[ William Hepworth Thompson, Master of Trinity College, Cambridge. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('W. H Thompson') to 'My dear Pollock' [ Sir Frederick Pollock ], on Samuel Laurence's portrait of James Spedding. With annotated photograph of the portrait.

Both letter and photograph in good condition, with light signs of age. LETTER: 2pp., 12mo. Bifolium, with mourning border. He is enclosing the photograph, which 'poor Laurence [...] executed in his decling years & promised to Trinity College. His daughter loyally carried out his wishes, & the portrait (life size) hangs in our LIbrary.' (Laurence had died earlier in the year, from the effects of an operation.) He is sending a second copy of the photograph (not present) for 'Professor Frederick, who has left record of his affection for our dear friend'. Thompson thinks that 'Lady Pollock will be pleased with the likeness, which seems to be that of a man of 40 at most'. He assumes that Laurence worked from 'some sketch of S. taken at that time of his life'. PHOTOGRAPH: The photograph of the painting is on a carte de visite by Hill & Saunders of Cambridge. With manuscript note on the back, which also carries the engraved details of the firm.