English painter and sculptor (1830-1896). ALS, two pages, 4.5 x 7, April 3, 1889. Leighton writes, in full: “I have to acknowledge your letter of the 19th. I fear that, courteous and flattering as your request is, I cannot altogether sympathise with its object. The fame of George Washington is enshrined in the existence, and grows with the growth of your great republic. Its pure and undying light cannot, I think, be enhanced by the publication of the utterances of persons like myself, in whom, indeed, the venturing of our opinion in such an occasion would deem to me to smack of impertinence.” In very good condition, with light creasing, uniform toning, and rippling to the repaired second page. RRAuction COA.
