John Chapman to George Combe, London, 26 November 1851
Title
John Chapman to George Combe, London, 26 November 1851
Title
John Chapman to George Combe, London, 26 November 1851
Sender
John Chapman
Recipient
George Combe
Date(s)
- 1851-11-26
Place
London
Letter Content
John Chapman to George Combe, London, 26 November 1851
MS: National Library of Scotland. Endorsed: London 26 November 1851 | John Chapman.
London | November 26, 1851.
My dear Sir
I am somewhat surprised by your report from Mr. Lombe, as the enclosed note received from him last Saturday seemed to indicate that his annoyance had subsided.
I did not draw the 'a3500 from his Bankers, but handed over the Draft to Miss Martineau as soon as possible after the receipt of his definite instructions concerning it. 50 Indeed I never thought of doing anything but returning the Draft, if he listened to my advice. It was payable to Miss Martineau.
On the whole I do not fear any permanent difficulties with Mr. L.; he seems to me fitful and capricious, but I believe he is heartily interested in the Review, and I am persuaded the January number will please him. I believe, at bottom, he is more annoyed that he is not the sole pecuniary support of the Review, than that I have published his name as a Contributor. He did not wish me to adopt the plan of paying the writers of Articles generally, and I incline to think the independent course I have taken has disappointed him, and have some slight reason for believing that he was disposed to be profuse in pecuniary help, himself, and to have a more authoritative voice in the direction of the Review than heretofore. This I think, all my friends would have deemed very undesirable.
I am sorry to say Miss Evans is not very well at present, 51 and Mrs. Chapman has to devote all her time to an invalid Aunt, 52 -- while the lady who superintends the housekeeping -- Miss Tilley -- has gone to Brighton to improve her health, which is far from strong. Mrs. C. and Miss E. desire to unite with me in kind remembrances to Mrs. Combe and yourself, and believe me to remain
Yours very sincerely,
John Chapman.
P.S. I find the Westminster circulates in America to the extent of 3000 copies. I am about to make a strong effort to secure that circulation for the english edition at a reduced price.
MS: National Library of Scotland. Endorsed: London 26 November 1851 | John Chapman.
London | November 26, 1851.
My dear Sir
I am somewhat surprised by your report from Mr. Lombe, as the enclosed note received from him last Saturday seemed to indicate that his annoyance had subsided.
I did not draw the 'a3500 from his Bankers, but handed over the Draft to Miss Martineau as soon as possible after the receipt of his definite instructions concerning it. 50 Indeed I never thought of doing anything but returning the Draft, if he listened to my advice. It was payable to Miss Martineau.
On the whole I do not fear any permanent difficulties with Mr. L.; he seems to me fitful and capricious, but I believe he is heartily interested in the Review, and I am persuaded the January number will please him. I believe, at bottom, he is more annoyed that he is not the sole pecuniary support of the Review, than that I have published his name as a Contributor. He did not wish me to adopt the plan of paying the writers of Articles generally, and I incline to think the independent course I have taken has disappointed him, and have some slight reason for believing that he was disposed to be profuse in pecuniary help, himself, and to have a more authoritative voice in the direction of the Review than heretofore. This I think, all my friends would have deemed very undesirable.
I am sorry to say Miss Evans is not very well at present, 51 and Mrs. Chapman has to devote all her time to an invalid Aunt, 52 -- while the lady who superintends the housekeeping -- Miss Tilley -- has gone to Brighton to improve her health, which is far from strong. Mrs. C. and Miss E. desire to unite with me in kind remembrances to Mrs. Combe and yourself, and believe me to remain
Yours very sincerely,
John Chapman.
P.S. I find the Westminster circulates in America to the extent of 3000 copies. I am about to make a strong effort to secure that circulation for the english edition at a reduced price.
Signature
John Chapman.
Citation
John Chapman, John Chapman to George Combe, London, 26 November 1851, Complete George Eliot Letters(2026), George Eliot Archive, edited by Beverley Park Rilett. https://GeorgeEliotArchive.org, Accessed September 7, 2026. https://www.georgeeliotarchive.org/items/show/95491