DICKENS HOPES HIS GODSON WILL SAY “OH WHAT A JOLLY OLD GODFATHER!” DICKENS (Charles, 1812-1870, Novelist)

Superb Unpublished Autograph Letter signed with fine full signature to his Godson most probably Charles Dickens Kneller BURNETT (1841-1881, the son of his elder sister Fanny) sending him “the desk I told you about. I hope you will like it, and find everything you want inside. Also there are three books that I think very pretty to read. Perhaps. you may not be quite old enough yet, to read them. Never mind. You will soon grow out of that, for I never knew a boy yet, who stood still in his age, or got younger. I hope you will think of me sometimes when you use the desk or read the books, and will say ‘Oh what a jolly old Godfather!’...” with a postscript under his signature “There’s a flourish for you!”, 2 sides 8vo., Devonshire Terrace, 21st June

On 13th May 1841, nine months after his sister Fanny Burnett became godmother to his third born child, Kate Perugini, Dickens acted as Godfather to her second child. Like his physically handicapped elder brother Henry (on whom Dickens is supposed to have based the character of Paul Dombey) Charles Dickens Kneller Burnett was baptised at Old St Pancras. The family moved to Manchester but moved back to London with the financial help of Dickens when Fanny became dangerously consumptive. She died in September 1848 and her bother Henry followed. six months later. Dickens wrote to his distraught brother in law of his godson “you have a brave fine boy to rear up still and God send that he may be a source of happiness to you...”.
Given the tone of the letter is is almost certain that he would be talking to a young boy rather than one of his other godsons who were older.
This letter is not mentioned in the definitive Pilgrim Edition either in the appropriate place or in the appendix of additional discoveries.

Item Date:  1850

Stock No:  41823      £5250

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