130. Tennyson (Alfred, Lord, poet, 1809-92) Autograph Letter signed to Dr. James Gully, 3pp., 8vo, St. James's Square, Cheltenham, 2nd August [c. 1845], thanking him for his medical care and sending him a book of poems, "I called on you to ask your advice touching a hydropathical crisis on my arm; as you were not at home I showed it to Dr Marsden who likewise was ready to give me his advice gratis so that really Malvern seemed to be the headquarters of all that is liberal & openhanded in your profession; & your 'heathen veneration for the poetical attribute' comes out as a most practical Christian virtue", and soliciting his future help for his brother and sister, folds, a few small smudges.
est. £300 – £400
In the early 1840s Tennyson became engaged to Emily Sellwood but was unable to get married due to a lack of money. What little money the family had was lost in speculation through a Dr. Allen, an unscrupulous investor. Tennyson was in deep despair and with marriage further away than ever, became a hypochondriac. Tennyson's friends made an appeal to the prime minister, Robert Peel and he was awarded a civil list pension of £200 per annum.
Dr James Gully (1808-83), physician; practitioner of hydropathy.