Scottish civil engineer (1761-1821). Autograph letter signed. Prestonkirk. 19.09.1815. 4to. 2 pp.
$ 692 / 650 €
(82371/BN53370)
To the English mathematician and surveyor Dr. Charles Hutton (1737-1823), regarding the intended purchase of Hutton's library by the British Museum: "In consequence of the conversation that passed between you and me the last time I had the pleasure of seeing you, relative the disposal of your Library, I wrote to Mr. [George] Rose at Cuffnell & from him I received a decided letter of approbation - but he said that he would write to the Speaker & that he would send me the result of his application, this result was sent to me here - the copy of which I have annexed.
I think I may now venture to congratulate you on the probability I may almost say certainty of your Library being purchased for the British Museum. I mentioned that the price of the Library had been to you about £3000 but that to despair of it altogether you would take about £2000 [...]". - A little browned; small marginal flaws. Mounted on a strip of paper. Previously in the collection of the English novelist Catherine Hutton (1756-1846), with a note in her handwriting on verso stating that Sir Joseph Banks prevented the library's purchase. Accompanied by an engraved portrait of Rennie, mounted on paper..