Autograph Letter Signed ('Chas Mackay') from the author Charles Mackay to Stephen Massett, discussing his work, and praising the American suffragist Victoria Woodhull Martin and Marie Corelli.

4pp., 12mo. Bifolium. Good, on lightly-aged paper, with stub from previous mounting neatly adhering to margins. Mackay hastens to reply to Moffatt's letter, but fears that 'the "pesky" gout in my right hand will render my cacography illegible'. After dealing with his 'Selected Poems' and the Reform Club, Mackay discusses his poem 'Eternal Justice', which was printed with his 'knowledge & permission' by 'Miss Victoria Woodhull Martin [...] I have since received a visit from her, and highly esteem the honour of her acquaintance. She is an admirable woman, & her cause is a good one.' The next part of the letter deals with Marie Corelli: 'Third: "Rose Trevor" has dropped that name, & given up all idea of the musical profession - and assumed a nom de plume which she has already rendered famous in literature - & her works have been pirated with all the honours - in your country - honours as far as America is concerned, without pecuniary recompense.' The next paragraph mentions Mackay's son George, who lives with him and works 'in the literary field'. Mackay has been compelled to 'leave my cot in Dorking - but I hate London - and feel acutely the loss of my garden'. He hopes to see Massett in London, if he is still 'in the land of the living'. - Chronic gout & rheumatism in both of my knees render my life more or less of a burden - but my brain is clear and I work with as much facility and enjoyment as ever'. The last paragraph concerns the 'Fund': 'The idea has been favorably received by a lot of friends not only at home but so far away as Hong Kong in one part of the world - and Adelaide, South Australia, in another'.