Autograph letter signed with initials : [Torquay], to Richard Hengist Horne, [1841 January].

Complimenting him on his reply to a critical review of his Chaucer essay; referring to his petition regarding London theatres; discussing the role of the dramatist and of the poet saying "...the dramatist has as open a door to the public imagination through the press as any other modification of poet has. I dont say an open door, - but 'as open a door'. If the trade repudiates your tragedies, it does so, less perhaps because they are tragedies, than because they are poetry. The outcry among booksellers is "bring us prose or stay at home' - None among them will r̲e̲a̲d̲ a poetical ms unless the 'honor' be 'thrust upon them'. And as to buying one, unless its author's reputation be fixed among the stars, w'd they do it? - Even in the starry case, wd'nt they cast down their eyes?...And a phrase reached me from certain bibliopolist-oracles, that 'neither Shakespeare nor Milton w'd be expected to sell at this present moment, without pictures'!!! Oh dead march of intellect! Therefore, you who are dramatists stand on the same ground, rather in the same ditch, with other poets - and in my mind (forgive me) you sh'd do so;" expressing apprehension about her collaboration with him saying "Your additional suggestions give a spring upwards to the whole scheme, - just what the encouragement of your approval & consent has given to me. Yet...in spite of all ...I shall remain nervous to the last as to the temerity of working with you."