Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1849-12-03

new work, upon the living authors of En-
gland, has recently appeared from the pen of
Thomas Powell, now in New York. A letter of
DIclNnS, to the editor of the Knickerbocker de-
nounceS hlm IN set phrase as "a foIger and thief"
But we must give the or, ater portion of this let
ter,as another illustration of the "Quamels of Au-
thors.' MIR. Powell, in the meantime has com
menced suits against some of the New York pa
pers for publishing the letter. We doubt wbeth-
er he gets verdict. Mr.. DicLins SAYS:
He is Forger and Thief He was managingclc-h
10 an eminent mercl ants house in the city of Ioniels
and during series ef years, forged and al cred checks
nntlhe had derauded them to the extent of thousands
upon thousands Of pounds. His roberies being discoy
cred one day, he took up his hat. went to chemists
fought some landannm, walked Of TO a warm bath and
was found in insensihe don'i know whether he took
andannm enough 10 XIII himself. but should say he
was careful to keep The safe side. He was recover
ed and forgiven by the gentleman whom he had robbed
dismissed, of course but not secuted. They were
tender of his wife and family. After some months en-
dnrance OF the misery and shame Of his poson he was
taken up Al Croydon ten miles from London for pass
IT, several forged checks 70 Divers trades people in that
nelghborhood; stated to the magistrate 10 be mad
and was actually confined for lime in unatc asy-
lnm, that The prosecutions aganl him might not 90 on
IRON me lunac asylum he found his way to New
York lie arrived there with forged letter Of recon-
menda'inn OF credit pwporng to come from partner in
The rry house he had robbed and drew two bills upon that
gentleman, (cashed in New York; which Of course
have been protested and returned. The very same
house, to whose moderation he is indebted for his not
working in chains, in NorfoIk Island at this instant, is
OF course the object Of his blacklist ngratinde and is
belrd in all sorts Of ways in his aforesaid life of me.
before his character discovered he wrote some
plays-one dedicated to me-by pushing which, he got
into the houses OF certain literary men, and among 9TH
into mine. where he once dlned am souy to say.
know his late employers well, and tell you this story
with full and complete personal knowledge of its truth
in every particular Indeed, it is under-stated. You
are at bey make any Of this communication that
you think proper. responsible for its truth, and
think your American readers will do well to consider
whom they trust to sometimes,
sever my dear Clark. faithfully yours.
"CIIARLES DICKENS
"Deronsihe Terrace, Oct, 90, l649
TO w. q. CLARK"
To THE PUBItC.-I have in several of the public
papers letter purporing 10 be written by w. GayoTd
Clark introducing extract from one which he repre-
senls to have received from Mr. Charles Dickens. With
reference To the statements against me- contained there
n they false and scandal us and must request the
public To suspend their judgment until the matter
brought before legal tribunal steps for which purpose
having already been taken
In Tho preface To my forthcoming volume. which Will
be published in few days. shall officially refute, to
the satisfaction ofhe American Pabc the outrageous
caiunnles If Mr.. Charles Dickens which perhaps he
may have been provoked by my recen, work emitted
=" The Living Authors of England
Respectfully
NV. 2ls', 1919 THOMAS POWELL