DICKENS, Charles (1812-1870). Novelist.
Autograph Letter Signed ('Charles Dickens') to William Hazlitt (1811-1893, editor and translator), 2 pages 8vo, Offices of the Daily News, 'Thursday afternoon', no date. The first page lightly and evenly browned; near-invisible repair to small tear; integral blank leaf.
A relatively early letter in Dickens's elegant script, commiserating with Hazlitt on his treatment by the 'readers' or sub-editors, promising to haul them over the coals and to discuss another matter when he has the leisure.

'I saw the notice of the French Play this morning, and immediately perceived that the Readers had cut and maimed you ... they are the very worst I ever have had anything to do with in my life. I have laid in a chaldron or two of coals, and will haul your reader over them this evening. ...'

Only two letters from Dickens to Hazlitt are recorded in the Pilgrim Edition of The Letters of Charles Dickens and the present letter is thus apparently unpublished.

The Daily News was established in January 1846 as a rival daily paper to The Times, with Dickens as its editor. Hazlitt was a regular contributor (as well as to The Times). Dickens's editorship was very brief, within a month he had persuaded John Forster to take over his desk. Hazlitt, the only son of the writer and painter (1778-1830) had previously been a reporter with Dickens on the 'Morning Chronicle'
[No: 26609]