[Edward Peploe Smith of the East India Company.] Autograph Letter Signed ('E. Peploe Smith') to John Trotter

4pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In frail state, on aged paper with chipping and closed tears, and loss at the head of both leaves. The letter is addressed to 'John Trotter Esq | The Bush | near Edinburgh' and begins: 'My dear Trotter, | My better Half having expressed our delight at being again as it were, in possession of our old friend Bush, in the very admirable representation which has, thro' your kindness just reached us, I have only to echo her acknowledgment & thanks. It must indeed be a valuable Painting to produce so striking a Print, & please God we are all spared a few years longer, I shall cherish a hope of our one day seeing the living & canvas originals'. The next two pages are difficult to read. Smith appears to say that he and his family have returned to their 'old Quarters' after two years: 'the stations of upper India are greatly inferior to this in many respects, & most particularly in the want of Trees & verdure - I never wish to leave Ghazeepore, except for promotion & should that ever come, it will remove us to Agra'. The letter continues in the same friendly tone.