reporter with the "Times" (1820-1907). Autograph letter signed. [London]. 8vo. 3 pp. on bifolium. Mounted on backing paper.
$ 213 / 200 €
(90448/BN60150)
To a friend by extending an invitation to a modest meal and philosophizing about the enjoyment of drinks and meals in old age: "No! [...] I can not deprive myself of the pleasure of gazing on such an act of devotion & of strengthening my feeble faith by the sight of one who can not be led astray by the fleshpots of Egypt. Indeed had I thought of the day it was I would have hastened or postponed the banquet, but you know in what a benighted state most of us unkalendared saints are. I promise you fish boiled plain fresh & salt, as sinless & soul saving a dinner as man can eat.
It will do us good to behold self-denial for principle's sake. I've known men in their latter days not to eat of various things & to eschew divers drinks because their holy corporate would be hurt thereby but it is rare indeed to find one repair from anything because the abstinence is good for his immortal particle [...]". - With collector's note in ink to backing paper..