Letter from Charles Dickens, London, to Dr. Henry Stephens Belcombe, 1838 February 8 : autograph manuscript signed.

Enclosing a copy of The Pickwick Papers for Mrs. Belcombe and mentioning the note he has enclosed with it for her; enclosing a copy of Charles Lamb's papers; saying "I find I have two copies of Charles Lamb's papers among my books; and although they are both cut and both soiled I am induced to inclose one to you, and to beg you to make it a post chaise companion. I fancy I observed so many pleasant evidences of a kindred spirit in you that I have been anxious ever since we conversed upon the subject, to introduce you - not to John Woodville or Mr. H, but to the original, kind-hearted, veritable Elia. You will not (I hope) think the worse of Charles Lamb for coming off the shelves of Charles Dickens. He has grown somewhat dingy in that worthy's keeping, but the best minds rest in inferior company, and I confidently hope that your chaise may restore him. With many very sincere wishes that York were nearer London by half its present distance at least, and begging my best remembrances to your family."