ALS and hand written invitation by writer and wit Sydney Smith dated 1836

SMITH, Sydney (1771-1845). Autograph letter signed, along with a contemporary dinner invitation.
London, 33 Charles Street, 10 May 1836.
 
Two items: autograph letter signed to an unnamed correspondent, 1 page; together with a dinner invitation completed in manuscript, 56 Green Street, Grosvenor Square, for 23 May [1836]. Both on pale cream paper. Both in near fine condition.
 
The letter contains Smith’s characteristically ironic observation that “perhaps of the whole catalogue of agreeable poisons, no two of more certain efficacy could have been selected than Almond tart & Curaçao,” before closing with thanks and cordial regards. Signed at foot, with full address and date.
The accompanying invitation, in Smith’s hand, requests “the favour of Mr Sergeant Talfourd’s company at dinner,” specifying time and place. A gathering that would have united two of the most sociable literary figures of the time - Smith and Talfoud, the author of Ion and friend of Dickens.