Autograph Letter Signed to Canon [Edward Haderezer] Knowles.

English runic archaeologist (1813-95). The recipient (c.1820-1896) was Principal of St Bees Theological College in Cumbria. Three pages, octavo. A frail survival, in poor condition, on discoloured, fraying paper, with several closed tears and loss to second leaf of bifolium, affecting three lines of text, and repaired with archival tape. Red letterhead vignette of stone with runic inscription. 'Your favor of the 13th has followed me to this place, my son's estate, where I have a large part of my library, Museum and Collections, as he has plenty of room in his large house. I was delighted to hear once more from my honored and learned friend Canon Simmons, [...] Your communication is another proof of your interest in scientific questions, [...] I have never been able to get to the Irton stone, but from all I know it is, as you say, pretty nearly past help.' Discusses the 'Brough stone', of which an engraving 'is now ready, or will be when I get back to Denmark'. 'Its formula is unique. So is its dialect. [...] Certain it is that it is the oldest-Christian, in a North-English talk, and in the Old-Northern runish . [...] What a glorious thing it would be if you could find a rune-written stone or Font or weapon or jewel in Cumberland!' He is going to Calmar in three weeks time, 'to attend the Swedish Archaeological meeting there. Thence I run over home' to Denmark (address given) where he plans to 'recomce printing Vol. 3'.