Autograph letter signed : London, to William Macready, 1861 June 11.

Mentioning that Dickens has seen Mr. Francis and has "impressed upon him in the strongest manner" that Dickens does not think he will succeed [in erecting a monument to Shakespeare], and that Dickens has declined to join the committee because he can imagine "something like dishonour being done" to Shakespeare in failing. Noting that Dickens' reading schedule will bring him to Cheltenham, probably in November, and that Arthur Smith makes all his arrangements. Mentioning that he has finished Great Expectations and is "worse for the wear." Stating: "I hope that the book is a good book, and I have no doubt of very soon throwing off the little damage it has done to me." Mentioning entertainments in London, and that Clara White, who has "grown pretty" is staying with Dickens. Referencing the American Civil War, noting that he thinks that The Times has "very seriously compromised" England [for its switch from support of the Union to support of the South], and mentioning that the "Americans Northward are perfectly furious on the subject." Mentioning that "Carlyle has greatly intensified his aversion to Jews, and is greatly enraged by beholding the gradual rise of a Mansion that Rothschild is building next to the Duke of Wellington's." Sending regards from Wilkie Collins.