Box 8

Scope and Contents Letter: Kent, to George W. Childs, 1829-1894 AL. Writing to the owner of the Public Ledger, Philadelphia, Dickens spells out a business proposition regarding the publishing of his books in America: "I beg to say that I shall be happy to consider any proposal you may make me . . . for purchasing the exclusive right of having early proofsheets in America of the next story I may write . . ." He then requests Childs's offer should his next work be the length of Great Expectations or...

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Letter: Philadelphia, Pa., to Mrs. Childs

AL. Writes that he will call on her but will not be able to pass the evening with her,"until you insist . . . on Mr. Childs bringing you to England." Concludes by writing here that the Childs's care of him will "be among the pleasantest of my travelling remembrances." With envelope addressed in his own hand.

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Letter: Philadelphia, Pa., to Elizabeth Duane Gillespie, b. 1821, Philadelphia, Pa.

ALS. Mrs. Gillespie, great-granddaughter of Benjamin Franklin and admirer of Dickens's writings, had sent him flowers for his lapel. He assures her he will wear them that evening. With envelope addressed in his own hand.

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Letter: Gad's Hill Place, Kent, to George W. Childs

AL. Sends thanks for the account of the Newsboys Dinner. "The photographs reached me safely . . . I owe you many thanks for them. The beautiful flowers bloomed through the whole passage home . . . I sank my American catarrh in the Atlantic on the fourth day out, and disappointed my friends by landing in the brownest and most radiant health." With envelope addressed in his own hand.

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Letter: Gad's Hill Place, Kent, to "My dear Mrs. Cattermole"

AL. "The course to take in reference to seeking a pension is to memorialize Mr. D'Israeli the Prime Minister. It is the only course I know of. The memorial need set forth no more than is in the 'appeal'. It should be signed by the best-known Painters . . . Lytton is not on such terms with the Government that he will ask any favours of them."

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2 cartes de visite, taken by Gurney & Son, NY. Probably taken during his 1868 visit to America.; n.d.

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Letter: Navy Department, [Washington, D.C.], to James Barron, 1769-1851, Philadelphia, Pa.

ALS. First letter discusses decorum of court martials to Barron, the commanding naval officer at Philadelphia; second letter requests that he distribute letters to those concerned, summoning them to "attend before a Court Martial in the City of Washington."

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Letter: Suckasunny, N. J., to S. Cambreling, Esq., New York, N.Y.

ALS. "I am under many obligations to you for forwarding my letter to your brother -- you will confer a further favor by forwarding the inclosed [sic] --"

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Letter: Washington, D. C., to Mr. Brown, "Ch. Com. on Revolutionary Claims"

ALS. "On motion by Mr. Preston, Resolved, That the Committee on Revolutionary Claims be instructed to inquire into the propriety of granting a pension or other compensation to the viscompte L'eaumont, a French officer, wounded at the siege of Savannah."

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Letter: Petersburg, Va., to Robert Saunders, Williamsburg, Va.

ALS. Letter to his uncle discusses various family matters, including fundraising for the College of William and Mary, and the author's work on Burk's History of Virginia, "the first volume of which will be completed early in July."