http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3 http://www.loc.gov/standards/mods/v3/mods-3-2.xsd
Autograph letter to Dalziel on the book "The illustrated horse doctor." Sept. 29, 1859 [manuscript]
4 unnumbered pages on 1 folded sheet ; 17.5 cm
"Kirby Hall Horton Kirby Dartford Kent Sept 29 /59" "Dear Old Dalziel" "The swamp, the soap factory and the river all operating together upon a sickly and disabled body ultimately knocked me down[.] I had no choice bit to beat a hasty retrieat and therefore too advantage of a Lodging kindly offered me by my Brother at this place[.] Next Spring - about March - I hope to get to Rochester where I expect you will discharge your long engaged visit. I shall there be made happy I trust by the company of your Brother[.] By the Bye the Dalziel eyes must be preserved[.] Any injury in that quarter would be a national calamity[.] Besides as soon as this Book is published I shall get at another and look forward to a renewal of my obligations to you[.] Now that all is over and I am released from the anxiety and worry of getting things done I feel my debt toward yourself and talented Brothers[.] The engravings are admirable I only wish the drawing had been worthy of it[.] Your part of the Book has been executed with equal taste ability and judgement[.] Henning is a beast and I have parted with him for ever[.] The engravings [tell?] up as they get with the letter-press[.] This morning I have revised the 96 page or the sixth sheet[.] We have only progressed so far but for that there are reasons[.] The first four sheets had to be cancelled[.] The cause was a misunderstanding on the part of Mr. Allen[.] He supposed I wanted somebody to correct my MSS[.] Accordingly he placed it before some literary hack who regularly emasculated it[.] Took from the draft all energy and character reducing it to a common place Horse Book which it had been my special endeavour to separate it from[.] This vexed me[.] But upon my expostulating all was speedily put right and the work is now printed as I had written it[.] I know nothing of how the cuts will be worked[.] The proofs are sent to be before the engraving are brought up[.] I expected you had seen every [shelt?] before it was pulled[.] Have I your permission to srite to Allen mentioning the matter as I consider it most escential to your Reputation and to our interest that your approval should be obtained before the Press is touched[.] I have every reason to believe Messrs Allen think such is at present done but as a letter is generally supposed to be a confidential communication I shall not stir in the business until I have your permission so to do[.] God bless you[.] Remember me most warmly to the Brothers and [wish?] Mrs Mayhew regards to her former acquaintance[.] I remain yours most Sincerely[,] Edwd Mayhew
Letter is housed in modern morocco-backed cloth boards. 2nd leaf is inlaid to larger leaf with some loss of letters at edge of 4th page.
Letter from Edward Mayhew to George Dalziel, regarding engraving work in "The illustrated horse doctor," first issued in 1860. The "Henning" referred to in the text is probably Archibald Henning, another engraver of the period. The "Brothers" referred to the Brothers Dalziel, or Dalziel Brothers, a firm of engravers founded by George and Edward Dalziel; their brothers John and Thomas joined the firm later.
Bloomsbury Auctions (purchased by TMV, November 8, 2012, lot 227); James Cummins Bookseller (descriptive sheet inside case, 5/1/03). TMV