I am really grateful to you for the interest you take in my proceedings. Next time I come into the City I will show you my introductory chapter to the American book. It may seem to prepare the reader for a much greater amount of slaughter than he will meet with; but it is honest and true. Therefore my hand does not shake. Best love and regards. "Certainly" to the Richmondian intentions. Always faithfully your Friend. [Sidenote: Mr. Harrison Ainsworth.] BROADSTAIRS, KENT, _September 14th, 1842._ MY DEAR AINSWORTH, The enclosed has been sent to me by a young gentleman in Devonshire (of whom I know no more than that I have occasionally, at his request, read and suggested amendments in some of his writings), with a special petition that I would recommend it to you for insertion in your magazine. I think it very pretty, and I have no doubt you will also. But it is poetry, and may be too long. He is a very modest young fellow, and has decided ability. I hope when I come home at the end of the month, we shall foregather more frequently. Of course you are working, tooth and nail; and of course I am. Kate joins me in best regards to yourself and all your house (not forgetting, but especially remembering, my old friend, Mrs. Touchet), and I am always, My dear Ainsworth, Heartily yours. [Sidenote: Mr. Henry Austin.] BROADSTAIRS, _Sunday, September 25th, 1842._ MY DEAR HENRY, I enclose you the Niagara letter, with many thanks for the loan of it. Pray tell Mr. Chadwick that I am greatly obliged to him for his remembrance of me, and I heartily concur with him in the great importance and interest of the subject, though I do differ from him, to the death, on his crack topic--the New Poor-Law. I have been turning my thoughts to this very item in the condition of American towns, and had put their present aspects strongly before the American people; therefore I shall read his report with the greater interest and attention. We return next Saturday night. If you will dine with us next day or any day in the week, we shall be truly glad and delighted to see you. Let me know, then, what day you will come. I need scarcely say that I shall joyfully talk with you about the Metropolitan Improvement Society, then or at any time; and with love to Letitia, in which Kate and the babies join, I am always, my dear Henry, Affectionately yours. P.S.--The children's present names are as follows: Katey (from a lurking propensity to fieryness), Lucifer Box. Mamey (as generally descriptive of her bearing), Mild Glo'ster. Charley (as a corruption of Master Toby), Flaster Floby. Walter (suggested by his high cheek-bones), Young Skull.