Autograph letter signed from Russell to [Lillie?] Rolker, on stationery (9, Sydney Place, Bath), dated 13 November 1908. Probably a response to a fan letter; Russell complains of his decrepitude and gout, sends Miss Rolker a signed portrait of himself, and remarks on a visit from "a most interesting Boston lady--Mrs. Wild," daughter of another nautical novelist, whose brother married Longfellow's daughter. 2 pages. Includes transcript.

William Clark Russell wrote more than forty nautical novels. Immensely popular in their time, his works were admired by contemporary writers, such as Conan Doyle, Stevenson and Meredith, while Swinburne, considered him 'the greatest master of the sea, living or dead'. Based on extensive archival research, Nash explores this remarkable career.