Autograph letter signed : Portsmouth, to Capt. Basil Hall, 1831 Oct. 27.

Discussing his novel The Antiquary, noting "it is one of the very few of my works of fiction which contains a portrait from life" and describing his relationship with Mr. James Chalmers (on whom the character Jonathan Oldbuck is based). Noting that his preference for the novel "is from its connection [with] the early scenes of my life." Referencing the trip to the Continent that he is about to embark upon, noting it is "just as was the case with me in my tenth year," and further remarking "Well! I am not the first who has ended life as he began and is bound to remember with gratitude those who have been willing to assist him in his voyage whether in youth or age amongst which I must include old George Constable and yourself."