[ Sir Anthony Panizzi, Principal Librarian of the British Museum. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('A Panizzi') to 'Delane' [ editor The Times? ], re.Earls of Derby (inc. his acquaintance 'the great cockfighter') and whether a book is by the present Earl.

2pp., 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged, with unobtrusive traces of stub. The letter begins: 'Vixere fortes antes Agamemnona, all the Earls of Derby have of late been Edwards, in 1828 the Earl of Derby was the grandfather of the present one – I have known him – the great cockfighter – and husband of Miss Farren.' He asks him not to forget to send 'the book of diplomatic sports': he is leaving for the continent the following Saturday, but will not fail to return it. In a postscript covering an entire page, Panizzi speculates about the date of publication (suggesting 1848), and whether the present Earl of Derby is the author.