5 Stratford Place.
30 June 1865

Dear Mrs. Ford,
I send you 2 photographs for your collection; — one, (the most professional,) was done this winter: the other — (the head,) — some time back: it is said by my friends to be a mixture of Socrates, Sir John Falstaff & Sancho Panza, & has an air preclusive of apoplexy.
Last evening at Dorchester House was a regular treat but I wonder if many of the pedestrians were drowned, for the rain after midnight was unpleasant, however “good for the country.”

Believe me,

Your’s sicerely,

Edward Lear.

Diary 29 June 1865:

… Cab to Dorchester House at 10.30, Magnificenza. Saw many people, & passed a pleasant time till 1. When the Digby Wyatts took me home in pouring rain. …

The Saleroom:

LEAR EDWARD: (1812-1888) English Artist, Illustrator and writer, remembered for his nonsensical poetry and limericks. A.L.S., Edward Lear, two pages, 8vo, Stratford Place, 30th June 1865, to Mrs. Ford. Lear sends his correspondent two photographs (no longer present), evidently of himself, for her collection, remarking ‘it is said by my friends to be a mixture of Socrates, Sir John Falstaff & Sancho Panza, & has an air preclusive of apoplexy.’ He further remarks on the previous evening at Dorchester House being ‘a regular treat’ although comments ‘I wonder if many pedestrians were drowned, for the rain after midnight was unpleasant, however “good for the country”‘. A small area of discolouration only lightly affects part of the text of the first page, otherwise VG

Thanks to St4ephen Duckworth.