Description:

Charles Wesley
Bristol, England, January 24, 1753
Charles Wesley 1753 ALS to Ebenezer Blackwell, Denying Invitation on Account of His Wife
ALS
An autograph letter signed by Charles Wesley in which he uses his wife to decline an invitation.1p, measuring 6" x 7", Bristol, dated January 24, 1753. Signed "CWesley" and addressed to Ebenezer Blackwell, a converted wealthy London banker who financed massive amounts of ministry for both the Wesleys and George Whitefield. In the letter, Charles slyly declines an invitation to visit their prominent financial patron by claiming his wife as an excuse. The letter has been mounted and framed to the overall size of 9.5" x 10.5". With flattened folds, creasing, and separations at the folds. Staining from tape where repairs were previously made. Mounting residue from wax at the left edge. Boldly signed by Wesley, with a small fold through the beginning of his name.

Reading in full:
"Dear Sir, I have just now received your very obliging letter, and, with my wife, sincerely thank you for it. We are truly sensible of your kind intention towards us. You are a friend to my brother, a friend to me & above all a friend to the cause of our common Master. Your desire is alone sufficient to bring us to Town: but my wife will do Nothing without consulting her relations and I have neither Power nor Inclination to force her. As for me, I am quite out of the question. We join in cordial respect to Mrs Blackwell & Mrs Dewal."

It was well known that Charles' wife "Sally" [Sarah Gwynne] was a strong woman from a wealthy Welsh family. The couple deeply loved one another, but Wesley had "married up" both with regard to her and to her family. It was in many way's the family's deep attachment to the Anglican church [and Charles own penchant for the arts, etc.] that caused the rift between him and his brother John over Methodism's relationship to the Church of England.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 9.5" x 10.5"
  • Medium: ALS

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