AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED (ALS) to his Nephew

Tarrytown, 31 December 1836. Letter. Splitting to the intersecting folds and a small area of seal-related paper loss to the last page. Very Good. Interesting three-page letter by the creator of Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow on a 16" x 10" sheet of paper folded in half and SIGNED at the conclusion "Washington Irving" to his nephew the Rev. Pierre Irving, author of THE LIFE & LETTERS OF WASHINGTON IRVING. Irving asks about his other nephew, Pierre's brother, Theodore, also a Reverend and author: "I am happy to hear that Theodore is making such strenuous efforts to prepare himself for the important trust about to be confided to him. It will of course take some little time and discipline to get himself into complete training; his desultory studies and readings have all to be brought to bear upon one pursuit, and in many cases to be followed out and completed.... The way in which he has acquitted himself in the study of modern languages and in various literary undertakings, while under my eye, convinces me that he has but to pursue his present course of preparation to enable himself to discharge the duties of the professorship in a highly satisfactory manner. He must not suffer himself, therefore, to be discouraged by the novelty of the task, and the apparent difficulties which may [?] it.... I am passing the winter most happily in my cottage, and feel more and more delighted with the quiet little house which I have [?] for myself.... The peaceful view my window is wintry but brilliant and beautiful. The Tappen Zee wind.... Your Uncle Peter continues as [?] of the cottage and I trust will henceforth make it his regular home." Addressed on the reverse in Irving's hand with a red wax seal.