JAMES FERGUSSON. ALS: "Jas Fergusson", 2p, 4x6, conjoined leaves. Edinburgh, 1878 July 25. On embossed stationery to "My Dear Cooke". In full: "It has been raining here all day almost as if it intended doing so all the afternoon & consequently as it [illegible] me the [illegible] to visit Glen Andrea, for the present time, in rain I have made up my mind to defer my visit till Monday next. If that day will suit you - thinking it may, I shall [illegible] change has not put you to any inconvenience; I remain Sincerely". In the year he wrote this letter, Fergusson published The Temples of the Jews and the other Buildings in the Haram Area at Jerusalem. Scottish writer James Fergusson (1808-1886) is best known for his writings on architecture, including such books as The Rock-cut Temple of India (1845), The Handbook of Architecture (1855; reissued ten years later as The History of Architecture), History of Modern Architecture (1862) and The History of Indian and Eastern Architecture (1876). He also wrote a number of essays on architecture and archaeology. In 1871, Fergusson, who never actually practiced architecture, received the gold medal of the Royal Institute of British Architects. Lightly creased with folds, lower horizontal fold at the upper loops of the "J" and "F" of signature. Minor show through of ink. Lightly soiled. ¼-inch tear at lower right margin and nick at upper right margin of integral leaf. Overall, fine condition.