Autograph letter signed with initials : London, to Elizabeth Barrett Browning, "Wednesday" [1843 October 11].

Concerning his request for a portrait of her for his forthcoming book; saying "I think you are wrong, my dear Miss Barrett, as to declining to appear in a portrait. I should have liked to have seen you well-done in black and white - as it is, you must put up with what you find in ink;" asking if she corresponds with Miss Martineau and if she does would she forward the enclosed letter to her; adding "Don't repent about refusing your portrait - don't take any second thoughts - tis too late. Would it had been -- -- but why repine - I mean why sh'd I repine;" adding, in a postscript, that he has left the note to Miss Martineau open and she may add her own note to it if she wishes; adding in a second postscript on the inside flap of the envelope that he is hoping to call on Miss Orme the following Monday morning.