Andrew Carnegie correspondence
This connection is interesting mainly because Lord Ilkeston carried on a correspondence with Andrew Carnegie, thought to have been the richest man in the world at the time and a very influential figure in 19th century USA. We have the original letters which are transcribed where found readable, below. Scanned copies of the originals are linked
Lord Ilkeston’s relationship to the Harding family was through Laura Sargant who married William Septimus Harding in 1866. Laura’s sister Emily married Dr Walter Foster who became Sir Balthazar Walter Foster and then 1st Lord Ilkeston (1840-1913)
The 2nd Lord Ilkeston, also Balthazar, succeeded him.
Foster was also professor of medicine at Queens College, University of Birmingham until he resigned in 1892 to concentrate on his parliamentary responsibilities.
One result of his friendship with Andrew Carnegie was the donation of £3,000 in 1905 to build a public library in Long Eaton, in Foster’s constituency. The standard requirement of Carnegie that the land was freely available had been met. The library rate (presumably cost of borrowing a book) was 1d (ie 1/240th of £)
Andrew Carnegie b1835 died in Massachusetts in about 1919. He became the richest man in the world having sold his steel interests to JP Morgan in 1901 for $480m. His estate included the Skibo Castle estate in Scotland. His mother died in 1886 and he married Louise Whitefield in 1887. They had one child, Margaret born in 1897 ("Baba"). His parents’ names were Will and Margaret. Louise's sister Estelle or "Stella" who lived with Louise until her death from pneumonia in 1928 is also mentioned in these letters
The papers held consist of two letters from Andrew Carnegie to the 1st Lord Ilkeston (Sir Walter Forster at the time) and two to his son, the 2nd Lord Ilkeston. Those letters are linked to each of the headings below. An attempt to interpret them as they are not very clear, is set out here:
28.12.1894 from Andrew Carnegie to Sir Walter Forster
Dear Sir Walter
Happy New Year, glad to get your kind note.
Yes, I’ll be your Banker .. for six per cent is what I get on my balance. You shall have the same no trouble a great pleasure to do for you.
B… … slowly with us and we shall get finances on solid gold basis, a result of this revolution political, just think of it, more than a 2/3rd majority in Congress when this Congress was nearly 2/3rds the other way.
The Northern States are disgusted with the old Slave States the people of which are ignorant of underlying principles of civilization. The Republican Party promises to have a long lease of power and under it we shall have prosperity and progress upward.
The Liberal Party with you was doomed when it made dear nice Rosebery (whom none like better than I) the Leader. It stultified itself for its soul is earnest [this word “earnest” seems to be in several places and could be wrongly interpreted my me as it doesn’t seem to fit the context] C….tion, that fine it is p….
I think our friend, Honest John, has much to answer for. He ought to have known that to lead earnest men, an earnest Man of the People, is essential. Harcourt or himself are the only possible leaders and I am for Harcourt having his deserved innings then.
We are all so well and happy, such superb weather the like of it we had no where else but now will come real winter.
Carnegie Steel Co made 128,500 tons steel in Oct. Prices lower than yours, fact not much profit of course, but we keep selling bread and some butter.
Kindest regards to Lady Foster and all your friends.
Ever yours
Andrew Carnegie
6.7.1904 from Andrew Carnegie (address Skibo Castle, Sutherland) to Sir Walter Forster
My Dear Sir Walter
Send check to R A Franks Presh? House Trust Co Hobeken NJ.
I have told him to credit it to you’re a/c and write you acknowledging it. Glad to be your Banker.
I will see about Ilkestone later. Would have to be in May some time and then do it on route to Scotland I suppose.
Tomorrow fete day 400 people. Sorry to say rain at last this morning. Hope for the best however. We have never had a rainy fete day yet.
All very well and very happy. Have had quiet home life. Madam Baba and ? – Stella has however been an invalid for many weeks. ?? is about arranging for guest beginning 12th Aug no doubt Lady Foster will hear from her ere long.
Our new organ gives enhanced pleasure and some other changes are improvements.
I note your proceedings in the House, seems “something will have to burst?” ere long’
Baba ?ld on 60 score yesterday genuine golf. She creeping up and means to “beat Papa” next year. Probably she will if not then year after?
Yours ever
AC
9.4.1913 from Andrew Carnegie to Lord Ilkeston
My Dear Lord Ilkeston
Your note duly received. I should like to have a talk with you when we in London, Hotel Coburg, where we arrive 31st May.
I confess I had you and the late Lord Wolverhampton’s son mixt. One or other of you called and made a very favourable impression on me.
Very truly yours,
Andrew Carnegie
9.5.1913 from Andrew Carnegie to Lord Ilkeston
My dear Ilkeston
Yours of April 27th received. You made such a favourable impression upon me when we met that I shall gladly keep your money during your life-time upon former conditions, viz; 6% interest.
I was not clear in my mind whether it was the son of Lord Wolverhampton who called on me.
If you are in London when we are there (Coburg Hotel) we shall be glad to have you call. You are a worthy son of a worthy father making your own way in the world. Mrs Carnegie and I wish you brilliant success.
Very truly yours
Andrew Carnegie
It appears from the last two letters that the 2nd Lord Ilkestone ie son of Walter Forster, contacted Carnegie soon after his father's death when he succeeded to the Ilkestone title. Hence Carnegie's confusion