[ George Brodie, Scottish historian. ] Autograph Letter Signed to Richard Griffin and Co., discussing Lord Brougham and the last volume of his 'Lives of Men of Letters of the Time of George III'.

6pp., 12mo. In good condition, on lightly aged paper. Brodie's hand is not easy to decipher, but the letter is fulsome in its praise of Brougham and his latest work. Brodie begins by acknowledging the receipt of 'the last volume of Lord Brougham's Works published by you', a copy of which he had 'previously got as a subscriber'. He continues: 'In my poor apprehension it is even, if possible, superior to its predecessor, & more than justifies the character I formerly ventured to sketch of that illustrious individual', He continues in his praise, with reference to 'Dean Swift', 'Captn. Macheath and his associates' and 'Peachum'. In his view, never did a Lord Chancellor 'enjoy such popularity. But times are altered. The power of conferring favours is in other hands & all who expect patronage here, trouble at his resuming the vantage ground so greatly his due'. He continues with a discussion of the position of the press in the matter of Brougham's reputation. He concludes: 'Why do I trouble you with all this: - It is simply as an introduction to a statement that, did I know how to get it published, I should be proud & happy to down a notice or review of this volume.' In a postscript he claims to 'know the author of the article [reviewing the volume] in the N[orth]. British Review. It discloses <?> of the spirit I have alluded to'.