Cricklewood, London, N.W. - Is acquainted with Houghton through Leeds Exhibition; is trying to obtain a literary pension for [Stefano Ignazio] Valletta, whom he found in sad want at the British Museum Library. Encloses copy of letter from Gladstone and draft of Memorial to the Prime Minister [Disraeli]; asks if Houghton will add his name. Valletta is a scholar with no political connections. Postscript: sends a lecture in English by Valletta [no longer present]. (2 ff.)
Enclosed: copy of letter, 26 Dec. 1874, from William Ewart Gladstone to George Redford (1 f.). Gladstone's own rule forbids his signing the Memorial, but this letter may be used; his sense of Valletta's fitness for aid from the Royal Bounty is confirmed by the Duke of Simoneta's letter. Also draft Memorial in favour of S. I. Valetta, teacher of Italian language and literature in London for forty years.