ALS, two pages, 4.5 x 7, Tavistock House letterhead, June 17, 1858. Letter to John Hollingshead. In full: “The two young ladies and their mama have again consulted me on the expediency of postponing that idea for a time. After careful weighing in my mind what they have confessed to me in reference to engagements pending and existing, I have told them that I think them right, and that it is best deferred. Therefore I have this day put the papers by what I was making ready for you, and immediately write to let you know that I will keep them by me, until I shall be quite sure that we can use them for the family's advantage.” Pages are removably encapsulated in Mylar sleeves. In very good condition, with overall toning and professionally repaired paper loss to corner tips. Dickens lived at Tavistock House from 1851 to 1860, where he staged small theatrical productions in what became known as the ‘Smallest Theatre in the World.’ At the time of this letter Dickens was struggling with personal relationships, having just separated from his wife Catherine after rumors of illicit affairs with both Ellen Ternan, a young actress he employed, and his sister-in-law Georgina Hogarth. He published a personal statement on June 7, 1858, denying the ‘lately whispered rumours.’ An interesting letter from a stressful period of Dickens’s life. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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