Crossword Genius

A slightly touching letter to old Harry (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

snick

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'old harry' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'a slightly touching letter' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'letter' could be 's' and 's' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'nick' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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