes Hughes Jr Esqre <2>
Ryde


Notes:

1. As an MP, WHFT had franking privileges and was entitled to free postage. Members commonly gave signed covers or envelopes to friends. At the time, the recipient paid for postage (to ensure that the letter was delivered). This arrangement was withdrawn in January 1840 with the introduction of the Penny Post, which instituted uniform costs and pre-paid stamps.

2. This could be confusing, for it is not a signature, but instead the writer's indication of the address of his son, a Barrister, who desires the autograph.