classics as Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, and David Copperfield. A.L.S. "Charles Dickens" on his letterhead, 1p. 8vo., Rochester, Sept. 4, 1869, to Captain Charles Clements Brooke declining an invitation to read, in part: "...Let me assure you that I am exceedingly obliged to you for your kind note. I cannot share the pleasure of visiting Farmborough (for I do not intend reading anywhere out of London)...". Boldly written in blue ink and very good.