Letter VIII.
To Mary Borrow
58 Jermyn St,St. James’,[1848]
Dear Carreta,
I got here safe, and upon the whole had not so bad a journey as might be expected. I put up at the Spread Eagle for the night, for I was tired and hungry. I have got into my old lodgings as you see, those on the second floor. They are very nice ones with every convenience; they are expensive it is true, but they are cheerful, which is a grand consideration for me. I have as yet seen nobody, for it is only now a little past eleven. I can scarcely at present tell you what my plans are, perhaps tomorrow I shall write again. Kiss Hen, and God bless you.
G. B.
Letter IX.
To Mary Borrow
58 Jermyn St,St. James’,Wednesday,[1848]
Dear Carreta,
I was glad to receive your letter, I had expected one on Tuesday. I am upon the whole very comfortable, and people are kind. I passed last Sunday at Clapham with Mrs. Browne, I was glad to go there for it was a gloomy day. They are now glad enough to ask me.
I suppose I must stay in London through next week. I have been invited to two grand parties, and it is as well to have something for one’s money. I called at the Bible Society – all remarkably civil, Joseph especially so. I think I shall be able to manage with my own Dictionary. There is now a great demand for Morrison.
Yesterday I again dined at the Murray’s, there was a family party – very pleasant. To-morrow I dine with an old schoolfellow. Murray is talking of printing a new edition 1 to sell for 5 shillings. Those rascals the Americans have it seems reprinted it, and are selling it for eighteen pence. Murray says he shall print ten thousand copies; it is chiefly intended for the Colonies. He says the rich people and the libraries have already got it, and he is quite right, for nearly three thousand copies have been sold at 27s.! There is no longer the high profit to be made on books there formerly was, as the rascals abroad pirate the good ones, and in the present state of copyright there is no help: we can, however, keep the American editions out of the Colonies, which is something.
I have nothing more to say, save to commend you not to go on the water without I; perhaps you would be overset; and do not go to the bridge again, ’till I come. Take care of Habismilk and Craffs. Kiss the little mare, and old Hen.
[George Borrow.]
Letter X.
To Mary Borrow
Penquito,January 27th, 1854.
My Dear Carreta,
I just write you a line to inform you that I have got back safe from the Land’s End. I have received your two letters, and hope you received mine from the Land’s End. It is probable that I shall yet visit one or two places before I leave Cornwall. I am very much pleased with the country. When you receive this if you please to write a line by return of post I think you may; the Tredinnock people wish me to stay with them for a day or two. When you see the Cobbs pray remember me to them. I am sorry Horace has lost his aunt, he will miss her. Love to Hen.
Ever yours, dearest,G. Borrow.
(Keep this.)