Brief description
Letter, from Charles Dickens to Thomas Beard, 2 February 1836
Label
A letter from Dickens to Thomas Beard, one of his oldest friends. Dickens, Beard, and other reporters at The Morning Chronicle are discussing a dispute with the owner, John Easthope (nicknamed “Blast-Hope” for his temper). It is not clear what the dispute was about, only that they did not want to sign something. Dickens would leave the Chronicle in November with animosity.
Collection
Archives & Manuscripts
Object number
A11
Object type
letter
Production person
Dickens, Charles
Production date
2/02/1836
Inscription content
PM 2 Feb 26. Address: Thomas Beard Esqre. | 42 Portman Place | Edgeware Road.

Furnivals Inn | Tuesday Afternoon

My Dear Beard.

Le Maitre called on me this morning about the "Resolution" and after some consideration, I proposed the following course, to which he at once assented. The parties dissenting, are you, I, Le Maitre, Harfield, and Watts. Tomorrow afternoon when the preliminaries for the Session have been adjusted, let one of us (I have no objection to do it myself) say that
the five wish to speak to Easthope—of course with the fellows who have signed, we have nothing to do. Let us then say that as there is some difference of opinion among us on the subject, we wish to understand distinctly, Yes or No, whether a refusal to sign, will be followed by dismissal at the termination of the present engagement. If the reply be in the affirmative, then we sign it under protest, and declaring our intention to accept the first annual Engagement elsewhere, we can get. If in the negative, then we refuse to sign, but express our readiness to conform to any arrangement (if such a one can be suggested) which while it does not interfere with the tenure of our engagements, will protect them against a recurrence of the annoyances of which they complain.

I have to go to the Adelphi tomorrow Night. They have sent the Office a Private Box in which I shall have room for you, if you like to accompany me & the Hogarths'. At all events as the meeting is at 5, dine with me at 3 precisely.

Believe me
Ever Yours
Charles Dickens

Letter from Charles Dickens to Thomas Beard, 2 February 1836