4to. Manuscript. 8 watercolour illustrations, original half calf, c. 1842 (date in story on page 1). 38 sides filled out in a legible and neat hand, remainder blank. Early leaves excised, presumably by the writer as the tale begins on page 1, and continuous until breaking off on page 38. Watercolour to front pastedown and seven further small watercolours pasted into text showing scenes from the story. A highly interesting and suggestive children s story, seemingly written by a young person, which features the adventures of a small soldier figure or doll named Montalva Alphonso Junior. Alphonso has a series of adventures, coming close to death each time, but is rescued by his master who comes to look after him, or alternatively is bullied by his master s brother. The story is told from the point of view of Alphonso himself, and recites the different ways that he is captured, kidnapped, stabbed, dismembered, burnt or otherwise treated badly. However, in spite of all his trials, he manages to marry, and survives. Written simply and neatly it is rather suggestive in moving between the world of the humans, and that inhabited by Alphonso, in a way that is reminiscent of Pooh Bear and Christopher Robin, though of course written some one hundred years earlier. In its unremitting trials and tribulations, perhaps it also reflects the difficult life of the writer, though this must be a speculation of course. Altogether some 3700 words. The story opens: I am descended from a very noble and ancient family, and my great grandfather was a great hero and his life like mine was full of adventures. The first thing that I remember is that I was shut up in a great dark dungeon and almost starved one day. To my great delight the sister of my present master liberated me and here begins my remarkable life. My master first all gave me a most beautiful wardrobe containing splendid dresses and two very valuable swords. Soon after this I had an accident it was this. One of my master s brother s saw me upon the chimney piece and asked my master what I was, when he said that I was his adventurer his brother wanted to see me and my master brought me down from the chimney piece and put me into his brother s hands who handled me so naughty that he pulled one of my legs off and then my master snatched me and the leg out of his hands and put it one again with a peg. This ends my first adventure….A full transcription is included with the item and can be sent additionally digitally.