“Dear Jerdan,
“I have been travelling from Cheltenham to various places, and that must be my apology for not having answered your kind and obliging letter of the 19th inst.
“I like the specimen from Paris so well, that I long to see more of these letters. The pamphlet is indeed able. You did right to get these communications under my cover.
“I am much better for my quiet, and trip to Cheltenham and to this place. I pursue the route of Hereford, Worcester, and Birmingham here, and hope speedily to take you by the hand.
“Your threatened ‘public assault’ upon me will not, I am sure, make me too prominent nor too kind. I have a plain honesty, but few pretensions beyond those of wishing to act honestly and uprightly.
“Ever yours truly,
