Letter from Dimitri Ivanovich Dolgorouki (Dolgorukov), Madrid, to Washington Irving, 1828 June 10 : autograph manuscript signed.

Reproaching Irving for not writing to him about what he's doing in Seville, although he knows how busy he is with his research. He says that his plan to go visit Irving has become unfeasible. Stoffregen received from the ministry the order to return immediately to Stuttgart where he has been named chargé d'affaires in the absence of his new boss. Dolgorouki will be replacing Stoffregen, and the son of the Russian ambassador in London will be coming to replace him. Because of all these continual changes, Dolgorouki is distressed at how nothing is lasting, how time changes everything. Too much movement, too much getting used to new things and places. He regrets the departure of Stoffregen, a fine, discreet, and reliable man. His family, however, is a great consolation. Wilkie has left Madrid. He regrets not having seen his paintings that Irving praised. The whole family is busy reading Irving's work on Columbus. Its style is being praised as the greatest production of modern literature. He is sure that the book's reception is giving Irving confidence and courage and is proud to be the friend of someone who has received so much praise. The Vicomte de St-Priest has been named French ambassador to Spain. Miguel is about to proclaim himself absolute monarch [of Portugal]. Civil war is erupting there. He has not had news of the Russo-Turkish war, but it appears that victory will be swift and decisive. Europe is on the verge of great events, but Irving should not worry--he is safe in Seville.