Two autograph letters signed by Archbishop of Canterbury, Archibald Tait 1875

Archibald Campbell Tait, Archbishop of Canterbury (1811-1882). Two Autograph Letters Signed to Archdeacon Harrison concerning the resignation of the Reverend Wray under the Incumbents Resignation Act and the appointment of his successor. Walmer Castle & Stonehouse, 20 & 29 November 1875.
 
Two autograph letters, each a single sheet folded to make four pages, each approximately 115 x 180 mm and written on all sides. The first written from Walmer Castle, Deal, on 20 November 1875, the second from Stonehouse on 29 November 1875, the latter on personal embossed stationery. Both signed "A. C. Cantuar." Horizontal folds as issued, otherwise very good.
 
The letters concern the position of the Reverend Wray of Leith and his retirement under the provisions of the Incumbents Resignation Act 1871. Tait discusses Wray's circumstances, the practical difficulties surrounding the resignation, and the appointment of the Reverend Mr. Collum as his successor. In the second letter he returns to the matter, expressing sympathy for Wray's declining condition while continuing to discuss arrangements for the parish following his resignation.
 
Archibald Campbell Tait (1811-1882) served as Archbishop of Canterbury from 1868 until his death and was one of the most influential churchmen of the Victorian period. The Incumbents Resignation Act 1871 was an important reform, permitting aged or incapacitated clergy to resign their benefices while receiving a pension.