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Charles Dickens. Autograph letter signed ("Charles Dickens"), to his bankers Messrs. Banton and Mackrell. London, 4 May 1869...
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$5,500.00
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Description
Charles Dickens. Autograph letter signed ("Charles Dickens"), to his bankers Messrs. Banton and Mackrell. London, 4 May 1869.One page, 8vo (201 x 125 mm). Written in blue ink, on All the Year Round letterhead; docketed on verso with record of receipt and reply.
Dickens writes his bankers to inquire about the extent his son Sydney has drawn against his account:
"Dear Sirs / I have received a letter from my son Lt Sydney Smith Dickens R.N. under date 'Vancouver's Island, Friday / March 19th' in which he informs me that he has fallen into debt and 'drawn very / heavily' on you. He gives me no idea of the extent to which he has drawn on you. Will you be so obliging as to let me know. / Faithfully Yours / Charles Dickens."
The bankers replied the same day informing Dickens that Sydney was in their debt for "about £49." On 14 March, Sydney Dickens had written his father desperately asking him to honor the bills he had drawn: "You can't understand how ashamed I am to appeal to you again... You know what American people are... you know their habits of drinking-that has run me into debt... It is with shame and regret I inscribe myself your Son..."
Condition: Some light stains at top and bottom of page (presumably bleeding from letterhead); a couple of tiny holes in blank lower part of sheet; some soiling; edges slightly brittle where previously mounted at edges on verso, with a few tiny splits or nicks (one repaired); soiled on verso along fold; some mounting remnants and thinning of paper at edges on verso.
References: See Pilgrim Letters, Vol. 12, pp. 349-50.
Provenance: The Library of a Minnesota Collector.
Auction Info
2025 December 15 Rare Books Signature® Auction #6323 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
December, 2025
15th
Monday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 16
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