DODGSON, Charles Lutwidge (1832-1898). 'Lewis Carroll'.
Autograph Letter Signed ('C.L. Dodgson') to 'My dear Ogle, 3 pages small 8vo (5½ x 3½ inches, slight traces of old mount on third page), Ch[rist] Ch[urch], 1 May 1888. Politely declining an invitation and giving his reasons.

'... I gave up going out to parties some years ago. Life is getting too short, & too busy, to spend one's time so: &, besides, I have talked all my small-talk. I haven't any more left.
If, however, at any time you should be near Ch. Ch. & liked to look in, you & he will be welcome (I see there is no substantive for "he" to refer to!). You are not likely to miss me, as I am at present detained at home by a guest I could well dispense with, entitled (Mr Doyne tells me) "sub-acute synovitis" of the knee. ...'

[No: 20673]