Wesley (John, Church of England clergyman and a founder of Methodism, 1703-91) Autograph Letter signed to Rev. John Bredin, schoolmaster at Newbuildings, near Londonderry, 1p., 200 x 145mm., Birmingham, 8th July 1782, advising him to go to London for his health, "I know not whether it not be best for you to spend the ensuing year in London. Then you might have the best medical advice; & might preach more or less as you strengthened, and advising he be sent to Kingswood School in Bristol, "Adam Clark may easily get over to Liverpool or Chester: But ships sometimes go from Newry to Bristol, & very frequently from Dublin: Especially at this time of year. My kind Love to Alleck Knox. I am your Affectionate Friend & Brother JWesley", tears starting along folds, browned § Bredin (Rev. John, Methodist minister in Lisburn) Autograph Letter signed as a letter relating to Adam Clarke, 1p., 145 x 200mm., Derry, 13th August 1782, regarding Clarke's future at Kingswood School, "In Mr. Wesley's Letter to me from Manchester, dated April 6 1782. He desires me to send the Bearer 'Adam Clarke to the London Conference and he would send "him Immediately to Kingswood School [near Bristol]. Immediately I wrote to Mr Wesley informing him the Journey was great, and the young man had little to bear his expences upon which Mr Wesley wrote this letter to me. The Bearer has made some proficiency in the Languages and is now on his way to Kingswood School. He is a young Man of real piety, and has good abilities for me of his Age. I hope the Preachers, and Methodists where he comes may Receive him as a Brother Which will greatly oblige your Affecte Bro. in Christ J Bredin", small holes along folds, browned; both letters inserted in a specially designed 19th century mahogany slip-case with brass catch housing 3 hinged mahogany framed glass leaves, the slip-case with a sliver of ?sycamore inset on the upper cover inscribed "Part of the Tree planted by the Rev. J. Wesley Born at Epworth... Made for Read & Co. Epworth", case with some wear, 315 x 215mm., and made c. 1840s.

⁂ Two important letters relating to the young Adam Clarke (1762-1832), Wesleyan Methodist minister and scholar. Clarke " fell under the influence of the Methodists in 1778, and met John Wesley who, after the young Clarke had spent an unhappy month at Kingswood School, Bristol, laid hands on him and sent him out into the work of the ministry. He was appointed to the Bradford (Wiltshire) circuit in 1782 and was received into full connexion the following year. From that date onwards he began to play a prominent and singular role in the evolution of the Wesleyan body. " - Oxford DNB.