Volume I Part 2 (2/2)
[Sidenote: Mr. Thompson.[11]]
DEVONs.h.i.+RE TERRACE, _Tuesday, 15th December, 1840._
MY DEAR THOMPSON,
I have received a most flattering message from the head turnkey of the jail this morning, intimating that ”there warn't a genelman in all London he'd be gladder to show his babies to, than Muster d.i.c.kins, and let him come wenever he would to that shop he wos welcome.” But as the Governor (who is a very nice fellow and a gentleman) is not at home this morning, and furthermore as the morning itself has rather gone out of town in respect of its poetical allurements, I think we had best postpone our visit for a day or two.
Faithfully yours.
FOOTNOTES:
[9] Mr. Adams, the Hon. Secretary of the Chatham Mechanics' Inst.i.tute, which office he held for many years.
[10] ”The Kentish Coronal.”
[11] An intimate friend.
1841.
[Sidenote: Rev. Thomas Robinson.[12]]
1, DEVONs.h.i.+RE TERRACE, YORK GATE, REGENT'S PARK, _Thursday, April 8th, 1841._
DEAR SIR,
I am much obliged to you for your interesting letter. Nor am I the less pleased to receive it, by reason that I cannot find it in my conscience to agree in many important respects with the body to which you belong.
In the love of virtue and hatred of vice, in the detestation of cruelty and encouragement of gentleness and mercy, all men who endeavour to be acceptable to their Creator in any way, may freely agree. There are more roads to Heaven, I am inclined to think, than any sect believes; but there can be none which have not these flowers garnis.h.i.+ng the way.
I feel it a great tribute, therefore, to receive your letter. It is most welcome and acceptable to me. I thank you for it heartily, and am proud of the approval of one who suffered in his youth, even more than my poor child.
While you teach in your walk of life the lessons of tenderness you have learnt in sorrow, trust me that in mine, I will pursue cruelty and oppression, the enemies of all G.o.d's creatures of all codes and creeds, so long as I have the energy of thought and the power of giving it utterance.
Faithfully yours.
[Sidenote: The Countess of Blessington.]
[13]DEVONs.h.i.+RE TERRACE, _June 2nd, 1841._
DEAR LADY BLESSINGTON,
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