2 Autograph Letter Signed to Alfred Ellis, (George, Gardener to Charles Douglas-Compton, 1816-1877, 3rd Marquis of Northampton)

(1821-1879, son of John Ellis, Chairman of the Midland Railway), saying that "the Salcey Forest Oak... is in existence unless recently destroyed", the oak "is not growing on this estate but is about nine miles from Ashby", at Ashby they have "the Cowpers Oak under the shade of which the famous poet... composed very much of his Poems... strictly preserved... by the Marquis... also Two oaks... called Gog and Magog... Noticed in Loudon's Gardens Magazine there is several... on Sherwood Forest worthy your attention, the Parliament Oak, under which King John consulted his friends as to his legal right to the Crown... very old and banded together by ion rods... in the Berklands... the Major Oak, Robin Hoods Oak called Robin Hoods Shambles... the Green Dale Oak... in Welbeck Park will admitt a Carriage and pair through the trunk", another "but not an old one, planted on the Lawn at Newsted Abby by the poet Byron himself... now getting a large tree, the Shire Oak on Cannock Chase", he mentions these "not knowing if they have come under your notice" (22nd October 1864), "I purpose sending per passenger Train tomorrow 1 Doz. of the following acorns Cowpers, Gog Magog &Salcey Oak... the Salcey was collected by one of my own men whom I sent over... he being well acquainted with the locality the Tree is growing on Salcey Lawn near Lady Fitzroys residence - the man whom I sent tells me he remembers it being used as a Stable with Mangers &c. - the Cowpers Oak is fast decaying... I hope you will be successful... You may rely upon them being Genuine from the Trees named" (31st October 1864), together 3 sides 8vo., The Gardens, Castle Ashby, Northamptonshire, 22nd and 31st October