Autograph Letter Signed to Edward Tootal, manufacturer, friend of Nasmyth, Fairburn, etc.

Civil engineer, 1803-1859 (DNB). Three pages, 8vo, affixed by verso of conjugal leaf to mount, advising him of contacts in Italy: "Ten years or thereabouts have slipped away since I was in Italy and it is scarcely credible that when I received your note I began to think over my old friends in that quarter of the world. I found they were all, or nearly all, removed or dead - Fenzi the Banker at Florence is I believe alive, but his bank stopped a few years ago and I don't know what are his circumtances or I would give you a note to him ... I do not know a soul in Rome or Naples except Gibson the sculptor who is no doubt known to you personally ... I hope to give you a call at the Eastern in the course of the week ...". A good example demonstrating Stephenson's interest in art. Edward Tootal was a leading Manchester businessman with an interest in the railways, among his other friends was James Nasmyth.