Brief description
Letter from Charles Dickens to Thomas Mitton, 9 November 1843
Label
Charles Dickens wrote this letter to his friend Thomas Mitton while he was working on A Christmas Carol. He discusses his writing process and refers to both A Christmas Carol and Martin Chuzzlewit: 'I have half done the christmas Book, and am resting for two days before going to chuzzlewit - that is, if I can call anything rest, with that before me.' He also discusses his plans to go on a thirty mile horse ride.
Collection
Archives & Manuscripts
Object number
A925
Object type
letter
Production person
Dickens, Charles
Production date
9/11/1843
Inscription content
Devonshire Terrace
Ninth November 1843

My Dear Mitton
This is certainly odd – and not too agreeable. But I can scarcely think it expresses much more than his cautious habits, and desire to consider the matter. I have had a touch of the fidgets too, now and then; but the process of writing long books line by line, and seeing them gradually grow under one’s hand, is favorable to the cultivation of patience. I cannot think his final reply will be otherwise than we would have it; but we must toe the line and stand well up to the scratch, whatever it is.
I have half done the christmas Book, and am resting for two days before going to chuzzlewit – that is, if I can call anything rest, with that before me. Yesterday I walked a great deal. To day I am going out on horseback, for a thirty mile ride.
I shall not be quite at ease, I need not say, until I hear from you.
Faithfully ever
CD
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Purchased with support from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, Art Fund, Friends of the National Libraries and the Dickens Fellowship.
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Letter from Charles Dickens to Thomas Mitton, 9 November 1843