[Francis Jeffrey, Lord Jeffrey.] Autograph Letter Signed ('F. Jeffrey') to his brother John Jeffrey, at the time a merchant in New York

3pp., 4to. Bifolium. In fair condition, on lightly-aged paper. Addressed on reverse of second leaf, with return address, to 'Mr John Jeffrey | Post Office | Deal | Kent'. At the time of writing John Jeffrey was a New York merchant, and would not return to Britain permanently until 1810; it would appear from the letter that he was returning to America following a visit to England. See Cockburn's 'Life of Lord Jeffrey', which contains transcripts of other letters from Francis to John (though none from 1795). The letter begins: 'My dear John | I never had less to say to you than I have at present but never so irresistible an inclination to write to you - and that must be my apology - I have thought so much of you since we parted that I think it will help to divert my attention if I address myself to you directly - It may be of some satisfaction for you to learn that we accomplished our voyage just about the time when we supposed you would be beginning yours and that we are safely returned to our lodgings which do not seem the more comfortable that we feel ourselves more at large in them'. He comments on the pleasure with which he 'observed during your stay here so great a coincidence in our sentiments and habit of thinking as must help us in unity I think during all the rest of our lives - I scarcely know anybody to whom I can make myself so easily understood and nobody with whom I have so generally concurred in my notions of disputable points'. After breaking off the letter he continues the following day: 'the wind is still from the East so that you cannot yet be got very far tho' you are indeed completely separated from us as you will be when you have put the Atlantic between us - My Father [he also uses this phrase in a published letter to his brother] has continued to feel a little of his gout ever since you saw him and expects to be detained here by it some days longer than he expected'. He concludes by urging him to be 'as punctual as possible in your writing and to remember with equal affection those first friends who will always love you better than any other'.