Letter from Dimitri Ivanovich Dolgorouki (Dolgorukov), place not identified, to Washington Irving, no date : autograph manuscript, fragment.

Thanking Irving for letting him know that the portrait of Columbus he sent him met with his approval. He may be able to go see Irving in Seville before he embarks on his trip along the coast of Africa. Gessler wrote to him that he would like to join Irving on this trip. Mr. d'Oubril is not against the idea of allowing Gessler to go, and Dolgorouki has already begun working on ways to reconcile such a voyage with the interests of the Russian embassy. Dolgorouki is reading Irving's work on Columbus a second time. He says that every expression is worthy of (Queen) Isabella and every thought is worthy of Columbus. He is seduced by the style and the noble simplicity of the language. He asks Irving where he should write to him while he's away and asks if he is planning to return to live in Seville after the trip. He asks Irving to send him his new work about the Granada War. He assures Irving that he will send him the third volume and the facsimile of Columbus at Mr. Ettler's address. Message from Marie (in her hand) thanking him for sending his regards to her. (in Constance Dubois's hand in English) She had intended to write him a long letter but has not had the time. She apologizes for having such flippant concerns. She hopes that he will write her an account of his trip along the African coast. She expects it and the ghost story he promised her with the greatest impatience.