- Brief description
- Letter, from Charles Dickens to John Leech, 12 November 1849
- Label
- In this letter to Thomas Leech, the illustrator of A Christmas Carol, Dickens says that he has rented a room to watch a public execution. Mr and Mrs Manning were to be hung for the murder of a friend (and supposedly Mrs Manning's lover) whom they had killed for money. On the day of the hanging, Dickens wrote a scathing letter to The Times criticising the callous, leering behaviour of the crowd and the brutality of the act.
- Collection
- Archives & Manuscripts
- Object number
- A388
- Object type
- letter
- Production person
- Dickens, Charles
- Production date
- 12/11/1849
- Inscription content
- Wait. | John Leech Esquire | 31 Notting Hill Terrace.
Devonshire Terrace | Monday Twelfth November | 1849.
My Dear Leech.
We have taken the whole of the roof (and the back kitchen) for the extremely moderate sum of Ten Guineas, or two guineas each. The passage would clearly have been a dismal failure, and I am not sure but that even this arrangement may turn out a Do.
It is proposed that we meet to supper, at the Piazza Coffee House Covent Garden, at 11 exactly. But if you should like to wile away the evening anywhere, and will come here at any time you like, I will be ready for you.
Tell me what you say to this last propogicion, by Bearer.
Ever Faithfully
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