The Charles Dickens Letters Project
To MRS MORSON,1 [30] 8 NOVEMBER 1852
Text from facsimile in Catalogue of International Autograph Auctions, May 2007.
Tavistock House | Monday Eighth November 1852.
Dear Mrs. Morson.
I have seen the girl,2 respecting whom you wrote to me, and I give her this letter. I have taken down such unsatisfactory particulars as it is possible from the very nature of her life to get out of her, and should like to know – must indeed, before it is possible to admit her – that her story is so far true. As it is close by you, I wish you would enquire (taking her with you if you like) at Mrs. Crouch’s3 – at the Turnham Green Hall4 – and at the place where she lodged – and ascertain that these are facts. If her statement appears to be untrue, no more can be done for her. If it appearsto be true, you may give her a shilling or two today: and if you will come to me tomorrow morning and tell me what you have discovered, I will at once decide upon the case without waiting to refer it to Miss Coutts.
Faithfully Yours | CHARLES DICKENS
- 1. Georgiana Morson (1817-80), matron of Urania Cottage (the home for homeless women established by CD), 1849-54: see Pilgrim Letters 5, p. 509n, and Jenny Hartley, Charles Dickens and the House of Fallen Women, 2009.
- 2. Unidentified.
- 3. Matilda Crouch, lodging house keeper, 28 Tavistock Place.
- 4. Unidentified; Turnham Green itself, in Chiswick, borders on Heathfield Terrace and Chiswick High Road.