These letters, with a few exceptions, were written by Sarah Spencer, afterwards Lady Lyttelton. They begin in the early days of the nineteenth century, and stretch over a period of nearly seventy years. To a large number of friends and relations her letters always had much charm, and it is thought that a selection from them might be of interest to a wider circle, describing as they do many of the notable events and people of that day. She was elder daughter of George John, second Earl Spencer, by his wife Lavinia Bing ham, eldest daughter of the first Earl of Lucan. Lord Spencer was a man of peculiar personal charm, a keen sportsman, and a collector of rare books,1 and his kindness, simplicity and enjoyment of life made him beloved by all Who knew him. It will be seen in the letters how the happiness of the home circle centred in him, though among strangers his manner was reserved. Gibbon, with the dignity of one accustomed to portray the character of Emperors, wrote of Lord Spencer: He is a valuable man, and, when he is.