[A trip up the Nile by a gentleman-artist, 1864.] Manuscript agreement between Thomas Kennet Were and Fairman & Co. of Alexandria, to charter a dehabeah for a four-month trip up the Nile, signed by him, certified by the consul's clerk, with receipts.

The University of Wyoming American Heritage Center has mounted a ‘traveling exhibit’ of watercolours and diaries from Kennet Were’s 1868-9 journey across the United States, a long account of which he published in the Gazette (‘Nine Months in the United States’) on his return. Were’s obituary in the Transactions of the Devonshire Association, vol. 48, (1916), p. 54, describes him as one of Sidmouth’s ‘most respected inhabitants’ and ‘the prime mover in movements for the improvement of the resort and a supporter of all good causes’, but does not refer to his artistic activities. These two items predate the American trip, and relate to Were’s chartering of a boat, at some expense, for a trip up the Nile, presumably with a view to writing an account and making drawings. ONE: Headed: ‘It is this day agreed between Messrs Fairman & Co., and T. Kennet Were Esqre:’. An extensive eight-point manuscript agreement (thirty-seven lines of close text) to charter ‘the Nile boat “Collen Bawn” of about 200 Ardebs, Reis [gap] Master’ for £350, ‘for a voyage up the river Nile’ lasting four months. Dated: ‘Alexandria, this 9th day of December. 1864’. Signed ‘T Kennet Were.’ (The agreement is not in his hand.) With signed certification by ‘J[ohn]. R[oper]. Norrish / Chief Clerk’ to the British Consul at Alexandria (with official stamp). At the bottom of the second page is a receipt for the balance, dated 17 April 1865, ‘pp. Kelson Hankey & Cie. / A. Brethouwer / Successors of Mess Fairman & Co’s business’. 3pp, foolscap 8vo. Bifolium, folded once. A brittle item, on somewhat discoloured paper, with slight wear along the outer edge of the first leaf, but the text is clear and entire. Note on reverse of second leaf: ‘Egypt 1865-5 / Agreement with P Sapienza / Dragoman / Agreement for Dehabeah / List of [Bird Skins?]’. TWO. Printed ‘FAIRMAN & CO.’ receipt, completed in manuscript. Dated from Alexandria, Egypt, 9 December 1864. Signed ‘p Fairman & Co / C Lombardott’: ‘One hundred and seventy five pounds sterling’ received from ‘T. Kenneth Were’, in account of ‘Dahabia’s rent as p contract of today’s date’. In fair condition, aged and worn. The two documents were pinned together.