Smith, Sydney (1771-1845) Autograph manuscript signed. Addressed to Miss Caroline Elton, December 10, 1840

File — Box: 1, Folder: 49

Staff Only

Scope and Content

From the Collection:

This collection consists of letters and supporting documentation, books on the art of letter writing, a small miscellaneous grouping of catalogs and photographs, and issues of The Wolf Magazine of Letters from June-July 1979 to Summer Quarterly 1991. The earliest letter, from the Marquise de Sevigne, dates from 1695; while the most recent was signed by entertainer Mike Douglas in 1980. Most of the letters date from the 19th century. The collection, which now numbers 85 letters, will continue to grow; in conjunction with his gift, Mr. Lang established a gift annuity to be used for the maintenance and augmentation of the collection.

Dates

Creation: December 10, 1840

Creator

Smith, Sydney (Author, Person)

Language of Materials

From the Collection:

The records are in English

Restrictions on Access

There are no restrictions on access to this collection.

Extent

From the Collection: 1.26 linear feet

Additional Description

Condition

Good. Holograph manuscript, minor browning and staining. Some chipping in upper right, weak folds, tape along left edge

1.25 pages, 9"x 7"

Transcription

[page 1]

[top left, embossed seal]

Sydney Smith

As one who long in rural hamlets pent Where fairies, and parsons deep potations make With lengthened tale of fox, or timid hare or antlerd stag by hound and horn sore prest forth issuing on a winters morn to reach in chase, or coach the London Babylon Remote; from each thing met conceives delight or cab, or car, or evening Muffin Bell or lamps, each city sight each city sound

If chance with Nymph-like step Jane - pass What pleasing seemd for her now pleases more She most and in her look sums all delight

read charming young lady the original simile in the 9th book of the Paradise Lost and see how (XX) I am to Milton -- in giving a preference to cities I think I am generally right -- at the same time I feel

[page 2]

in writing to you that there are human beings who could level all these distinctions and render the populous living in the rural hamlet equally agreeable.

Sydney Smith

December 10 1840 Miss Caroline Elton