The Charles Dickens Letters Project

To DR JAMES WILSON,1 29 NOVEMBER 1851

Text from facsimile in Christie’s catalogue, June 2010.

Tavistock House, Tavistock Square

Twenty Ninth November 1851.

My Dear Dr. Wilson.

I send you the books we spoke of.2 Pray accept them with my most cordial thanks for all your kindness and generosity, and for the great consideration and care with which you treated Mrs. Dickens when she was ill.3 She and her sister join me in friendly regards to yourself and Mrs. Wilson.

Dr. Wilson.

And I am Ever | Very faithfully Yours

 CHARLES DICKENS

• 1. Dr James Wilson (d. 1867), hydropathic practitioner, of Malvern: see further Pilgrim Letters 6, p. 309n.
• 2. Presumably CD and Wilson had met early Nov, during Wilson’s monthly visit to London. The books unidentified, though David Copperfield likely to be one.
• 3. CD took Catherine to Malvern for the Water Cure under the care of Wilson (Pilgrim Letters 6, p. 314) from 15 Mar until 15 Apr, when CD sent a letter by Forster to bring her back to London after the death of Dora (Pilgrim Letters 6, p. 353). On 17 Apr Forster wrote toWilson, after describing Catherine’s condition: “Mr. Dickens will be well pleased to hear from you. I know the reliance he places on your judgement” (MS Private).