Autograph Letter Signed to Colonel [George Thomas] Haly.

Scottish diplomat and governor of India (1819-98). Four pages, 12mo. On mourning paper. Folded twice. Creased and grubby and with traces of previous mounting adhering. Slight loss at foot of first leaf of bifoliate, affecting one word of text. Headed 'Private'. Haly's letter to the private secretary of the Governor of Madras has been placed in Napier's hands. 'I regret that I feel myself under the necessity of declining the dedication of your intended work. [presumably Haly's 'The Abyssinian expedition' (1867)] I have adopted the rule of declining the dedication of books while I am Governor and no one is likely to honor me in that form after I have ceased to be so. Dedications are too apt to become the occasion for making unconventional compliments and they have no real effect in giving value or popularity to books.' He is sure that Haly's motive is 'kindly meant'. 'The subject to which you have directed your attention is an interesting and important one and your ability and merits are recognized here by better judges than I am altho' I fear there will be great difficulty in offering you the description of official employment which by a previous letter you appeared to contemplate.' Signed 'Napier'.