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Document number: 4148
Date: 19 Oct 1840
Recipient: TALBOT William Henry Fox
Author: LYTTELTON George William
Collection: British Library, London, Manuscripts - Fox Talbot Collection
Last updated: 28th July 2009

Hagley Park <1>

Oct. 19 1840

Sir

In consequence of a Requisition which I have had the honour of receiving, signed by many Members of the Senate, I am induced to offer myself to your notice as a candidate for the office of High Steward of the University, <2> in the event of a vacancy being caused by the elevation of his Grace the Duke of Northumberbland <3> to the Chancellorship.

I am deeply sensible of the great importance of the high office to which I venture to aspire, and of my own inability worthily to fill it, Nor could I have resolved to answer otherwise than by grateful refusal to the call thus made upon me, had I not received proffers of support from so many distinguished Members of the University, and especially of the college to which I myself belong.

Should I be so eminently fortunate as to receive at your hands the honourable office at which I am invited to aim, it will be my endeavour on all occasions and to the best of my ability to defend the rights and interests of the university, and to maintain in its integrity that connexion of body with the Church, which I conceive to be essential to its constitution and its welfare.

I have the honour to be Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant

Lyttleton

Notes:

1. Stourbridge.

2. Cambridge University.

3. Sir Algernon Percy, 4th Duke of Northumberland (1792–1865), peer & philanthropist, Hugh Percy, took over the Chancellorship of Cambridge University in 1840 from John Jeffries Pratt, Marquis Camden. See Doc. No: 04144.