Irving Washington


Washington Irving Regrets not Being Able to Accept an Invitation from Scottish Obstetric Physician, Robert Ferguson, Who Later Attended at the Births of All Queen Victoria's Children



Displayable Autograph Letter Signed "Washington Irving," 1p, 4.5" x 7". Tuesday morning,[London, 1829-1832]. With integral leaf addressed by Irving to "Dr Ferguson / 9 Queen Street / May Fair," with upper left corner attached to the red wax seal when it was opened by the recipient. Two mounting remnants. Fine condition.



In full, "I regret extremely that I am already engaged for Saturday. Nothing could have give me greater pleasure than to meet the party you mention - and I have quite a longing to make the acquaintance of Mr Adam Ferguson. "



From 1829-1832, Washington Irving served as Secretary to U.S. Minister to London Louis McLane. During this time, Irving lived at 8 Argyle Street, Soho, London.



Robert Ferguson (1799-1865) was an Indian-born Scottish obstetric physician. In 1831, he was appointed physician to the Westminster Lying-in Hospital and professor of obstetrics at the newly founded King's College. Ferguson was appointed Physician-Accoucheur to the Queen in 1840, in which capacity he attended, along with obstetrician Sir Charles Locock, at the births of all Queen Victoria's children. Robert Ferguson was grandnephew of Scottish philosopher and historian Adam Ferguson (1723-1816) whose son, Sir Adam Ferguson (1770-1854), Irving wished to meet.



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