The Charles Dickens Letters Project

To JOHN ELLIOTSON,1 10 JUNE 1848 

Text from facsimile in Christie's online catalogue, May 2020. 

Devonshire Terrace

Tenth June 1848.

Saturday Mg 

My Dear Elliotson

            I am deeply sorry to receive the intelligence you send me of the Brave Courier,2 who is one of the gentlest and most genial natures in the world.

            These fadings away, are dreadful things, and so are all the pains and penalties of our mortal state. But I am sure if any man have reason to find comfort in them, you have, who can administer so much3 and always with such kindness and consideration.

            I thank you from my heart, and am ever yours affectionately

                                    CHARLES DICKENS

Dr Elliotson.

• 1. John Elliotson, MD (1791-1868; Dictionary of National Biography), distinguished physician and mesmerist; see Pilgrim Letters 1, p. 461n and Pilgrim Letters 6, p. 214n. Became godfather to CD's second son, Walter.
• 2. Louis Roche, who accompanied CD on his visit to Italy in 1844-45, and to Switzerland in 1846; described in Pictures from Italy as "a French Courier – best of servants and most beaming of men!"
• 3. Probably a reference to Roche's treatment by Elliotson, whilst staying in London; he died of heart disease in 1849 (John Forster, Life of CD, ed. J.W.T. Ley [London: Cecil Palmer, 1928], p. 361).