VILLA DU CAMP DE DROITE, BOULOGNE, _Thursday, Aug. 17th, 1854._ MY DEAR MRS. GASKELL, I sent your MS. off to Wills yesterday, with instructions to forward it to you without delay. I hope you will have received it before this notification comes to hand. The usual festivity of this place at present--which is the blessing of soldiers by the ten thousand--has just now been varied by the baptising of some new bells, lately hung up (to my sorrow and lunacy) in a neighbouring church. An English lady was godmother; and there was a procession afterwards, wherein an English gentleman carried "the relics" in a highly suspicious box, like a barrel organ; and innumerable English ladies in white gowns and bridal wreaths walked two and two, as if they had all gone to school again. At a review, on the same day, I was particularly struck by the commencement of the proceedings, and its singular contrast to the usual military operations in Hyde Park. Nothing would induce the general commanding in chief to begin, until chairs were brought for all the lady-spectators. And a detachment of about a hundred men deployed into all manner of farmhouses to find the chairs. Nobody seemed to lose any dignity by the transaction, either. With kindest regards, my dear Mrs. Gaskell, Faithfully yours always. [Sidenote: Rev. William Harness.] VILLA DU CAMP DE DROITE, BOULOGNE, _Saturday, Aug. 19th, 1854._ MY DEAR HARNESS, Yes. The book came from me. I could not put a memorandum to that effect on the title-page, in consequence of my being here. I am heartily glad you like it. I know the piece you mention, but am far from being convinced by it. A great misgiving is upon me, that in many things (this thing among the rest) too many are martyrs to _our_ complacency and satisfaction, and that we must give up something thereof for their poor sakes. My kindest regards to your sister, and my love (if I may send it) to another of your relations. Always, very faithfully yours. [Sidenote: Mr. Henry Austin.] VILLA DU CAMP DE DROITE, BOULOGNE, _Wednesday, Sept. 6th, 1854._ * * * * *