Two autograph letters signed by Archibishop of Canterbury Archibald Tait 1869

Archibald Campbell Tait, Archbishop of Canterbury (1811-1882). Two Autograph Letters Signed, with original signed envelopes, to Lady Mary Ross concerning the Adult Orphan Institution. Lambeth Palace, 18 May & 4 June 1869.
 
Two autograph letters, each a single sheet folded to make four pages, each approximately 115 x 180 mm and written on three sides on embossed Lambeth Palace stationery. Both with their original addressed envelopes bearing the Archbishop's signature "A. C. Cantuar.". Old horizontal folds as issued, otherwise very good.
 
In the first letter, dated 18 May 1869, Tait apologises that he is unable to attend the forthcoming meeting of the Adult Orphan Institution owing to ecclesiastical duties, explaining that he has been called upon to consecrate the Bishops of New Zealand and Lichfield. In the second letter, written from Lambeth Palace on 4 June 1869, he again expresses his regret at being unable to attend and discusses arranging a suitable substitute, suggesting that the Bishop of York might represent him if available. Addressed to Lady Mary Ross.
 
Archibald Campbell Tait (1811-1882) served as Archbishop of Canterbury from 1868 until his death and was one of the leading ecclesiastical figures of the Victorian era. A close adviser to Queen Victoria, he played a central role in the administration of the Church of England during a period of considerable religious and social change.