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A volume of seventy-three holograph letters of David Williams ('Dewi Heli'; 1799-1869), Castell Deudraeth, Penrhyndeudraeth. They comprise: (A) Thirty-six letters from Bronhaulog [parish of Ceidio, Caernarvonshire], Llanfyllin, Pwllheli, etc. to John Thomas ['Sion Wyn o Eifion'], Chwilog, 1816-46 (books read by the writer and the addressee; critical observations on poetry mutually exchanged by the writer and the addressee; an opinion on contemporary English poets; the writer's illness; the writer's opinion of 'Mr Williams Werne' and of 'witty Preachers'; references to Welsh books and periodicals, e.g. Gorchestion Beirdd Cymru, Seren Gomer, etc.; the suspension of the Habeas Corpus Act; observations on the dictionary of [William] Owen [-Pughe] and an appreciation of his works; the writer's love of music and of musical instruments, with special references to the flute; an appreciation of [David Thomas] 'Dafydd Ddu [Eryri]'; the writer's study of globes; French books from Plashen for the writer; the writer's desire to improve his mastery of Welsh; an opinion on the administering of the Sacrament to the addressee; numerous references to the addressee's health; a report of the Lleyn-Eifionydd Bible Society written by the writer; an appreciation of Miss Higginbottom, 'a female literary character' well known to the addressee, and the writer's meeting with her; copies of the compositions of 'Pedrog Penfoul alias T. Williams' [i.e. Thomas Williams ('Twm Pedrog'), see Cwrtmawr MS 559 p. 214]; critical observations on Richard Edwards [recte Richard Robert Jones], 'commonly called Dic Aberdaron'; references to the writer's schooling at Chester; the writer's removal to his brother at Llanfyllin and his impressions of the 'literary advantages' of the town; urges the addressee to publish some of his writings; competitions at the Brecon eisteddfod (1822); a request on behalf of 'a literary female character' in Liverpool for manuscript entries by the addressee, David Owen ['Dewi Wyn o Eifion'] and R[ober]t Williams ['Robert ap Gwilym Ddu'] in a volume of 'Scrapiana'; reflections on the writer's electioneering activities; the writer's marriage (1842) and his change of residence and offices; a gift of a sovereign to the addressee from charities distributed by Lady Parry, Madryn; an opinion on 'the old woman's will'; the writer's estate agency and the payment of the addressee's rent; etc.); (B) Thirty seven letters from Pwllheli, Bron Eryri (afterwards Castell Deudraeth), etc. to Ebenezer Thomas ('Eben Fardd'), Clynnog, 1830-60 (an opinion on a notice to quit on 'the person with whom you lodge'; the completion of a lease by the writer for the addressee; an offer to the addressee of the post of Relieving Officer; the addressee's application for the post of master of Troedyrallt Free School, Pwllheli; an offer to the addressee of the management of the writer's office in Pwllheli; the rent required for a property in Llangybi; offers to secure employment for the recipient's son in a solicitor's office; the writer's retirement; the writer's reason for changing the name of his residence from Bron Eryri to Castell Deudraeth; the writer's fortune and his purchase of property; the writer's 'contemptible opinion' of the proposed Llangollen eisteddfod (1858); the compilation of the Saethon pedigree with the assistance of materials from the addressee; a request for information on the antiquities of Ardudwy; writer considers 'that the age of Eisteddfodau, for all useful purposes, is gone by' and that this age is 'the age of Progress and scientific discoveries ... One Railway is worth ten thousand Eisteddfodau', the Welsh translation by the addressee of a speech by the writer; criticism of 'Ab Ithel' for his attack on addressee; the writer's opinion that 'literary and social service meetings' are gaining in popularity as a form of modern eisteddfodau, 'in lieu of the antiquated tomfoolery advocated by Ab Ithel'; pressure on the writer to contest the [Merioneth] county parliamentary seat; the addressee's 'domestic bereavements'; materials collected by the writer towards a history of Merioneth; the proclamation of Porthmadog eisteddfod; etc.).

A collection of holograph letters written to Ebenezer Thomas ('Eben Fardd'), schoolmaster, at Llangybi and Clynnog Fawr, Caernarvonshire. The writers include [the Reverend] T[homas] Richards, Berriew, secretary to the Cymmrodorion in Powys, 1824 (the success of the recipient's 'awdl' at the eisteddfod at Welsh Pool, congratulations from Will Owen of Newtown, Evan Evans of Trefriw, and John Blackwell 'now together in the next room'), Richard Jones ['Gwyndaf Eryri'], Caernarfon, 1826 (a criticism of English influences on Brecon eisteddfod), Spencer [Bulkeley] Wynn [aft. 3rd baron Newborough], Glynllivon, 1832 (an allocation of building ground in Clynog), Robt. Jones ['Tecwyn Meirion'], L[iver]pool ('gynt o Gefn trevor'), [18]33 (the writer's 'awdl' on 'Llongddrylliad [y Rothesay Castle]', a request for coal orders from Clynog), E[van] Evans, [vicar of] Llanarmon Yale, 1833 (details of the endowment and subscriptions of the school offered to the recipient at Llanarmon), Wm. Harrison, Abbot's Grange [Chester], 1833 (the possibility of the writer's appointment of the recipient as writing master, and an offer of assistance in classical studies), Robt. Morgan, [Baptist Minister], Llanfair [near Harlech], to David Lloyd, Llanystymdwu, 1834 (a split at Ramoth [Baptist] Church, Llanfrothen, enclosing money for the writer's sister), G. W. Edwards, Llanrug, 1835 (the recipient's request for a book on the history of Rome), Robert Williams, Fron Deg, Bangor, 1837-48 (7) (the possibility of appointments for the recipient, the writer's retention as one of the managing engineers in the St George's Harbour and Railway, the Portdynllaen undertaking, verses by the writer to the electors of Anglesey, a request for a translation of an English poem for publication, the publication of the recipient's [Caniadau] in 1841, the opening of a new quarry by the writer, the publication of a translation by the recipient of the 'Welsh Lines', the writer's removal to Clynnog) (together with 'Dau Englyn ar ol G[utyn] Peris' and 'Galar gwr am ei Wraig' by Robt. Williams), [Rev.] H[enry] Gryffydd [perpetual curate of Llandrygarn] 'Gweinidog', Llandrygarn, 1841 (2) (a request to include the recipient's elegy in a biography of John Elias), [Rev.] W[illiam] Roberts, Amlwch, 1841 (2) (the recipient's elegy to Jno. Elias), Griffith Owen Evans ('Glaslyn'), 'Argraffydd', Swyddfa y Cronicl, Bangor, 1841 (the purchase of the recipient's [Caniadau]), O. Hughes, 'Messrs. Davies & Sons's Wharhouse', Mena[i] Bridge, [18]41 (the recipient's elegy to J. Elias), Robert Williams, [? of Bwlch Derwin] from Bala, 1842 (personal), [Rev.] Morris Hughes, Port Dinorwic, 1844 (requesting Welsh translations of lines by Milton for inclusion in an essay by the writer on 'Anghymedroldeb'), John Jones, Gors, Llanedy, [18]47 (a request for an elegy to the Reverend John Evans, Pentwyn, formerly of Llwynyfforten), [Rev.] Lewis Hughes, Gogarth, 1848 (a request for keys left at the inn during the writer's removal from Clynnog), D. Rhys Stephen, Manceinion [Manchester], 1848 (support for the recipient's proposal to translate and publish the works of Chambers), John Prichard, Llangollen, from Llandudno, 1848 (recommending 'Chambers' Information for the people, and wishing the recipient well in his proposal), John Williams, Drefnewydd [Newtown], 1848 (the proposed translation of 'Addysg Chambers i'r bobl'), W[illiam] Williams ['Creuddynfab'], Oldham, [18]49 (the sale of the recipient's book), Wm. Jacob, Tredegar, [18]50 (the recipient's reluctance to act as adjudicator at Tredegar Eisteddfod), Thomas Edwards, Chester, 1850-1 (3) (an English poem by the late Mr David Owen, i.e. 'Dewi Wyn o Eifion', Rhuddlan Royal Eisteddfod and an accident to 'Tal[haiarn]', a request for a translation of a Welsh poem) (the second letter endorsed 'Pryddest yr Adgyfodiad Correspondence'), David R. Pughe, Barmouth, 1841 (a controversy in the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald and Cylchgrawn Rhyddid concerning the national character and language), John Pughe ('Ioan ap Huw Feddyg'), Barmouth, etc., 1840-6 and undated (11) (the recipient's victory at Liverpool, the progress of the recipient's Caniadau, the visit of Bishop Christopher Bethel[l] to Harlech, the writer's building of Bron Dirion and the choice of a tenant, the progress of the [Plymouth] Brethren, requests for Welsh translations of tract by [Samuel Prideaux] Tregelles, etc., the publication of the proposed hymn book, comments on total abstinence, etc.), H[ugh] Hughes ('Tegai), Capel Helyg, [18]54 (encloses an 'awdl', comments on the Bangor Eisteddfod), Lewis Edwards, Bala, etc., 1840-58 and undated (33) (an invitation to the writer's school, the recipient's lines on the death of Mr Elias and his 'awdl' on Job, the recipient's school, contributions to Y Traethodydd and the division of profits, the recipient's proposal to translate 'Chambers' Information for the People', Aberffraw Eisteddfod), Thomas Charles Edwards, Bala, 1859 (a request for a contribution to Yr Ymwelydd), S. Prideaux Tregelles, Neath Abbey, Islington, Plymouth, etc., 1844-61 (27) (the writer's preaching tour of Wales, the state of religion in Wales, a reply to a criticism of the Plymouth Brethren, the writer's Greek Testament, Elijah Waring's book on 'old Iolo Morganwg', search for 'Llyfr Twrog' among 'Iolo's manuscripts, a translation by the recipient of the writer's Lecture on the ... Authorship ... of the New Testament, the preaching of the Gospel in Italy, the writer's visit to Clynnog, the writer's complaint about postal arrangements at Clynnog, a controversy between O. Williams, C. M. minister, and Romish priests at Tremeirchion, the writer's meetings with freed Spanish negroes returning from Cuba to Africa, a book of hymns by the writer's cousin Anne Laetitia Waring of Darran near Neath, a translation by the recipient of a hymn by A. L. Waring, the recipient's introduction to a collection of hymns, a gift to the recipient of a copy of 'Cyfrinach Beirdd Ynys Prydain', the death of Elijah Waring, the writer's meeting with Welshmen returning from Barnet cattle fair and an account of special Welsh religious services arranged for them at the fair, condolence on the death of the recipient's wife, an account of the writer's visit to Spain), John Phillips, Llanerchymedd and Bangor, 1844-52 (6) (inability to admit the recipient to the British Institution for a year, recommends the Welsh translation of 'Chambers' Information for the People', a request for assistance 'on a certain point', a proposed visit to Clynnog, the recipient's teaching post at Clynnog and the possibility of removal), [Edward Roberts] 'Iorwerth Glan Aled', Rhyl, 1851-5 (19) (poetry by the writer, the recipient, 'Ieuan Glan Geirionydd', 'Gwilym Hiraethog', 'Creuddynfab' and others, the relationship of the recipient with 'Ieuan Gwynedd' and with 'Caledfryn', rules of Welsh metrics, views on literary criticism, etc.), John Edwards, 'Eos Glan Twrch', Floyd, Oneida County, New York, 1853 (requesting the recipient's recommendation of his 'awdl' for publication), Wm. Ambrose ['Emrys'], Porth Madog, etc., 1850 (2) (an 'awdl' by 'Nicander', observations on John Richards's critique), Richard Parry ('Gwalchmai'), Llandovery, etc., 1849-52 (3) (the publication of the 'awdl' submitted by the writer to Aberffraw eisteddfod, compositions submitted to Merthyr eisteddfod), Josiah Gibson, Carnarvon, undated (the enclosed lines of Sam Goodman), O. Pritchard, Tregaian, 1842 (a Welsh translation of enclosed lines), [Rev.] Evan L[ewis] Davies [of Cefnceido Hall near Rhaeadr], from Bangor, etc., 1845-61 (14) (the writer's study of the Welsh language, personal), Isaac Clarke, Rhuthyn, 1851 (the publication by the writer of a volume of recipient's works and of his portrait, the publication of Blackwell's works and comments on his portrait), R. O. Rees, Dolgelley, [18]51 (subjects for Eisteddfod Gwynedd at Dolgelley), [John Prytherch Williams] 'Rhydderch o Fôn', Denbigh and Rhyl, 1851 (2) (personal, poetry by the writer and others, the writer's letters to Y Cymro in defence of the recipient and the writer's assessment of 'Dewi Wyn [o Eifion]', a pryddest by 'Bardd Du Môn', sermons by 'Gwilym Hiraethog' and 'Caledfryn', etc.), Jno. Jones ('Talhaiarn'), London, Mentmore, Battlesden, etc., 1850-62 (16) (poetry by the writer and the recipient, eisteddfodau, a fund for the recipient's portrait, the health of the writer and of the recipient, the writer's views on the possibility of a national eisteddfod, a new palace in France for Baron James Rothschild, the writer's publications, the loan by the writer to the recipient of 'Y Piser Hir' and its sale to Robert Jones, Rotherhithe, etc., together with a draft agreement for the return of 'Y Piser Hir' and a letter from Robert Jones, 'Rhudd-ddwr-hydd' (Rotherhithe), 1856),

Robert Ellis ('Cynddelw'), Sirhowy, 1853-60 (4) (the writer's Tafol y Beirdd, the writer's loss by theft, Denbigh eisteddfod (1860) adjudications, the death of the writer's son), [William Davies] 'Gwilym Teilo', Morriston, 1854 (2) (eisteddfod accounts, poetry by the writer), [Thomas Gwallter Price] 'Cuhelyn', Beaufort, 1855 (2) (poetry by the writer, personal), John Williams ab Ithel, Middleton, near Manchester, 1855 (material for the Cambrian Journal), R. I. Prys ('Gweirydd ap Rhys'), Llanrhyddlad, 1854-9 (3) (a request for the recipient's views on series of 'englynion' for a monument to Mari Williams, 'Owain Aber's mother, at Llanwenllwyfo, the distribution of a paper relating to the reform of Welsh orthography, subjects of a proposed 'Eisteddfod Machreth Mon' at Llanfachreth), Aneurin Jones ('Aneurin Fardd'), Penllwyn Mills, Pontllanfraith, 1861 (4) ([Aberdare national] eisteddfod adjudications), W. E. Hughes ('Cowlyd'), Llanrwst, undated (a 'sketch' of the writer in the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald), Wm. Ambrose ['Emrys], Porth Madog, 1861 (a testimonial to the recipient), Thomas Bevan ('Caradawc y Fenni'), Y Fenni [Abergavenny], 1862 (the writer's journey to Caernarvon), and J. W. Jones, 'Swyddfa y Drych' [Y Drych office, USA], 1856, (contributions to Y Drych); verses entitled 'To a Smiling Infant'; an account entitled 'Cantref y Gwaelod (The Lowland Hundred)' embodying translations from the Black Book of Carmarthen. Some of the letters are published in Adgof Uwch Anghof. On one of the fly-leaves is an imperfect list of scribes ('Rhestr o enwau prif Ysgrifenwyr y Llythyrau canlynol') in the hand of John Jones ('Myrddin Fardd'), with additions by J. H. Davies.