I write to you in great haste. I most bitterly regret the being obliged to disappoint and inconvenience you (as I fear I shall do), but I find it will be _impossible_ for me to write the paper on Capital Punishment for your next number. The fault is really not mine. I have been involved for the last fortnight in one maze of distractions, which nothing could have enabled me to anticipate or prevent. Everything I have had to do has been interfered with and cast aside. I have never in my life had so many insuperable obstacles crowded into the way of my pursuits. It is as little my fault, believe me, as though I were ill and wrote to you from my bed. And pray bear as gently as you can with the vexation I occasion you, when I tell you how very heavily it falls upon myself. Faithfully yours. FOOTNOTES: [25] Lieut. Tracey, R.N., who was at this time Governor of Tothill Fields Prison. [26] Mrs. Thompson. 1846. [Sidenote: Mr. W. J. Fox.] OFFICE OF THE "DAILY NEWS," WHITEFRIARS, _21st January, 1846._ MY DEAR FOX,[27] The boy is in waiting. I need not tell you how our Printer failed us last night.[28] I hope for better things to-night, and am bent on a fight for it. If we can get a good paper to-morrow, I believe we are as safe as such a thing can be. Your leader most excellent. I made bold to take out ---- for reasons that I hinted at the other day, and which I think have validity in them. He is unscrupulous and indiscreet. Cobden never so. It didn't offend you? Ever faithfully. [Sidenote: Mr. Thompson.] ROSEMONT, _Tuesday Morning._ MY DEAR THOMPSON, All kinds of hearty and cordial congratulations on the event.[29] We are all delighted that it is at last well over. There is an uncertainty attendant on angelic strangers (as Miss Tox says) which it is a great relief to have so happily disposed of. Ever yours. [Sidenote: The same.] 48, RUE DE COURCELLES, ST. HONORE, PARIS, _2nd December, 1846._ MY DEAR THOMPSON,