Letter from Dimitri Ivanovich Dolgorouki (Dolgorukov), Madrid, to Washington Irving, 1828 March 5 and 11 : autograph manuscript signed.

Expressing his sadness at the departure of Irving from Madrid. Wilkie misses him, too, and the other members of their circle. Dolgourouki has convinced Wilkie to do a portrait from life of [Duke Jose de] Palafox, as the main subject of his painting of the Siege of Saragossa (Zaragoza). He has developed a new style of painting, but Dolgourouki doesn't think his compatriots will like it. News of the translation of Irving's latest work in French has appeared in the newspaper. It is being translated by [Auguste-Jean-Baptiste] Defauconpret, who translated works by Sir Walter Scott. The newspaper article said that it was under the orders of the U.S. government that Irving undertook the writing of this work and that Irving had unique access to almost unknown sources entirely at his disposal. Dolgorouki assumes that this is the same article that provoked Irving's response to Gueigniaire[?]. The work will be published in Paris on December 15 [1828]. [The work is probably A History of the Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus, which was published in 1828.] Irving's effects were sent off that morning, and Dolgorouki specified which were to go to Seville and which to Cadiz. (in Marie's hand) Expressing her regret that Irving has left, since life was gayer when he was there. (in Constance Dubois's hand) Expressing her regret at his departure. She also regrets no longer being able to play music with Seigneur Blondin or playing the game of "moulin" with Ges[s]ler. (in Dolgorouki's hand, dated March 11) He speaks of a painting [by Wilkie] that all of Madrid is wild about. Dolgorouki said that he has included a letter for the head archivist for India in Seville, which he thought would be of use to Irving. He renews the affectionate wishes of all his family. He hopes that the king will be spending the summer in Aranjuez.