WIDOW’S WELCOME WINDFALL

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 111, 3 February 1934, Page 16

WIDOW’S WELCOME WINDFALL

The competition for rare hooks recently on sale in London recalled to a correspondent of nn English journal the generosity of an , expert bookbuyer. The widow of a Norfolk clergyman wrote to a London firm asking for an inspection of the library left by her husband. The expert's unexpressed opinion was that the collection was practically worthless, so he told the widow that he feared lie could not recommend his firm to consider it. zVs the visitor was leaving the widow asked him to look at an old vellum document which the clergyman used to keep among his old sermons. At once the export recognised the bold signature of Sir Francis Drake on an order appointing John Martin to be captain “of the bark Thomas,” Ai>ril 13. 1588. Pressed to give £5 for it, the hookbuyer said he would do more, and would put it up for her at Sotheby’s. It brought £5BO.