Autumn: 1819
We are instructed by His Grace the Duke of Mallard to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 9th instant relating to certain folios which you describe as of Alexandrian provenance. His Grace, whose interest in literary antiquities is well known, has perused your account with marked attention and desires that the volumes be transmitted forthwith for his personal examination at Mallard House.
While His Grace regrets that the necessary duties of his station preclude his inspection of the articles in town, he is prepared, in consideration of your assurances of genuineness and sound condition, to complete the purchase immediately upon their arrival. We are therefore authorised to remit to you, through Messrs. Hoare & Co., the sum of two hundred and fifty guineas—the price you mentioned, with an additional sum as acknowledgment of your diligence and discretion in the matter—once we have received confirmation that the folios have been safely delivered.
Please ensure that they are packed in the most secure manner, with such precautions as will preserve the integrity of the bindings and vellum. Address the crate to The Librarian, Mallard House, with a note enclosed setting forth any known particulars of provenance or circumstance attending their discovery, for His Grace’s private records.
We are, Sir,
Your obedient humble servants,
Hargreaves & Bellamy
Solicitors to His Grace the Duke of Mallard
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