[ Sidney Herbert, Lord Herbert of Lea. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Sidney Herbert') to 'Canning' [ i.e. the diplomat Stratford Canning ], regarding matters relating to a 'perfect gentleman' and a 'rat dog'.

4pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, aged and worn, with minor marking to first and last pages. A high-spirited missive, headed 'Private' and difficult to decipher. He begins by asking him to 'read the enclosed, a perfect gentleman is certainly cheap at 12s. a week. | My interest in the matter is revealed by the closing sentence in the letter.' An indecipherable sentence follows, after which: 'At any rate will you send me an answer wh I can forward to Mr Kitto.' He asks Canning to inform his wife 'that Elcho took charge of the rat dog. I saw him kill some rats (brought on purpose) in an area'. He concludes with what appears to be a jocular suggestion 'to satisfy her mind as to the judicious selection.' In a postscript he invites the Cannings to 'run down here on Thursday & catch small trout &c if you don't mind country neighbours'.