Autograph Letter in the third person from the Scottish clergyman and writer Archibald Alison to Lady Charlotte Campbell, playfully lending her a copy of Thomas Campbell's recently-published poem 'Gertrude of Wyoming'.

1p., 4to. Bifolium, addressed by Alison on reverse of second leaf to 'The | Lady Charlotte Campbell | D<?>cks Hotel'. Good, on aged paper, with label at head in a contemporary hand attributing the letter to Alison, who was seventeen at the time of writing, but already at Edinburgh University. Docketed by Campbell 'from Mr. Alison | recevd Edinh. | March Seven 1809'. An interesting letter, casting light on the reading practices of the upper classes in Georgian Scotland. Alison's conceit is that he is writing a letter of introduction for a real person. He begins: 'Lady Charlotte Campbell is requested to receive the grateful Thanks of Mr Alison for her permission to allow the "Gertrude" of Mr Campbell to wait upon Her. | He is very anxious that she should owe her introduction into theh world to Lady Charlotte Campbell; and He knows, that her Father would be more than proud if her Ladyship would make her known, by reading Her, to her Friends.' He hopes that 'the poor little American will plead for herself', and suggests that she pass the book on to 'Lord or Lady Wemyss, or to any other of her Ladyship's Friends'. The final paragraph reads: 'He intreats leave only to add, that when Lady Charlotte & her Friends have finished it, Mrs. Gregory No 2. St Andws. Square, will be very happy to receive it, & he indulges some very impatient friends with the perusal of it.'