Autograph Letter Signed to unnamed male clerical correspondent [the Rev. Dr Thomas Frognall Dibdin].

Two pages, 8vo. In good condition despite paper discoloration and smudging of text by author. Traces of stub adhering to one edge. An interesting letter from one of the engraver's to Dibdin's Northern Tour (1838), and important for the light it sheds on the book's production. Douglas greets Dibdin as 'Rev Sir'. He is sending his draft and has 'revised all the plates and sent them to Mr Johnstone to be proved'. Johnstone will send them on with the drawings. He has seen 'Mr. Hill' who is 'quite pleased with the engraving of the Abbey and acknowledges the improvement I have made on the Architecture'. Dobbie is not yet sure whether to 'part with the vignettes - I am not very heart-burning about them, but if they do come to me, I will undertake to get them done within the time you allow, in as fine a Style as D. could do them - and for the same terms'. Signed 'Willm. Douglas'. 'Mr. William Douglas, of Edinburgh' is commended on page 354 of the book for an 'exquisitely reduced' engraving. There are examples of his work on pages 356 and 361, and there is a piece by 'D. O. Hill S.A.' on page 472, and one facing page 366 by John Johnstone.