Autograph letter signed with initial : [London], to Elizabeth Barrett Browning, "Tuesday" 1843 October 17.

Concerning the portrait she declined to have done for his book, his request for a contribution for the book and the intent of the book; saying "Well - I ought to have had your portrait, you know - I shall always think so, my dear Miss Barrett. However, as I cannot - we cannot - the work cannot - nor all its readers here - in France and in Germany (where it will appear translated in a very few weeks after its publication here - I am told) as all this is, and is not to be (I have lost myself in the other page of this note but have no time to turn back) why my best resource is to ask for something else. As I cannot have your head in it, let me have your hand in a few pages of it? Have you time, and inclination to write one of the papers for me - in strict confidence, of course, if you wish it. And the secrecy w'd I think be in best taste, as you will appear in some shape or other substantively in the work. By the bye - you do not seem aware that it is not the object of this work to add laurels upon laurels, and to heap more upon those who have much; but rather to do the initiative - to show new heads worthy of laurels. Other works have given all honour to the names of Moore, Campbell, Joannah Bailey [sic], Mary Russel [sic] Mitford &c it is time that such people as Carlyle and Harriet Martineau had their turn. Eh? Besides the publishers have some 'voice'. Therefore O, B : will you take a paper on Harriet Martineau and Mrs. Jameson' working them out partly by force of contrast - both excellent. I could send you any books?" adding, in a postscript written on the inside of the envelope flap, that he had called on Mrs. Orme and she had "such a cold."