Origin of the Work entitled ‘The Tower of London’
To the Editor of the ‘Liverpool Post’’
Sir—I hope you will allow me to say that it is half a century since George Cruikshank has been my intimate and valued friend.
I have a vivid recollection of his drawings of the Tower, and of having been frequently in company with the artist while these sketches were in progress; the strong impression on my mind was, and is, that the interesting tale called The Tower of London was mainly written up to George Cruikshank’s drawings, and that they, in a great measure, suggested the story to Mr. Ainsworth.
I think it therefore only right that justice should be done in this matter to the veteran artist who for so many years has amused the world, and striven to raise its moral tone. I enclose my card, and have the honour to be, yours, etc., A. B.
Athenæum Club, London,
22nd April 1872. I
I must add a postscript to say that respecting The Miser’s Daughter I know nothing, as I was living on the Continent at the time it was written; but this I do know, that George Cruikshank is a man of honour, and would not assert anything he did not believe to be true.