Austen Henry LAYARD (1817-1894)

Autograph Letter Signed (“AH Layard”) to an unidentified lady, accepting an invitation, explaining a failure to respond, and making further arrangements.

2 pages 8vo with integral blank leaf on writing paper embossed with the crest of the Athenaeum, 9 Little Ryder Street, 30 May 1853.

“It will give me much pleasure to dine with you on Monday next. I regret that I was too hurried to return an answer when you were good eno’ to leave your note, but I had that moment returned to town from the country and had an engagement to fulfil. I should have much pleasure in waiting upon you this evening if I can get away from the House of Commons.”

Having achieved fame for his excavations in Mesopotamia, Layard was elected to Parliament in 1852 as Liberal member for Aylesbury.

The letter has been mounted on stiff card which has left glue stains on the blank leaf, but the letter itself is in clear, legible condition.

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