Faithfully yours.
Mr. Percy Fitzgerald.
Gad's Hill, July 21st, 1867.
My dear Fitzgerald,
I am heartily glad to get your letter, and shall be thoroughly well pleased to study you again in the pages of A. Y. R.
I have settled nothing yet about America, but am going to send Dolby out on the 3rd of next month to survey the land, and come back with a report on some heads whereon I require accurate information. Proposals (both from American and English speculators) of a very tempting nature have been repeatedly made to me; but I cannot endure the thought of binding myself to give so many readings there whether I like it or no; and if I go at all, am bent on going with Dolby single-handed.
I have been doing two things for America; one, the little story to which you refer; the other, four little papers for a child's magazine. I like them both, and think the latter a queer combination of a child's mind with a grown-up joke. I have had them printed to assure correct printing in the United States. You shall have the proof to read, with the greatest pleasure. On second thoughts, why shouldn't I send you the children's proof by this same post? I will, as I have it here, send it under another cover. When you return it, you shall have the short story.
Believe me, always heartily yours.
Mr. Percy Fitzgerald.
EXTRACT.