Autograph letter signed with initial : [London], to Elizabeth Barrett Browning, "Monday Mor'ng" [1843 November 6].

Concerning the issue of her anonymity in the essay she is writing for his book; saying "It is inconceivable how anybody should have known that you were doing anything in the work - in fact, I see now that it was not known - but somehow imagined. I try to find in my own soul an admission that I breathed a word of the possibility of your assistance - but no, I have no recollection - not even to Miss Mitford. As I told you, even in my expresses, I named no name - my note, therefore, has no doubt mystified Miss Mitford, who seeing there must be some odd mistake somewhere, about somebody about something, has very wisely said to herself 'I'll think no more of it the matter whatever it be.' I was so hurried that I never thanked you for your kind offer of further assistance in the shape of 'Counsel's Opinion' on men or books. In fact, I felt it was a most inauspicious moment - for you seemed like a 'charged jar'. But then, was it not best I should at once bestir myself - and of course, as in honor bound, let you know? But I do believe in your faith and silence. I swear it. And men do talk - hang them - they can't help it - poor wretches;" adding, in a postscript written on the inside of the envelope flap, "Do let me set you right about poor unintentionally sinning Reade. He has a pure feeling for, and aspiration after poetry - which I greatly respect : also I like the man."