ALS signed “CD,” one page, 4.5 x 7.25, April 22, 1844. Letter to T. J. Serle. In full: “The Captain of the Britannia has written me that unless the berth be taken straightway, she can’t go by that ship, as it is filling fast. Will you draw me a cheque for the passage-money (leaving the sum blank, as I don’t at this moment know what it is–I will put it in when I find out) and send the same to me forthwith. In haste Ever Yours, CD.” Reverse bears an address panel in Dickens’s hand, and is also signed along the bottom of the panel, “Charles Dickens.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds, missing top right corner, reinforcement on reverse to split along fold, and some scattered light soiling. Panel has small spot of toning from red wax seal.
Via this letter, the beloved novelist was arranging passage for the transatlantic voyage of the orphaned daughter of actor Edward Elton, who had drowned in 1843. Dickens often performed in amateur productions and undoubtedly became acquainted with Elton and his family. One month after sending this letter, which was published in the 1978 book, The Letters of Charles Dickens, Elton’s daughter arrived in Nova Scotia, with her ticket purchased by Dickens. Despite his largess, Dickens found himself in the midst of a controversy with his American admirers in 1844 when he offered a not-too-flattering portrayal of Americans, particularly their fondness for using chewing tobacco and spitting the juice. Undoubtedly, critics forgave him upon their first reading of A Christmas Carol, which was published in December 1844. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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