Autograph Letter Signed [to the publishers Messrs George Routledge & Sons].

Two pages, 12mo. Good, with minor effects of damp. Text clear and entire. Twenty-five lines. Harraden has found an old acquaintance, Mrs Charles Routledge ('the widow of the son of Colonel Robert Warne Routledge'), in 'very distressing circumstances; she had been very ill from blood poisoning in the leg, had been in hospital, & in the work house'. Mrs Routledge has 'done her very best [...] to fight an adverse fate', working hard 'as a house keeper, maid of all work, servant of lodging house'. Having applied unsuccessfully to the Royal Literary Fund she wonders whether she can 'enlist the sympathy of the firm of Messrs Routledge on her behalf', 'a donation, however small, would be most helpful towards relieving her necessities'.