I want to see the very dreariest and most desolate portion of the sea-coast of Cornwall; and start next Thursday, with a couple of friends, for St Michael's Mount. Can you tell me of your own knowledge, or through the information of any of the Mining Sub-Commissioners, what is the next best bleak and barren part? And can you, furthermore, while I am in those regions, help me down a mine? I ought to make many apologies for troubling you, but somehow or other I don't--which is your fault and not mine.--Always believe me faithfully your friend, CHARLES DICKENS. Dr SOUTHWOOD SMITH. My grandfather's feeling about the Cornish coast is given in his answer:-- 36 NEW BROAD STREET, _October 25, 1842_. MY DEAR SIR,--I do not think you will find St Michael's Mount particularly desolate, but it is nevertheless a very remarkable and interesting place. The coast about Land's End, I am told, is incomparably more dreary and presents a fine specimen of wrecken scenery. But the place above all others for dreariness is Tintagel (King Arthur's) Castle, near Camelford. There shall you see nothing but bleak-looking rocks and an everlastingly boisterous sea, both in much the same state as when good King Arthur reigned.[19] You must go through Truro to get to either place. Your best plan will be to call on Dr Charles Barham. He is the physician of those parts and a most intelligent man, thoroughly acquainted with every nook in Cornwall and known to every mine. He was one of our best Sub-Commissioners; and he will tell you where best to go for your immediate object, and will take you with the least loss of time to the best specimen of a mine. But pray do not forget that a Cornish mine is quite different from a coal-mine: while much less disagreeable to the senses, far more fatal in its effects upon the men and boys (they have no women). I send you herewith a letter of introduction to Dr Barham, whom you will find both able and willing to give you all the information and assistance you may require.--Faithfully yours, SOUTHWOOD SMITH. The following merry letter from Dickens, on his return, winds up the little correspondence:-- 1 DEVONSHIRE TERRACE, YORK GATE, _Eighth November 1842_. MY DEAR SIR,--I have just come home from Cornwall. I did not, after all, deliver your letter. Having Stanfield and Maclise and another friend with me, I determined not to do so, unless I found it absolutely necessary; lest the unfortunate Doctor should consider himself in a state of siege. I saw all I wanted to see, and a noble coast it is. I have sent your letter to Dr Barham with a line or two from myself; and am as much obliged to you as though I had driven him wild with trouble.--Always faithfully yours, CHARLES DICKENS. Dr SOUTHWOOD SMITH.