Autograph Letter Signed to William Upcott.

Laird (presumably the 'Francis Laird of Peterborough Court Fleet Street' whose will was proved in May 1825) was the author of 'A topographical and historical description of the County of Rutland' (1815) and 'A topographical and historical description of the County of Worcester' (1818). Upcott (1779-1845) was a noted aniquary and collector of autographs. One page, quarto. In poor condition, grubby and creased, with fraying to extremities and traces of mount and some loss to one edge (affecting one word of text). Repaired loss of triangular fragment from breaking open wafer. An interesting survival casting light on an obscure literary figure. May relate to 'Lady Jane Grey and her times', which Laird published under the pseudonym George Howard (Sherwood, Neely and Jones, 1822). Reads 'Dear Upcott/ | I am forced to send the enclosed to you by post, as on my return home, I find by a note from Mr Barrow that some mistake has taken place in regard to my memorial at the admiralty so that I am forced to begin again de nova, and that without a moment's delay - | I wish you a pleasant journey | Yrs truly | Fr. Laird | I have shortened the Exordium on page 1. and on page 2 I have made pencil marks of obliteration, transposing also two paragraphs, which will put the whole into Ship shape, Bristol fashion -'. Addressed on reverse to 'William Upcott Esqr | London Institution | Moor Fields.' Three postmarks on reverse: large '2' and 'FLEET ST' in rectangle, both in black ink, and red-ink oval, '8 o'Clock | . JY . 14 . | 1821 Mn.' Docketed in pencil at foot of recto 'Author Bibliographical Dictionary'.