CHARLES DICKENS’S SON

Otago Witness, Issue 3596, 13 February 1923, Page 50

CHARLES DICKENS’S SON

LETTER TO METHVEN RESIDENT. The following letter speaks for itself. The recipient, Mrs Elliott, of Methven, lia3 placed it at the disposal of the Christchurch Sun for publication: - 8 Mulberry V T alk, S.W., J uly 22, 1922. Dear Madam, — It was delightful to get such a sympathetic letter as yours was, from overseas. It is only one instance among thousands of tlie personal love and affection which is felt for my father’s memory among all kinds and manners of people. I will satisfy your desire to hear something of the family by giving you a few details. My sister Katie (now Mrs Perigim, a widow) and I are the only two remaining out of the family of 10. She is nearly 80, in moderate health, but cheery and with that delightful humour which she inherits from my father. She has no children. I am 73. I married in 1876 and had seven children—our dear youngest son, Cedric, was killed at the battle of the Somme, in September, 1916, while leading his men. His body remains undisturbed on the battlefield—we have bought the ground, enclosed it, and made a little garden of it. He was a major and only 27 when he was killed. We deeply mourn his loss. All the other six are married, and I have 14 grandchildren. So I keep the name alive. For years I had a large practice at the Bar as K.C., and in 1917 was made a Judge of the Central Criminal Court. I am young and active for my age and love my work. HainJie died la very long time ago. Walter dic-d in India, having been an officer in the 42nd Highlanders. Frank died in America—for many years he was in the Indian Mounted Police. Alfred died in America when on a lecture tour there — Sydney (the Hosken Peck), died and was buried at sea. My eldest brother Charles, after somewhat unfortunate financial difficulties, died, leaving one son (now dlead) and several daughters. My brother Plom died many years ago in Australia. Alfred’s two daughters left Australia about two years ago and are now settled in England. My mother was, unfortunately, separated from my father by mutual consent in 1857, and settled down in London. I had a great affection and highest regard for my dear mother, and saw a great deal of her until her death in 1879. I remember well the episode you mention of Princess Alexandra’s marriage. I was one of the party, and we stuck at London Bridge, and get no further. At last we I also remember the occasion of my father O aiso remember the occasion of my father delivering his inaugural address to the artisans at the Birmingham and Midland Institute, when he made a magnificent speech. His audience simply “rose at him.” He advised the young artisans to take for their motto in life the two simple words, “Courage, Persevere.” My father was all that you describe him, and a great deal more. I was 21 when he died, and, thank God, there was a peculiarly strong bond of sympathy between us. I was fortunate in gaining some successes at Cambridge in his lifetime, which gave him infinite pleasure, because they followed upon his advice to me. “Never do anything half-heartedly.” I can assure you I have taken as great pains with the smaller things I ever did in life as with the biggest. In spite of his extraordinary position he held and the adulation which was showered upon him, he was utterly unspoilt—the most modest, sympathetic, lovable man I have ever known, or that I could ever imagine. With many thanks for your letter,—l cm, yours truly, Henry F. Dickens.