At present, it remains in the same state as when you saw it, nor am I desirous to accede to its removal from my shelves until you shall again repeat your visit, agreeably to your promise.
When may I expect that gratification? Should you deem the mass, as particularized in my printed catalogue, too voluminous to purchase, what say you with possession of the 13 volumes in folio not noticed in my catalogue containing 2078 Autographs including Letters and illustrated with 1000 portraits with Short Biographical notices, subjoined, written by myself and bound by Herring in morocco with leather joints. Their contents comprise Sovereigns, Statesmen, Divines, Lawyers, Noble and Military Officers, Medical men, Authors, Men of Science, Artists, Actors, Musicians, Foreigners and celebrated Women with property; printed Title pages and Indexes.
All the Autographs are mounted on tinted drawing paper and those who have examined the drawings pronounce them to be altogether unique. The collecting and writing of the Memoirs cost me 3 years' labour. When my friend Dawson Turner inspected them in 1830 he furnished me with his opinion of its merits of which the following is a copy:—
My dear Upcott,—You asked me as to the value of the 13 volumes of Autographs and I should be glad that, if you are disposed to sell them, I might be allowed to place a price upon them for I have often examined them as you know very carefully, and now think that nobody is much better able than myself to esteem property of this description. Pass on a few short years and these volumes will be one of the best Biographical Records in existence.
Considered in the four-fold character which they derive from the interest of the individuals they contain, the beauty of the portraits the care you have taken in illustrating the history of the parties and the exquisite beauty and taste with which they are put together:—I certainly know no series of the kind equally desirable, and I regard the whole as unquestionably unique. Such is my idea of their merit, and their price I should say should be at least seven hundred pounds.
I am a single man, without a relation possessing a corresponding feeling with myself. My earnest desire therefore is to see all my articles of vertu as well as Pictures, Drawings, Autographs, and curiously Illustrated Books, pass from me to other hands who can appreciate their works, without the notoriety of a public sale. My friend Turner's valuation of the 13 volumes just alluded to has, I find, been backed by the opinion of other collectors, yet if you should entertain the idea of possessing them I will part with them for 500 Guineas.
An early answer, stating when I shall be likely to see you will be esteemed a favour, as my intention is to go to Paris for a short time about the end of the month.
Believe me to remain, dear Sir,
Your ever faithful servant,
William Upcott.
P.S.—Did you mention to your friend my small collection of Original Pictures? You kindly told me you would favour me with his company. My best compliments were on Mr. Lomax and Mr. Bentley, your travelling companions.
It was to his brother autograph collector, Mr. Dawson Turner, of Yarmouth, that Upcott dedicated in 1818 his standard work on the literature of English topography. Mr. Greaves, of Isham Hall, Manchester, apparently missed the chance of a lifetime. He might have acquired for £500 what would be now worth £15,000 or even £20,000.