Letter from Charles Dickens, London, to Angela Burdett-Coutts, 1852 January 13 : autograph manuscript signed.

Referring to "the heads you have sent me, and which I have read with the greatest interest [...] I believe it to be certain that a scheme like yours is the only hopeful way of doing lasting good, and raising up the wretched;" saying he saw Inspector Field and he doubts he will be helpful "in this stage of the matter;" adding that he believes Dr. Southwood Smith "is the man of all others, to consult first. His fever-practice has made him for many years, well acquainted with all the poor parts of London; he is in possession of all the reports made to the Board of Health in the late Survey; and he knows that work there is in this or that place; and how the people live; and how their tenements are held; and all about them [...] I can trust his interest in such a subject and his giving an opinion on sound knowledge and careful consideration and well regulated humanity;" commenting on his Shower Bath: "But I do sincerely believe that it does me unspeakable service. I take but a very small part of the shock, on the head; and I have quite a remarkable power of enduring fatigue for which I believe I am very much indebted to this treatment, as the power has certainly increased since I pursued it. It is because my cut-out way in life obliges me to be so much upon the strain, that I think it is of service to me as a Refresher - not as a taker out, but as a putter in of energy. However, I shall certainly not observe its influence from day to day, the less narrowly, because of your kind caution. For which, and for much more, my heartiest thanks. You have not seen the dreadful instrument yet, as it is set up here! And have not returned to see the whole house in the daylight! Sydney, my peculiar protegé among the smaller fry, is in a dreadful state of anticipation at this moment; the eventful occasion (of which I am going to be a spectator) of his first appearance in your box or any Theatre being so near at hand. Of the many wonderful contrasts that one sees, I can hardly imagine a great one than being with little children at the play tonight, and sitting last night, for hours, with that grim Inspector in a world of villainy and punishment. It is dreadfully difficult to work at the new book on these dull days."