[ Earl Cathcart; William Rae Wilson the "popular traveller" ] Autograph Letter Signed "Cathcart" to W.Rae Wilson, on various matters.

Five pages, 12mo, a little grubby, with selltape securing the bifolium, text clear. P.4 docketing with details of contents. Text: He thanks Wilson for his letter but says he can't "render you any efficient Service in facilitating your arduous and most interesting remarks. | I certainly used my best Andeavours to obtain for you the Distinction which you conceived, and seem still to imagine could have been useful to you, I was not o fthat opinion. But as it was clear that it could do you no harm if it did you no good, and that you wished it, I very much regretted to find an obstacle in my Way as immoveable as any of the Mountains you have ascended. | What you have already given to the publick, and done me the Honor of sending to me, And the Letters you favored me with during your Travels, gave to the Ladys [sic] of my Family, in particular Lady Cathcart and to myself the greatest delight." He then thanks his for sedning a copy of his latest book in wnich he gives "a most interesting Survey of the Nations and Countreys [sic] under the usual heads of Observation, But to have collected particular and very interesting Details and Documents in Regard to military means [...?] and Civil constitutions which are not of very easy Attainment and most of which as far as I recollect have not yet appeared in any Publication of authority, in the English Language. | [...]" He concludes with emphasising his current address and giving instructions for posting the book. In a postscript he passes on Lady Cathcart and his daughters' compliments. Note: Wilson published "Travels in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Hanover, Germany, Netherlands, & c." in 1826.