"I am longing to see you, and have a ride across country with you. Do you think I could have the horse Mark Lemon had when he was down at Barkway? Or if I couldn't have that one, do you know of any other that would be equally TEMPERATE and WELL-BEHAVED? I have no horse at present. The last I had came down; and I am rather particular in consequence. "Give me a line, old fellow, and let me know when the hounds meet near you.... "Yours faithfully, "JOHN LEECH." One of Mr. Adams' daughters, Charlotte, surnamed Chatty--then a small child, now a lady whose age is borne so well as to make it difficult to believe that she lived so long ago as 1850--whose acquaintance I had the pleasure of making the other day, told me of her frequent visits to the Leeches, and of the never-ceasing care and tenderness of Leech. In a letter from Broadstairs, written in the autumn of 1850 to Mr. Adams, Leech says: "You will be glad to hear that Chatty is as well as possible, and is now going to have a long day's work (!) on the sands." Again, after a good deal of horsy talk: "Mrs. Leech and Chatty with her will return for good to Notting Hill on Saturday, when we shall be glad to have her with us as long as you can spare her. Apropos of dear Chatty, I am sure her mamma will be glad to hear that she has been uninterruptedly cheerful and well, and has certainly proved herself one of the best-tempered, best-hearted little creatures possible. She desires me to send you all her best love and kisses.... "Ever faithfully, "J. L." "31, Notting Hill Terrace, "February 18, 1852. "MY DEAR CHARLEY, "It will give me the greatest pleasure to come and see you. Mark (Lemon) says he will accompany me at the end of this month. Will that suit Mrs. Adams? I want much to SEE some hunting, as I want some materials for the work I am illustrating--indeed, I was going to propose a run down to you myself. Will you let us know when the hounds meet near you? Is the horse I had before still alive, I wonder? or could you, if I came, get me a horse 'in every way suitable for a timid, elderly gentleman'? * * * * * "I was very glad to hear from you, old boy. In great haste, but with our united best regards to Mrs. Adams and yourself. "Believe me, "Ever yours faithfully, "JOHN LEECH. "C. F. ADAMS, ESQ." "_Punch_ Office, 85, Fleet Street, "Saturday, February 28, 1852. "MY DEAR CHARLEY,