George Heath page 4c
© Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Archive Service, 2010
Transcript
"Kind and Dear Friend
I am happy to say I am in receipt of your generous letter and hasten to seize the present opportunity of telling you how grateful I am for the kindly interest you have taken in myself and simple effusions. And also, how glad I am to find so many "Kindred" spirits who generously overlook the many defects of a youthful composition; bestow encouragement on persevering endeavour; and who are ever ready (In rustic phrase) "To help a lame dog o'er a stile".
I am happy too to say that (Thanks to the efforts made in their behalf) my Poems have had a more extensive sale, and realised more than I ever anticipated.
And now in returning my best regards to "the Lady friend" of yours, and in answer to her questions, with all due respect to superior judgement; I would say I intended the poem to show that there was hope; nay more assurance in the end of "Mary" and (excuse me) will not a careful perusal of the whole, especially including the four lines commencing at the twelv'th from the top of the fourth page, give you that idea?"
Staffordshire Record Office, 6857/2/4a
-
-
-
-