Faithfully yours.
[Sidenote: Miss Pardoe.]
DEVONSHIRE TERRACE, YORK GATE, REGENT'S PARK,
_July 19th, 1842._
DEAR MADAM,
I beg to set you right on one point in reference to the American
robbers, which perhaps you do not quite understand.
The existing law allows them to reprint any English book, without any
communication whatever with the author or anybody else. My books have
all been reprinted on these agreeable terms.
But sometimes, when expectation is awakened there about a book before
its publication, one firm of pirates will pay a trifle to procure early
proofs of it, and get so much the start of the rest as they can obtain
by the time necessarily consumed in printing it. Directly it is printed
it is common property, and may be reprinted a thousand times. My
circular only referred to such bargains as these.
I should add that I have no hope of the States doing justice in this
dishonest respect, and therefore do not expect to overtake these
fellows, but we may cry "Stop thief!" nevertheless, especially as they
wince and smart under it.
Faithfully yours always.
[Sidenote: Mr. H. P. Smith.]
DEVONSHIRE TERRACE, _Thursday, July 14th, 1842._
MY DEAR SMITH,
The cheque safely received. As you say, it would be cheap at any money.
My devotion to the fine arts renders it impossible for me to cash it. I
have therefore ordered it to be framed and glazed.
I am really grateful to you for the interest you take in my proceedings.
Next time I come into the City I will show you my introductory chapter
to the American book. It may seem to prepare the reader for a much
greater amount of slaughter than he will meet with; but it is honest and
true. Therefore my hand does not shake.
Best love and regards. "Certainly" to the Richmondian intentions.
Always faithfully your Friend.
[Sidenote: Mr. Harrison Ainsworth.]
BROADSTAIRS, KENT, _September 14th, 1842._
MY DEAR AINSWORTH,
The enclosed has been sent to me by a young gentleman in Devonshire (of
whom I know no more than that I have occasionally, at his request, read
and suggested amendments in some of his writings), with a special
petition that I would recommend it to you for insertion in your
mag
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