[‘F. Anstey [Thomas Anstey Guthrie], humorous writer and frequent contributor to Punch.] Autograph Letter Signed (‘Anstey Guthrie’) to 'Mrs Sturgis', daughter of the novelist of George Meredith, explaining why he must decline an invitation to dine.

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. The recipient is the novelist George Meredith's daughter Marie Eveleen (Mariette; 1871-1933), wife of Henry Parkman Sturgis (1847-1929), American-born banker and Liberal politician. 1p, 16mo. In good condition, lightly aged, with slight spotting from blotting at the head of the page, and minor traces of glue from mount at corners of the blank reverse. Folded once for postage. Addressed to ‘Dear Miss Meredith’ and signed ‘Anstey Guthrie’. After explaining that the delay in responding is due to his having been in Kent, he explains that due to an engagement the following evening he ‘cannot have the pleasure of coming to Box Hill & dining with Mr. Meredith’. He ends ‘With many regrets & kind regards to you & Mr. Meredith’. Note: Extracted from an Album of Autograph Letters created by Meredith's daughter which included letters to George Meredith from distinguished fellow-writers such as Henry James, George Eliot but also from people of distinction to other correspondents (such as Wellington and Clemenceau).