Autograph letter signed : Chamouni, to W.H. Harrison, 1856 Aug. 16.

Saying that if Mr. Harrison would write once more to John before they return, they would have "a four months Biography" more agreeable and readable than Lord John's 8 volumes on Thomas Moore. He could hope to give no return, most people's letters on their travels being less interesting than letters written from home. And yet the object of their travels has been obtained, Mrs. Ruskin no longer suffering from frequent loss of blood. They have been long away, but she needed a long rest from household care. It may seem strange that she should have needed such relief, but "Mrs. R. seems at home to drive an immense imaginary establishment all day." Although the servants are "of 10, 20, & 40 years standing," they most considerately never act without her authority and "continue to worry their Mistress all day for orders and instructions about anything or nothing so that living at an Hotel is perhaps a very salutary relief." Nor does he object to taking his ease at an inn this summer, the Vine Disease having invaded the Spanish vineyards; "if few or no Sherries are produced the less we sell this year the better." His son is remarkably well, and at present on some glacier. The many noises amidst which they live, from the thunder of the swollen Arveron(?) to the firing on cannon to mark a successful ascent of Mont Blanc or the Grands Mulets(?). His regret that Camberwell Fair is at an end; it supplied his son with part of his and Mrs. Ruskin with quantities of gingerbread and nuts which she consumed, though she is "very angry" that he regrets the passing of the Fair. Comments on news Mr. Harrison has sent of Mr. & Mrs. Colvin and David Roberts. Thanks also "for your perturbation on seeing `Letters to Beginners in Art'--advertised--the notice is in good time," not a line of the book being as yet written. Mr. Harrison is "likely to see it as soon as anyone."