A handwritten and signed letter by Captain Matthew Webb, the first person to swim the English Channel unaided. Mounted to paper, with an attached newspaper clipping on his death.

'Dear Maxfield, I received your letter this morning on my return from Sheffield where I lectured and swam yesterday. I do three days in Manchester next week, I will try and come down on Monday night but will let you know later on for certain. I enclose a copy of the way you had better announce me on the bills. I read my lecture and have my swimming costume on under my clothes so as to go in the water immediately afterwards, the two occupying about half an hour which I can make longer or shorter if required. On Sunday last my wife presented me with a son and heir so I am getting a family man now. Hoping you are quite well and that this hot weather will do you good. Believe me, Yours faithfully, Matthew Webb'