DIONYSIUS

Both the letter and the accompanying document are in fair condition, on aged and worn paper. Both items signed 'Dion: Lardner'. ONE: Letter to Dickinson & Co. 1p, 12mo. He wishes to add 'these few lines' to 'the enclosed business letter' (not present), 'to aprise you that from the private knowledge I have of the parties interested in the business that I am of opinion that they are entitled to serious attention.

The background to this letter is explained in Simpson's entry in the Oxford DNB which states that he 'took a deep interest in the movement for better elementary education. He was one of the founders of the Edinburgh modern infant school, in which he attempted to solve the problem of religious education by allowing parents to select religious instructors themselves. Failing to receive adequate support, however, the school was ultimately sold to the kirk session of New Greyfriars.

Both items in fair condition, lightly-aged and worn. Severin Wielobycki's letter is 1p., 12mo. On the recto of the first leaf of a bifolium. It reads: 'Dear Madam. | I am much delighted that you take interest in my brother; all friends of his are of the same opinion tat he has been treated very unjustly. I hope your influence will if not relieve him, at any rate shorten his horrible sentence. | I beg to enclose two copies of the document according to your request' (only one copy present). The report of 'Dr Wielobycki's Trial' is 1p., 4to, on grey paper, in two columns of small print.

1p., 12mo. Good, on lightly-aged paper. Neatly placed in a paper windowpane mount. As Wade will 'probably be engaged' the following day, Lardner will not trouble him to send the ticket to him. He requests instead that Wade will 'Leave the ticket if you get one enclosed for me at your lodgings and I will call for it in the course of the day.' He concludes: 'Mention in your note at what hour I shall take the gig for you on Sunday'.

Note: 1 p, 4to. Addressed on reverse to 'W. S. Tuckerman Esq | Post Office | Boston', with red ink postmark and remains of red wax seal. Good, on lightly-aged paper. Reads: 'Boston 30 Octr. 1843 | [name deleted] Esq | Sir | I have much pleasure in complying with the request conveyed in your letter of Saturdays date. | I remain yours very truly | [signed] Dion: Lardner'. Print: 11.5 x 17.5 cm (including 0.5 cm white border). In good condition, neatly laid down on piece of wove paper, 22.5 x 29 cm, with black ink border.