Autograph Letter Signed ('Geo. T. Gell') to 'Dear Walter'.

8vo: 4 pp. Bifolium. 66 lines. Text clear and complete, on aged, spotted and worn paper. Letterhead with printed mottos in decorative borders: 'Total Abstinence is the only certain Preventive of, or Remedy for Intemperance.' and 'INDIVIDUAL ABSTINENCE. | STATE PROHIBITION.' In conclusion Gell apologises for 'what you no doubt will stigmatize as an absurd letter', and to the modern reader this item is certainly unintentionally-amusing. Since his correspondent 'went up', 'one of my Tasmanian friends along with Mrs. Mercer's (of the Bethel) daughter returned from Tasmania via Melbourne & we have enjoyed several outings; as you may suppose'. He has also taken 'Miss Lenton & Miss Mercer to Gasson's where we had tea & enjoyed ourselves muchly'. 'I expect you will give me another bantering about it, but I don't mind, as it is only a Platonic attachment. I fancy I can see your incredulous smile; but I can assure you it is nothing more; for apart from the physiological aspect & the disparity in years there is an insuperable objection in the matter of means & position which will effectually prevent any closer intimacy.' Gell finds it 'very hard at times to carry out the Platonic idea', having to be on his guard 'lest it degenerates into the more gross & sensual one'. As 'Walter' will no doubt 'be inclined to say "What is the old fool driving at"?' Gell explains that he is 'a believer in animal magnetism, hence the physiological objection before mentioned; for Miss L. & I have similar complexion & temperaments, & I am inclined to think any closer intimacy would be productive of unhappiness & unpleasantness on account of the theory that, like temperaments repel & unlike attract. [...] how else can we account for the fact of apparently healthy parents having children who are doomed to a premature grave; except on the grounds of temperamental inadaptation.' Founded in America in 1850, IOGT International is still active.