Autograph letter signed : place not specified, to William Allingham, [1854] Sept. 19.

Concerning his illustration for Allingham's poem "The Maids of Elfin Mere;" discussing Hunt's designs and praising one or two as "remarkably original;" describing his continued work on a design for the Folio and resolving on Hamlet and Ophelia for a subject; discussing Allingham's poetry; mentioning mutual acquaintances and contemporary literary publications. Noting "I've also read some of The Stones of Venice, having received all Ruskin's books from him, a really splendid present, including even the huge plates of Venetian architecture." Praising Wuthering Heights, but noting "it is a fiend of a book -- an incredible monster, combining all the stronger female tendencies from Mrs. Browning to Mrs. Brownrigg. The action is laid in Hell -- only it seems places & people have English names there." Discussing his translations of Italian poetry.