Brief description
Letter from Charles Dickens to Bradbury and Evans, 2 January 1840
Label
In this letter to his publishers, Bradbury and Evans, Dickens thanks them for a turkey they had provided for Christmas. Writing on 2 January, over a week after Christmas, Dickens explains that the bird had lasted so long he did not want to write until his family had completely finished it. It is sometimes believed that the turkey that Scrooge buys at the end of A Christmas Carol popularised the bird's association with Christmas, but in fact turkeys had been eaten for Christmas long before Dickens featured it in the novel.
Collection
Archives & Manuscripts
Object number
A618
Object type
letter
Production person
Dickens, Charles
Production date
2/01/1840
Inscription content
1 Devonshire Terrace | Thursday Night January 2nd. 1840
My Dear Sirs.

I determined not to thank you for the Turkey until it was quite gone, in order that you might have a becoming idea of its astonishing capabilities.

The last remnant of that blessed bird made its appearance at breakfast yesterday -- I repeat it, yesterday -- the other portions having furnished forth seven grills, one boil, and a cold lunch or two.

Accept my warm thanks (in which Mrs. Dickens begs to join) for your annual recollection of us, which we value very highly as one of the pleasant circumstances of a pleasant season -- and couple with them my hearty wishes for many happy years to both of you and both of yours -- and of good health and good work and good feeling to all of us.

Always Faithfully Yours
CHARLES DICKENS
Messrs. Bradbury and Evans.

Letter from Charles Dickens to Bradbury and Evans, 2 January 1840