- Brief description
- Letter, from John Dickens to Thomas Beard, 16 December 1834
- Label
- Thomas Beard was Dickens's friend whom John (Charles's money-foolish father) often wrote to asking favours or money. After John was arrested a second time for his debts, his wife Elizabeth, Charles, and John moved to different addresses (John rented a room from a laundress), with the younger children split amongst them. John's 'begging-letter' asks for two "sovereigns" - two pounds - for shoes. This is equivalent to over £200 in 2024.
- Collection
- Archives & Manuscripts
- Object number
- B18
- Object type
- letter
- Production person
- John Dickens
- Production date
- 16/12/1834
- Inscription content
- Confidential
Tuesday 16 Dec 1834
My Dear Sir,
Can you oblige me with the loan of Two Sovereigns, until the first Proximo. I assure you I would not ask the favor if I did not intend faithfully to redeem my promise, and if the necessity of the case was not of an urgent nature.
Alfred who is with me is walking too & from Hampstead daily in dancing pumps, and my soles from a similar cause require replacing. Mrs D, my Daughters and Boys, have at length deposited themselves in lodgings we once before occupied at No 21 George Street Adelphi, where I trust they will find themselves comfortable; and where they of course will have great pleasure in a visit from you & yours.
By the way, if you can comply with my request will you do me the favor to enclose it me by post addressed Mr Dickens, Mrs Davis', (Laundress) North End Hampstead.
Faithfully yours
John Dickens
If it should be inconvenient do not take the trouble to write, your silence will sufficiently explain the cause.
Private
Thomas Beard Esq
42 Portman Terrace
Edgware Road
Home
/ B18
