- Brief description
- Letter, from John Dickens to Thomas Beard, 9 May 1837
- Label
- Dickens's father John writes to Charles's friend Thomas Beard about the death of Mary Hogarth, Charles's sister-in-law. Mary, the 17-year-old sister of Dickens's wife Catherine, had been living with the young couple at 48 Doughty Street for a year. After a night at the theatre she fell suddenly ill and died at home in Charles's arms. Charles, who was deeply affected by the death, later wrote his own letter to Beard.
- Collection
- Archives & Manuscripts
- Object number
- B20
- Object type
- letter
- Production person
- John Dickens
- Production date
- 9 May 1837
- Inscription content
- Tuesday 9 May 1837
My dear Beard
Charles was regretting today that he had omitted to write to you on the subject of the melancholy bereavement which has occurred.
On Saturday Evening we were at the St. James's Theatre poor Mary Hogarth in the highest possible apparent health and spirits. On Sunday at 3 O'Clock she was a corpse.
These awful circumstances as you will imagine, have been productive of scenes which I am unwilling to attempt to describe. In the hope that I shall see you in the Gallery tomorrow evening.
Believe me I am yours truly
John Dickens
Thos. Beard Esq.
[reverse]John Dickens
May 9, 1837
Private
Thos. Beard Esqre.
Morning Chronicle Office
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