Autograph letter signed from Abbot Lawrence to Sir Charles Lyell, dated 5 February 1850, Piccadilly, London: "I need not say to you that I am greatly obliged for your kind note. If I were in condition to dine out, I should avail myself of the honor and the pleasure of your invitation. I wish very much to meet the persons composing your society. I have not yet ventured to walk out, but I drive every day. My health is improving rapidly, and I hope very soon to be able to go among men again. Your book cannot too soon be again accessible to the public. It has done more to do away with false impressions and National prejudices than all the books that have been published by English Travellers in the United States, during the last twenty years [...]". With engraved portrait (ca. 135 x 174 mm) and signature.