Autograph Letter Signed from the printer and Congregationalist minister John Curwen, praising in the most affectionate terms his 'loving old friend' the typefounder and Liberal politician Sir Charles Reed.

3pp., 12mo. Bifolium. 40 lines. In fair condition, creased and with minor damage to second leaf from previous mounting. Addressing Reed as 'Dear Charles', Curwen explains that when asked who he would like as chairman for a forthcoming meeting, 'it was natural I should mention you, because of our old regard'. He is sorry that his 'friends' applied 'again - after your declining'. The 'precious chance' of a holiday with his oldest son would be reason enough for Reed to decline, but Curwen is 'troubled to learn that health requires the change': 'I hope you will be long spared both for the sake of that grand array of children about you, and for the sake of your great public usefulness'. He intends to go and see Reed's 'new Board Offices soon'. The letter is signed 'Your loving old friend | John Curwen'. In a postscript he asks that if Reed writes a note 'to be read at the meeting by Mr. Bondman', he brings in 'the painter - Mr. Williams. He thinks a great deal of your opinion of Lord Lawrence's picture which has been reported to him. Williams is a worthy man.'