NASMYTH, James (1808-1890). Engineer and inventor of the steam-hammer.
Autograph Letter Signed to [Samuel?] Smiles, 4 pages 8vo, Penshurst, Kent, 22 November 1887. Thanking his correspondent for the book sent, which is especially welcome as the weather is atrocious and he must stay by his fireside, and enquiring if there was any interest in his autobiography at Murrays' sale.

'... This vile "Beastorly North Eastorly" chilling weather causes to keep near the hearth rug which is the best place almost at all times for a bit of pleasant reading. ... Except the unmistakable little hints the nearing approach of my 80^th year naturally gives me I am in fair good health. ...'

A thumb print at the end of the letter is titled 'Hys marke / a fine impression before letters'.
[No: 7948]