Item Info

Accession Number: 87-1586
Physical Description: [3] pages + envelope
Transcription:

Tavistock House
      Monday Evening
           Twentieth December 1852
My Dear Leech,
Firstly.  I suppose that but for your profound confidence in the brilliant undersigned, you might by this time have imagined that he was oblivious of promises made at Cocks in Fleet Streets, after expeditions to Brightons.  Not so, however, as you will be fully prepared to hear.  Tennyson's poems are out of print, and reprinting in a new Edition in one Volume.  When that Edition emerges from the Press, it will bloom on Notting Hill.  The strong water distilled from the cherry of the Black Forest, is, I am astounded to discover, all gone.  But I send in its stead, a bottle of a sweet wine of rare perfection, made from the Muscatelle Grape.  Drunk with ice, or ice pudding, you will find it most delicious--with a generous and fragrant smack of the bright sun in it, that I have very seldom tasted.  It was presented to me some years ago by a Merchant (this sounds, I find as I write it, like the Arabian Nights), and is really an uncommon--shall I say, Article.
Secondly.  I don't think White is to be managed at the end of the month, because I have to be producible on the 29th.  and also on the 31st.  (when I hope to dance a Sir Rogers or so, with Mrs. Leech).  But on the 30th. or at any other time with these reservations, I am more than ready for a "Hout"--being in a state at present, of blackguard reckless idleness (I left off work yesterday) more easily to be con &c &c &c &c
                                                                                        Ever Heartily Yours
John Leech Esquire                                                                         CD

MssDate: Monday Evening Twentieth December 1852
Media Type: Letters
Source: Rare Book Department
Notes:

With a bottle of wine.
Record created by BZ. 

Recipient: Leech, John, 1817-1864
Provenance: Gift of Mrs. D. Jacques Benoliel, 12/6/54.

Bibliography:

The Letters of Charles Dickens, Pilgrim Edition, Volume Six, 1850-1852, pgs. 830-831.

Country: Creation Place Note:Tavistock House
Country:England
City/Town/Township:London

Call Number: DL L516j 1852-12-20
Creator Name: Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870 - Author