The Autobiography of William Jerdan
C. J. Landon to William Jerdan, 27 November [1820]
“138, Sloane-street, Nov. 27th.
“My Dear Sir,
“Conscious that your time is much occupied, I feel a
groat repugnance in intruding my present request; but Letitia’s anxiety for your opinion will,
I am afraid, make you consider us both very troublesome. Without your sanction
she feels herself without a hope of success, and has no resolution to go on.
She has upon her list more than sufficient to defray the expenses of
publication—I do not mean by subscription.
“Mrs. Siddons
is shortly going to Oxford, and as we have connections there, and
Mrs. S. is taking it up very warmly, we have hope that
something may be done for our poetic sketches. A line from you, giving her your
opinion, will settle the matter, whether she may proceed.
“I am, dear sir,
“Very gratefully yours,
C. J. Landon (1841 fl.)
The cousin and preceptress of the poet L.E.L.; she assisted Laman Blanchard in his 1841
biography of the poet.
Letitia Elizabeth Landon [L. E. L.] (1802-1838)
English poet who came to attention through the
Literary Gazette;
she published three volumes in 1825. She was the object of unflattering gossip prior to her
marriage to George Maclean in 1838.
Sarah Siddons [née Kemble] (1755-1831)
English tragic actress, sister of John Philip Kemble, famous roles as Desdemona, Lady
Macbeth, and Ophelia. She retired from the stage in 1812.
