[‘Hesba Stretton’ (Sarah Smith), novelist.] Autograph Letter Signed to ‘Henrietta’, regarding the taking of rooms, and her Christmas at the Royal Hospital (Chelsea?).

See her entry in the Oxford DNB. 2pp, 12mo. On bifolium. In fair condition, but with slight loss to inner upper corner, caused by removal from mount, and resulting in loss to two words on second page, and closed tear at bottom of gutter. Folded once. Signed ‘Hesba Stretton.’ Begins: ‘My dear Henrietta / It was too cold to get over to see you this morning; but as we hope to be so near to you for sme days that signifies less.’ She asks if the recipient’s maid can ‘kindly take the rooms’, as ‘we’ (i.e. she and her sister Elizabeth) ‘will take possession of them’ some time in the following afternoon, unless receiving a telegram to the contrary. She concludes: ‘We had a very cheerful Christmas here; the patients were all very happy & most grateful for the kindness showered upon them.’