“Tuesday, December 14, 1852.
“My dear Charley Boy,
“Hip! hip! hurrah! The almanack is finished, and now for a day with the Puckeridge.
“I shall come down if you will take me in on Friday evening, to hunt on Saturday and Monday, I hope. Mark talked of coming. I wish he would. He says he should not ride, but that’s all nonsense. Do you think Pattison has got a horse that would carry him? Oh, I have had a rare benefit of work! I have been positively at it ever since I saw you. I want freshening up, I assure you.... Lots of fresh work, old fellow, so I think I may manage a real horse soon.
*****
“With kindest regards.
“Ever faithfully yours,
“John Leech.”
“Notting Hill Terrace,
“January 26, 1853.
“My dear Charley,