Autograph letter signed : London, to Mrs. Macready, [1849 May 30].

Referencing the conclusion of Macready's disastrous American tour, which culminated in the Astor Place riot of 10 May 1849. Noting that Dickens was at first indignant, but is now sees the "joyful prospect of his immediate return." Mentioning that the scene astounds even Dickens, noting that he knows that "many things may take place in the first City of the United States which could not possibly occur in a remote nook of any other country in the World," but that he regards this "as a positive calamity to the rational freedom of men." Stating that "to Macready it signifies nothing, except that it takes him out of that damnable jumble ... of false pretensions and humbugs, a week or too sooner. And that's a good thing for all of us." Suggesting that Dickens give a dinner for Macready upon his return.