Alexander Pope autograph letter signed, reflecting upon the illness and character of his mentor, Lord Peterborough (Charles Mordaunt, 3rd Earl of Peterborough). Pope writes to Samuel Buckley, publisher of the Daily Courant, the first daily newspaper in England, Scotland, and Ireland from Southampton, England on 26 August [1735], in part, ''...This is partly to tell you I received the last marks of yr. kind Readiness to oblige me, in yr. notes & yr. Books ye send me: but it was just as I was taking Coach for Southampton, where to take leave (I fear my last) of my Lord Peterborrow. I write from his Couch-side, where he lies in great pain sometimes, but in spirit still & talks of answering ye misrepresentations of Bish: Burnet's History before he dies. Tis hard, yt when a great Man has labored thro a life of public service or cares, the first scenes of it are liable to ye Envy of Contemporaries, & ye last to ye Caprice of Historians. I really think it worth no man's while to do any great or good action for any other motive than the inward satisfaction of his own conscience in ye good done. I am always Sir yr. obliged & faithful Servt. / A. Pope''. Single page on card-style stationery has integral address cover to verso. Measures 7.25'' x 8.75''. Professional restoration on verso, adding paper to cover where wax seal was torn open, and also to bottom part of first page, not affecting text. Very good plus condition.