Letter from Dimitri Ivanovich Dolgorouki (Dolgorukov), Barcelona, to Washington Irving, 1828 January 27-28 : autograph manuscript signed.

Dolgorouki's time in Barcelona is not about to end. The king is ill again, and Dolgourouki's stay is becoming more one of politics than pleasure.Irving is apparently getting ready to leave, and he regrets not being able to say good-bye to him in person. But he tells him not to put off his departure because of that. He hopes that Stoffregen [secretary of the Russian embassy] will have the opportunity to travel with Irving and praises him. Mr. D'Oubril [the Russian minister in Madrid] will make all the arrangements to make this possible. He mentions Mme D'Oubril and congratulates Irving on his appearance in the salon of the Duchess of Benavente. Talks about Wilkie, whom he feels will never get the fame he deserves. Speaks of a three-day trip with [Horace de] Viel-Castel, in which they visited the convent of Monserrat. Goes on to rhapsodize about traveling, giving advice to Irving on what to see in Spain, especially Barcelona and Valencia. (dated January 28) Speaking about a visit to Mataró, near Barcelona, then about a concert at the governor of Barcelona's that he attended upon his return. Talks about the relationship between Antoinette [Bolviller] and Constance [Dubois]. One of them apparently replied to a letter to the other in a manner unworthy of her. The king's health is improving.