Office of "All the Year Round,"
Wednesday, Jan. 9th, 1861.
My dearest Georgy,
"We" are in the full swing of stopping managers from playing "A Message from the Sea." I privately doubt the strength of our position in the Court of Chancery, if we try it; but it is worth trying.
I am aware that Mr. Lane of the Britannia sent an emissary to Gad's Hill yesterday. It unfortunately happens that the first man "we" have to assert the principle against is a very good man, whom I really respect.
I have no news, except that I really hope and believe I am gradually getting well. If I have no check, I hope to be soon discharged by the medico.
Ever affectionately.
P.S.—Best love to Mamie, also to the boys and Miss Craufurd.
Office of "All the Year Round," 26, Wellington Street, W.C.,
Tuesday Evening, Jan. 9th, 1861.
Dear Sir,
I feel it quite hopeless to endeavour to present my position before you, in reference to such a letter as yours, in its plain and true light. When you suppose it would have cost Mr. Thackeray "but a word" to use his influence to obtain you some curatorship or the like, you fill me with the sense of impossibility of leading you to a more charitable judgment of Mr. Dickens.