Manuscript Letter, written by an amanuensis for the blind poet 'P. B. Marston' [Philip Bourke Marston], to John T. Baron of Blackburn, referring to two of his books, and to a photograph taken six years before, which 'does not please' his friends.

3pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In stamped and postmarked envelope, addressed in the same hand to 'J. Y. [sic] Baron Esq. | 48, Griffin Street, | Tritton | Blackburn'. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper, in slightly discoloured envelope. It is not known who acted as Marston's amanuensis after the death of his sister Cicely in 1878: the present letter is written in a neat and somewhat childish hand. It dates from what had been an extremely trying year for Marston, with Rossetti dying the previous April, and the dying James Thomson being carried from Marston's rooms two months later. Baron was a shameless autograph hunter, and in response to one of his stock requests Marston begins: 'Dear Sir, | I am sorry to have misunderstood your inquiry, as I see I have done. My two books are published by Chatto & Windus of Piccadilly, where I have no doubt they can be procured'. He would be glad to send Baron a photograph, but he has none. 'I was last taken six years ago, & had only a few copies made', an engraving from one of them appearing in 'Harper's Magazine' in May of the same year, in an article entitled 'some London Poets', 'but in case you should come across it I may say that it does not please my friends'. He concludes with thanks for Baron's 'warm wishes'.