[Joseph Bosworth, Old English scholar; Anglo-Saxon] Autograph Letter Signed to the antiquary T. J. Pettigrew, discussing Pettigrew's autobiography and the reception of his own ?Dictionary of the Anglo-Saxon Language'.

See the two men?s entries in the Oxford DNB. 3pp, 4to. Bifolium. In fair condition, on aged paper with slight discolouration to top corners of second leaf, with a panel along the bottom of the second leaf cut away. Folded for postage. Addressed in the customary manner on reverse of second leaf, to ?T. J. Pettigrew Esqr. Dr. Phil. F.R.S. &c / Saville [sic] Row / London?, and signed ?Josh Bosworth.? With two postmarks (one of ?Dockhead / 1D. PAID?), and seal with small impression in red wax. He is happy to have received Pettigrew?s ?interesting Autobiography?: ?I sat down & cd. not be induced to leave it, till I had read it quite through. I then began again & reperused it, &, I must observe, that candour & truth seem to pervade every point of it.? He praises the work for the encourage it will give to those of Pettigrew?s ?enlightened profession? and to ?those who have a literary taste?, and wishes that he may ?long enjoy the domestic comfort with which you are so greatly blessed?. He continues with reference to ?Mr. Lee? and ?the parcel with your & Dr Lee?s letters?. ?I have the pleasure of begging your acceptance of a copy of my Anglo-Saxon Dicty. an order for wh. is written on the other halfsheet. It is a very heavy work, but, as you will peceive by my Publishers circular, it has been well received. It has gone off far better than I expected - &, in all respects, more than answered my anticipations.? He has ?not gone to the length of some German Literati, nor favoured the theories of some of our own Scholars, who are filled with German imagination, hence I have incurred some displeasure, & I expected a host of opponents.? He had ?determined to treat all fairly?, and has, to his astonishment, ?hitherto escaped all censure. I was & am prepared for defence, but I?m rejoiced that, at present, it is unnecessary.? He continues with private references, including to Pettigrew?s ?good daughter? and his plans: ?The Govt. has taken off 300? a year out of 500? - tho? I?ve given up my Living in England?.