[‘There are so many applicants to General Garibaldi for his Autograph’.] Autograph Letter Signed from Henry Wright, private secretary to the Duke of Sutherland, to autograph-hunter J. Jordan, conveying the Duke’s refusal to ‘trouble the General’.

1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded twice. Addressed to ‘J. Jordan Esq’ and signed ‘Henry Wright’. The Duke hosted Garibaldi’s 1864 visit to Britain, which caused quite a stir. The present item is an object-lesson in the wording of a tactful refusal: ‘Sir. / The Duke of Sutherland desires me to say that there are so many applicants to General Garibaldi for his Autograph that he (The Duke) himself who has many personal friends who also wish for it, has not ventured to trouble the General - He therefore must, but with reluctance, refuse your request. / I am Sir / Your obt Sert / Henry Wright’.