Autograph Letter Signed ("Beatrix Potter"), Castle Cottage, Sawrey, March 25, 1933
$5,500 · Offered by Biblio
Sawrey: , 1933. He is a Thoroughly Reliable Man" - A Beatrix Potter Autograph Letter Recommending Benjamin Dawson, Long-Time Gardener to William Heelis POTTER, Beatrix. Autograph Letter Signed ("Beatrix Potter"), Castle Cottage, Sawrey, March 25, 1933. Autograph letter, four pages on a single folded sheet (written on both sides), measuring 6 1/8 x 7 3/4 inches (157 x 196 mm.) when folded. Written from Castle Cottage only three months after the death of her husband, William Heelis, the letter constitutes a testimonial and character reference for Benjamin Dawson, one of the trusted employees connected with the Potter-Heelis household and estate. Potter writes: "I have much pleasure in recommending Benjamin Dawson..." She explains that Dawson had spent nine years in the service of her late husband, William Heelis, at Lindeth Howe, Storrs, Windermere, but that his employment had ended because the house had been closed. Potter then provides a detailed summary of Dawson's responsibilities, noting that he had charge of: • the herbaceous borders, • the shrubbery, • the orchard, • the greenhouse, • the peach house, • early vegetables, • and the kitchen garden, adding that he also maintained the central-heating system for the house. Her recommendation concludes with unusually warm praise: "Mrs Potter had a high opinion of Ben's usefulness; he is a thoroughly reliable man, and strong in health." The testimonial is signed: H. B. Heelis (Mrs W. Heelis) thus using the formal style by which
- Publisher: Sawrey: , 1933
- Binding: unknown
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