Letter from Dimitri Ivanovich Dolgorouki (Dolgorukov), Madrid, to Washington Irving, 1828 December 29 : autograph manuscript signed.

He was pleased to learn of the new work Irving has sent a part to London and is delighted with the subject matter. Dolgorouki says it suits Irving's genius so well and is sure to have an even greater success than he has already achieved. He says that it was time for someone to write about the Moorish chivalry and Christian perseverance, the places so filled with charm, and the superb character of Ferdinand and Isabella. [The work in question is probably The Chronicle of the Conquest of Granada, which was published in 1829 under a pseudonym.] This highly animated subject, he says, required not just a regular historical presentation but the application of imagination. He says that the success with which Irving has written about Spanish history is well worth the trouble of making the voyage there, and Irving must be inspired by the vitality and forcefulness of Spanish historical figures as compared to pale modern people. He says that while Irving has been occupying himself with dead people in Seville, live people in Madrid have been occupying themselves with him. He has enclosed a certificate of admission to The Royal Academy of History [of Spain], to which he has been unanimously admitted by its members. He knows that a piece of paper or a title is something of little importance, but his is delighted that a high public institution has recognized Irving. He is very happy to have been chosen to send the certificate to Irving. Dolgorouki is making plans for the spring--a return to Russia, where he hasn't been for 7 years. If his request is not accepted, he'll go to see Irving in Seville in February. He has had news from Stoffregen, who is getting along well with his new supervisor in Stuttgart. He misses Spain. He has had no news from Gessler since the day before his wedding and fears that all is not well.