Two Autograph Letters Signed (both 'W M Ramsay') from the Scottish archaeologist Sir William Mitchell Ramsay, describing the charms of Smyrna to Sir John Alexander Hammerton, and joking about a trip to Turkey.

Both 2pp., 12mo, on bifoliums, and both good, on lightly-aged paper. Letter One: He is sorry Hammerton and his wife came back 'to a very cold & stormy time', but is glad that he could not 'inaugurate your History at present. I am too busy to do anything at it. Work only increases as the world grows older.' He gives the time of his setting of from London to 'Turkey via Bulgaria, hoping not to be shot on the way', and the address of Rev. Dr R. Frew, with whom he is staying in London. Letter Two: He thanks Hammerton 'for the S. Blake [a . The print is all right for me; my eyes stand quite young, but my ears are growing old. He is afraid that 'there's no chance' of meeting Hammerton 'on the road', as he is going to South Africa and then Asia Minor. 'Egypt has no charms for me; but I probably could give you a nice few days in Smyrna & the inner country, if that suits you: saloon car by day, comfortable sleeping car by night: dining room & drawing room by day. Some fine scenery.'