Hannah More (1745–1833) was an English poet, playwright, religious writer, social reformer, and anti-slavery activist. More wrote her first play in 1762 and continued to write poetry, plays, and tracts, which in her later years became more evangelical. While incomplete, this letter references many people, including “Mr. C. Grant,” likely Charles Grant, a British politician who supported social reform and Christian missions. Grant and More were both associated with the Clapham Sect, a group within the Church of England who shared the desire for social reformation. More’s letter also mentions “the inescapable loss to the State by the death of our lovely Princess.” This likely refers to the death of Princess Charlotte of England in 1817.
Provenance
Likely created in 1818 by Hannah More, Barley Wood, Bristol, England;[1] Ownership assumed by an unknown individual.[2] Acquired by 2010 by Gene Albert (Christian Heritage Museum), Hagerstown, Maryland; Privately purchased in 2010 by Green Collection, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Donated in 2017 to National Christian Foundation (later The Signatry), under the curatorial care of Museum of the Bible, Washington, DC.
Notes: [1] While the letter is incomplete, it is dated “18th Feb.” and refers to the princess’s death, likely referring to Princess Charlotte’s death in late 1817. The letter was likely written the following year on February 18, 1818. [2] The first pages of this letter, which typically contain the addressee, are missing.