Volume I Part 1 (1/2)

The Letters of Charles d.i.c.kens.

by Charles d.i.c.kens.

VOL 1.

PREFACE.

Since our publication of ”The Letters of Charles d.i.c.kens” we have received the letters addressed to the late Lord Lytton, which we were unable to procure in time for our first two volumes in consequence of his son's absence in India. We thank the Earl of Lytton cordially for his kindness in sending them to us very soon after his return. We also offer our sincere thanks to Sir Austen H. Layard, and to the senders of many other letters, which we now publish for the first time.

With a view to making our selection as complete as possible, we have collected together the letters from Charles d.i.c.kens which have already been published in various Biographies, and have chosen and placed in chronological order among our new letters those which we consider to be of the greatest interest.

As our Narrative was finished in our second volume, this volume consists of Letters _only_, with occasional foot-notes wherever there are allusions requiring explanation.

MAMIE d.i.c.kENS.

GEORGINA HOGARTH.

VOL 1.

1836 to 1839.

[Sidenote: Mr. John Hullah.]

FURNIVAL'S INN, _Sunday Evening (1836)_ (?).

MY DEAR HULLAH,

Have you seen _The Examiner_? It is rather depreciatory of the opera; but, like all inveterate critiques against Braham, so well done that I cannot help laughing at it, for the life and soul of me. I have seen _The Sunday Times_, _The Dispatch_, and _The Satirist_, all of which blow their critic trumpets against unhappy me most l.u.s.tily. Either I must have grievously awakened the ire of all the ”adapters” and their friends, or the drama must be decidedly bad. I haven't made up my mind yet which of the two is the fact.

I have not seen the _John Bull_ or any of the Sunday papers except _The Spectator_. If you have any of them, bring 'em with you on Tuesday. I am afraid that for ”dirty c.u.mmins'” allusion to Hogarth I shall be reduced to the necessity of being valorous the next time I meet him.

Believe me, most faithfully yours.

[Sidenote: The same.]

FURNIVAL'S INN, _Monday Afternoon, 7 o'clock (1836)._

MY DEAR HULLAH,

Mr. Hogarth has just been here, with news which I think you will be glad to hear. He was with Braham yesterday, who was _far more full_ of the opera[1] than he was; speaking highly of my works and ”fame” (!), and expressing an earnest desire to be the first to introduce me to the public as a dramatic writer. He said that he intended opening at Michaelmas; and added (unasked) that it was his intention to produce the opera within _one month_ of his first night. He wants a low comedy part introduced--without singing--thinking it will take with the audience; but he is desirous of explaining to me what he means and who he intends to play it. I am to see him on Sunday morning. Full particulars of the interview shall be duly announced.

Perhaps I shall see you meanwhile. I have only time to add that I am

Most faithfully yours.

[Sidenote: The same.]

PETERSHAM, _Monday Evening (1836)._