William Hone to Dr. [Charles] West, 5 August, 1840

[1780-1818] - [1818-1824] - [1825-1832] - [1832-1842] - Hone Correspondence

1. William Hone to Dr. Charles West, 5 August, 1840.1-TEI-

1.1.

Richmond
5th August 1840
My dear Sir

1.1.1.

Night sleeps clear the memory. I recollect that I owe to Mr. Robert Fletcher, your coadjutor in friendship to me, Forty odd Pounds, lent to me in one season when I removed in the autumn of 1833 from Camberwell to Peckham. Can I be said to recollect what I had never forgotten, ever were present in memory, yet not remembered? Strange it may seem to you, who know not of a mind estranged from itself, realizing in the [two words] on the Broken lights of the world.

Add too, £5 due to Mr Samuel William, for [two words] engravings to a wild work, "Old Humphrey's Calendar" in 1829. I have not seen him since, [one word] except when he did some things, I think, for my "History of the (Last) French Revolution," the [one word] days of July, for Mr Tegg.

Also add, debt due to Mr Clowes for printing the said "Calendar." I have no doubt that Mr. Clowes, & Mr Williams, have forgotten, or forgiven, these debts to them.

I also owe £1 to Mr Samuel Dixon, Solicitor, [Minring?] Lane, money borrowed of him a few years ago. He wrote to me sternly for it, a year or two ago — supposing me rich, I answered I was not but [remind?] him payment when I had ability.

This I believe closes all. I have wracked memory for more, to the utmost.

Our walk for a sunset knocked me up — and a [one word] East Wind this morning has found me out.

yours faithfully
W Hone

[Addressed:]
Doctor West
40 Craven Street

Strand

Notes
1
Wellesley College Library, Special Collections, Last Days of William Hone, f. 4. In this letter Hone is clearly trying to account for his debts in preparation for the application to the Literary Fund (see letter to West dated 3 August, 1840). [return]