ALS, two pages, 4.5 x 7, Gad’s Hill Place letterhead, January 21, 1870. Dickens writes to Francis Fuller, one of the original directors of the Crystal Palace. In part, “It is unnecessary for me to express my cordial concurrence in the principle of raising the character of the people & raising the character of their amusements; always supposing that no endeavour towards that end either patronizes them, or otherwise treats them as children. But I have very strong doubts indeed of the success of your business details of the scheme which you so clearly explain. And it appears to me that the calculations and assumptions on which it proceeds are excessively sanguine. Therefore I regret that I cannot express my confidence in the enterprise.” In very good condition, with horizontal and vertical mailing folds, some scattered light toning and soiling, a notation on reverse of second page, and the ink having a somewhat “skipped” appearance. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
