John Forster (1812-1876), whom we now meet for the first time, one of Lamb's last new friends, was the author, later, of Lives of the Statesmen of the Commonwealth and the Lives also of Goldsmith and of Landor and Dickens, whose close friend he was. His Life of Pym, which was in Vol. II. of the Statesman, did not appear until 1837, but I assume that he had ridden the hobby for some years.]
LETTER 545
CHARLES LAMB TO EDWARD MOXON (?)
[P.M. June 1, 1832.]
I am a little more than half alive— I was more than half dead— the Ladies are very agreeable— I flatter myself I am less than disagreeable— Convey this to Mr. Forster— Whom, with you, I shall just be able to see some 10 days hence and believe me ever yours C.L.
I take Forster's name to be John, But you know whom I mean, the Pym-praiser not pimp-raiser.
[This letter possibly is not to Moxon at all, as the wrapper (on which is the postmark) may belong to another letter.]
LETTER 546
CHARLES LAMB TO THOMAS ALLSOP
July 2, 1832.