[ Henry Larkin. ] Two Autograph Letters Signed, advising the engraver F. Chapman how to receive payment for a woodcut for Carlyle's 'Frederick the Great' from the publishers Chapman and Hall.

Both letters are 3pp., 12mo, and both bifoliums. In good condition, on lightly aged paper. An interesting couple of letters, with Larkin advising the engraver on how to extract payment from the publishers, while stressing in both letters that he does not wish his own name mentioned. The first letter begins: 'The Printer has had the Woodcut and printed it, so you can go ahead! If I were you I think I should write something to this effect - not returning the account, they can ask for it if they want it.' He gives the text of his proposed letter, which explains that the engraver was 'commission to make the Woodcut of Frederick the Great's Autograph by Mr Carlyle, who said I was to send it to you with the account, and that you would settle for it.' The letter states that the engraving is the eighth 'for the work by Mr Carlyle's order', and the first to be 'disputed' by the publishers, and threatens to approach Carlyle directly. Following the text of the letter Larkin tells the engraver that it will be 'quite enough', and that it will result in the publishers asking him 'as a favour to accept the money!' He concludes with the warning: 'Recollect they might show your letter to Mr Carlyle, and if you send too much, it mightn't be pleasant!' The second letter states that since the account remains unpaid, the engraver should 'write a note to Mr Carlyle informing him how often you have applied for payment, and enclosing the note from Mr Chapman which you showed me. And ask him to kindly tell you what to do.' Larkin is keen that Carlyle should not 'think (if he knew you had consulted me) that I might look after Mr Chapman for him: which I don't altogether care to do'. He gives more advive, before apologising for not visiting him, having 'damaged my knee'.