Lot 406
Dickens, Charles (1812-1870) English author; greatest novelist of the Victorian era and creator of some of the most popular characters in literature. Autograph letter signed, 2 pages, 6¾ x 4¼ in., Tavistock House, March 17, 1854. An emotional letter to Lady Talfourd, upon the death of her husband, English judge and author Sir Thomas Talfourd(1795-1854), who had died of an apoplectic seizure in court at Stafford while addressing the jury from his judge's seat.
Dickens writes: "My Dear Lady Talfourd, When I heard, on Monday afternoon of the bereavement we both in our far different places so heavily deplore, I went instantly to Thincle Square You were not long gone, and I left a note (such as I could write, in the first agitation of so sudden a shock) for Frank [son of Thomas]. Mrs. Dickens has called at your door every day since, but I have not obtruded myself upon you. For I well know (or have hoped so) that if I could be of the smallest service or comfort to you or to anybody dear to you, you would instinctively trust my love for my dear departed friend. I have written a brief remembrance of him for the Household words of next week. I venture to enclose it to you [not present]. It consists of only a few plain words out of my heart, but they may speak to yours. God comfort you!" Two-sided matting showing recto and verso of letter, with an engraving of Dickens, framed to an overall size of 15¼ x 16½ in.
Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,500.
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| Realized $3,960 |
