Autograph Letter Signed to T[homas]. A[sline]. Ward, Park House, Sheffield.

Inchbald ran a 'gentleman's boarding academy'. The recipient Ward (1781-1871) was a master cutler and diarist, and one of the founders in 1822 of the Sheffield Literary and Philosophical Society. Three pages, 4to. Dusty but in very good condition, with small piece of second leaf of bifoliate cut away in opening the red wax seal. '[...] I write to you [...] to impose upon you some possibly irksome task. - Things are here in a Train towards the establishing [of] a public library & reading room. The committee of management have thought it expedient to have the Rules of similar associations existing in Sheffield, York, & Leeds: and I have been requested to obtain Copies of the Regulations of your George Street Library.' Also requests answers to three queries ('3. Does one room answer the double purpose of Library & News Room?') '[B]e sure to let me hear from you on Monday. The Committee meets on Tuesday at twelve oclock, when some decisive Step will probably be adopted.' He thanks him for 'two Nos of the Mercury - one containing the proceedings of your Meeting respecting the Manchester Attrocities. - a Loyal Declaration has been handed about here. & about seventy Signatures obtained. I declined affixing my name, as did many of the truly respectable inhabitants.' Signed 'P. Inchbald'. Addressed and stamped in black ink 'DONCASTER | 159'