Scottish novelist and poet (1771–1832) best known for such classics as Ivanhoe, Rob Roy, and Waverley. ALS, one page both sides, 4.5 x 7.25, August 20, 1830. Letter to Sir Francis. In full: “The enclosed is a letter written in great anxiety about the fate of a packet containing some curious old papers contained in a packet to Bernard Burton Esq Woodbridge Suffolk. I have since ascertained the cause of its miscarriage was the following: A young lad a servant of mine - had been impressed by his mother with a notion that the packet was too heavy for the office, and as I sometimes send things by the mail he presumed the coach was the conveyance meant & there he carried it. Accordingly it stands in the mailcoach office regularly booked to your address & the way braes do busy received at Carlisle in cours [e was erased]. If therefore it had not reached you it must have stopped somewhere between Carlisle & London which can no doubt be readily ascertained & I hope the parcel will reach you relying on your kindness and addressed to Mr. Bernard Burton Woodbridge Suffolk. As your privilege does not extend to coach I shall have put you to some expense through my messengers stupidity but our black cocks & grouse a now in season & I hope Miss Freling will accept a brace or two as my sons still use the gun though I am too old for it. I am certain your anxiety for his torical antiquities will induce you tolend me your powerful assistance on this occasion. The exterior address was merely your name P.O.G. London but that was truly enough for any mailcoach.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds, uniform mild toning, some light wrinkling and creasing, and light mirroring of signature on second integral page. RRAuction COA.
