EARLY A.L.S. OF W. M. THACKERAY TO MR. MACRONE, PUBLISHER, DISCOVERED BY MR. GEORGE GREGORY, OF BATH.
(First style of handwriting in 1836.)
The touching letter recording his feelings at the death of his little daughter is, I think, a human document of more than ordinary interest:—
Charles Dickens to Thomas Mitton.
Devonshire Terrace
Nineteenth April 1851
My Dear Mitton,—I have been in trouble, or I should have written to you sooner. My wife has been, and is, far from well. Frederick caused me much vexation and expense. My poor father's death caused me much distress—and more expense—but of that, in such a case I say nothing. I came to London last Monday to preside at a public dinner—played with little Dora my youngest child before I went—and was told, when I left the chair, that she had died in a moment. I am quite myself again, but I have undergone a great deal.
I send you all the papers I have relating to Thompson's affair. I am in town again now and shall be at home on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday mornings. I am not going back to Malvern, but have let this house until September, and taken the Fort at Broadstairs.
Yrs faithfully
C. D.