[Sir Henry Ellis, Principal Librarian at the British Museum.] Autograph Letter Signed to William James Smith, thanking him for a set of the 'Historical and Literary Curiosities' by his brother the engraver Charles James Smith.

See the entries for Ellis and the recipient?s brother Charles James Smith in the Oxford DNB. 2pp, 4to. In good condition, lightly aged, with negligible traces of mount on reverse. Folded for postage. In Ellis?s disciplined and attractive hand. Addressed to ?William James Smith Esqr / &c &c &c? and signed ?Henry Ellis.? He begins by apologising for the delayed response, then writes: ?Pray accept my kind and sincere Thanks for the two beautiful and splendid Numbers of the ?Historical and Literary Curiosities?: I only wish that your poor brother had lived himself to have sent them to me.? (C. J. Smith had died of ?paralysis? on 23 November 1838.) He ends by offering his aid ?in any literary or other services here? (?fail not to put me in requisition?)?, adding: ?I shall be much pleased at all times to transfer the kindness I had for your brother to yourself.?