To B.F.Stevens

ALS to B.F.Stevens, dated [Friday] 1 February 1889. A single card with rounded corners, 90x115mm, monogram left and embossed address right.

The Public Face of Wilkie Collins IV 357.

[monogram]

[82 WIMPOLE STREET.
W.]

1st February 1889
Dear Sir,
I beg to thank you for your
letter. The proposal with which you
favour me has been sent to the
friend (and representative) who manages
my literary business---Mr. A.P.Watt,
of 2. Paternoster Square---who will
reply on my behalf.

Believe me, faithfully yours
Wilkie Collins

B.F.Stevens Esqre

NOTES
Benjamin Franklin Stevens (1833-1902). Born in Vermont USA he established B. F. Stevens & Brown Ltd., a despatch agency for the USA, then at 4 Trafalgar Square. Stevens was a member of the Grolier Club (NY) from 1897 until his death.

Alexander Pollock Watt (1834-1914) was Wilkie's literary agent from December 1881 when he invited him to negotiate the rights to Heart and Science, to his death. Wilkie wrote to Watt on the same day as this card 'Here is another American proposal. I have told Mr Stevens that his letter has been sent to you. Does "prior publication in the United States" mean that I am to sell my English copyright -- or rather sacrifice my English copyright? I shall be curious to know what sum they would offer me for such an act of resignation as this!' The Public Face of Wilkie Collins IV 357-358.