TALBOT6063

Sunday 19^th Dec^r

My dear Sir

Though suffering severely from gout, I read your M.S. last night before going to bed, & must take an early opportunity to say how much it delighted me from beginning to end. To my mind it is precisely what the literary world & the public in general will enjoy. It is as if a professed Bruiser, having assaulted a Gentleman, had met with a queer Customer in an unexpected stand-up encounter, & been handsomely punished & floored, to the great gratification of the lookers on – I am convinced this will be the universal feeling on the perusal of your masterly exposition.

I will have it immediately printed for your correction, but think it would be a great wrong to divide it. It must appear in one Gazette, & I find the last N^o of the year (Saturday 25) uncongenial to it, I will, with your permission, give it the lead in the 1^st N^o of 1848, & enlarge that N^o, if needful, that it may have the better effect.

I am dear sir yours very truly
W. Jerdan

I hope your election to R.S.L. has been announced to you. I have appended a note for myself to your paper which you shall see & I hope approve. J.