[ John Samuel Agar, portrait painter and engraver. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('J. S. Agar') to Rudolph Ackermann, apologising for the poor quality of 'Fashions' [ie. fashion plates] executed on his behalf by 'Mr. Cheesman', and discussing Pistrucci's

2pp., 4to. Bifolium. Addressed on reverse of second leaf, with two postmarks (one of Pimlico), to 'R. Ackermann Esqre | 101. Strand -'. On aged and worn paper, with one short closed tear. A good letter, full of content revealing of Ackermann's business and the art trade in general. The first paragraph reads: 'I am extremely sorry the last Fashions have not met your approbation. The inflamed state of my eye rendered it impossible for me to engrave them myself, and I calculated on the known talent of Mr. Chsman [i.e. Thomas Cheesman (1760-1834)] to be my substitute. I lament much that he has failed, and quite ashamed he should have returned the drawings so very dirty – for which I hold my pupil [i.e. his eye, not his student] much to blame. My eye is now much better and I trust in future to do them myself and give you that gratification which has given stability to our long friendship – Believe me ever zealous to fulfil your commissions however difficult I may find them sometimes to execute.' The second paragraph concerns 'the head of the King Modelled by Pistrucci' (i.e. George IV's initial coinage bust), which Agar asked 'Mr. Gindall' to tell Ackermann about. He suggests that he 'had better write or call on Vendramini in Brompton Row and learn the direction and further particulars - He [i.e. Pistrucci] is in hot water at the Mint but that may make no difference should you like the head - it was modelled immediately from the King, and Vendramini promised it if I would undertake to engrave it -'. He ends by reporting that he 'drank tea with Mr. Morant of Bond Street', whom he thinks 'would lend you some of his prints or pictures for your intended publication should you be still in the same mind'. The publication he is referring to is the first of the literary annuals, The Forget-Me-Not, first published in 1823..