Item Info

Accession Number: 80-1448
Physical Description: [3] pages
Material: paper
Transcription:

“To be taken “in private.”
  Parish of St. Pancras in the County of Middlesex.
  Workhouse, Pancras Road, N.W.
  March 6^th, 1866
Charles Dickens Esq
  Dear Sir
  Almost as long ago as I could appreciate any literary production, I began to read your unequaled works. As they have since, from time to time issued from the press, I have devoured them with Aldermanic relish, & like the immortal Oliver, I continually “ask for more”. Up to the year 1858 my only idea of a Workhouse & the Matron thereof, was formed from the same inimitable source.
  It would not interest you to hear, how my husband & I (being foreigners,) sunk from wealth to sudden poverty, nor would you care to know how, or why, I was brought to think that the degrading position of a Workhouse Matron would be the happiest lot in store for me.
  The transformation was wrought, & from an idle helpless lady, has sprung a Matron, who takes pride in her duties, and has read with pain & regret your letter to the Meeting at Willis’ Rooms last Saturday. Will you spare time to make a visit to the sick wards of this house. As brief & quiet a visit as you please, but pray do allow me to convince you that at least one Metropolitan infirmary, does not deserve your sweeping condemnation.
  Am I too bold in asking this favor of you? I hope not, if so, I crave your indulgence & beg you will not punish my audacity any more severely, than by treating this communication with silent contempt.
  Please don’t think too badly of every thing connected with poor “St. Swiffins”.
  I am dear Sir
  Your faithful humble admirer
  Cornelia Morrison

MssDate: March 6th 1866
Media Type: Letters
Source: Rare Book Department
Notes:

Housed with: Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870. ALs to Mrs. Morrison (same call number, item # cdc206301 and cdc206302).

Recipient: Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870
Provenance: Richards July 1980, Gratz Fund.

Bibliography:

Volume 11, p. 173, The Letters of Charles Dickens, edited by Madeline House & Graham Storey ; associate editors, W.J. Carlton … [et al.].

Country: Creation Place Note:Workhouse, Pancras Road N.W.
Country:England
City/Town/Township:Parish of St. Pancras in the County of Middlesex

Call Number: DL M831 1866-03-13
Creator Name: Morrison, Cornelia - Author