Sunday 19th Decr
My dear Sir
Though suffering severely from gout, I read your M.S. last night before going to bed, & must take an early opportunity to say how much it delighted me from beginning to end. To my mind it is precisely what the literary world & the public in general will enjoy. It is as if a professed Bruiser, having assaulted a Gentleman, had met with a queer Customer in an unexpected stand-up encounter, & been handsomely punished & floored, to the great gratification of the lookers on – I am convinced this will be the universal feeling on the perusal of your masterly exposition.
I will have it immediately printed for your correction, but think it would be a great wrong to divide it. It must appear in one Gazette, & I find the last No of the year (Saturday 25) uncongenial to it, I will, with your permission, give it the lead in the 1st No of 1848, & enlarge that No, if needful, that it may have the better effect.
I am dear sir yours very truly
W. Jerdan
I hope your election to R.S.L. has been announced to you. I have appended a note for myself to your paper which you shall see & I hope approve. J.