[ William Howitt, Victorian author. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('W. Howitt') to a 'Dear Friend', regarding a coming Chancery action against 'Saunders', 'Dilke', and the 'Autograph and Album mania' ('the great pestilence of the day').

4pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly-aged. Written in a difficult hand, but with an accompanying contemporary manuscript transcription on a separate leaf. Addressed to 'Dear Friend'. He begins by saying that he is sending autographs, but explains that, so great is his 'horror', that it is his practice to 'destroy all that come into my hands. | Without reference to you in particular, I regard the Autograph and Album mania as the great pestilence of the day'. Other references to 'a small advert: in the Monthly', 'old Speeches', and a legal action 'in Chancery to get rid of Saunders' including an 'agreement of Dissolution which provides that "nothing about the Partnership shall be published" - and as he directly, in opposition to the Umpire & his own Solicitor broke it by printing & publishing his case, as he calls it - there is no alternative with such a fellow but Law.' The letter ends: 'I have given Dilke his dose, I will now give this villain his.' (Presumably a reference to Charles Wentworth Dilke, who had retired as editor of the Athenaeum in 1846.) In a postscript he sends regards 'to all at home', and thanks the recipient for 'the Shakespeare Plates'.