Autograph letter signed by writer Bret Harte dated 1881 Glasgow

HARTE, Bret (1836-1902). Autograph letter signed. Glasgow, 13 January 1881.
 
Autograph letter signed using his initials, written on headed paper of the Consulate of the United States of America, Glasgow. Single sheet folded, 125 x 200 mm, written over three pages, the fourth page with a later bookseller's pencil note, "Autograph of Bret Harte". Old horizontal and vertical folds, light handling and minor age wear, otherwise Very Good.
 
A letter from Harte during his period as United States Consul in Glasgow, discussing his forthcoming lecturing engagements and, his reluctance to give public readings from literary works.
 
Writing to an unidentified correspondent, Harte asks whether an engagement planned for the 18th might be moved to the 19th, explaining that he has recently returned from a dismal journey and has much consular work to complete in preparing his yearly reports. He then turns to the question of recitations: "I have never read from my own works or indeed anybody's works, in public. I may gravely doubt my ability!" The letter closes with a characteristically memorable complaint about his Scottish surroundings: "This climate is slowly killing me." A letter with good content from the US writer.