Mr. W. H. Wills.
Victoria Hotel, Preston, Friday, Dec. 13th, 1861.
My dear Wills,
The news of the Christmas number is indeed glorious, and nothing can look brighter or better than the prospects of the illustrious publication.
Both Carlisle and Lancaster have come out admirably, though I doubted both, as you did. But, unlike you, I always doubted this place. I do so still. It is a poor place at the best (you remember?), and the mills are working half time, and trade is very bad. The expenses, however, will be a mere nothing. The accounts from Manchester for to-morrow, and from Liverpool for the readings generally, are very cheering indeed.
The young lady who sells the papers at the station is just the same as ever. Has orders for to-night, and is coming "with a person." "The person?" said I. "Never you mind," said she.
I was so charmed with Robert Chambers's "Traditions of Edinburgh" (which I read in Edinburgh), that I was obliged to write to him and say so.
Glasgow finished nobly, and the last night in Edinburgh was signally successful and positively splendid.
Will you give my small Admiral, on his personal application, one sovereign? I have told him to come to you for that recognition of his meritorious services.
Ever faithfully.