I address, by this post, a letter, which is almost the counterpart of the present, to the honorary secretaries of the Manchester Athenaeum. If we find in both towns such a response as we confidently expect, I would propose, on behalf of my friends, that the Liverpool and Manchester Institutions should decide for us, at which town we shall first appear, and which play we shall act in each place. I forbear entering into any more details, however, until I am favoured with your reply. Always believe me, my dear Sir, faithfully your Friend. [Sidenote: Mr. Alexander Ireland.] REGENT'S PARK, LONDON, _June 17th, 1847._ DEAR SIR,[33] In the hope that I may consider myself personally introduced to you by Dr. Hodgson, of Liverpool, I take the liberty of addressing you in this form. I hear from that friend of ours, that you are greatly interested in all that relates to Mr. Leigh Hunt, and that you will be happy to promote our design in reference to him. Allow me to assure you of the gratification with which I have received this intelligence, and of the importance we shall all attach to your valuable co-operation. I have received a letter from Mr. Langley, of the Athenaeum, informing me that a committee is in course of formation, composed of directors of that institution (acting as private gentlemen) and others. May I hope to find that you are one of this body, and that I may soon hear of its proceedings, and be in communication with it? Allow me to thank you beforehand for your interest in the cause, and to look forward to the pleasure of doing so in person, when I come to Manchester. Dear Sir, very faithfully yours. [Sidenote: The same.] ATHENAEUM CLUB, LONDON, _Saturday, June 26th, 1847._ MY DEAR SIR, The news of Mr. Hunt's pension is quite true. We do not propose to act in London after this change in his affairs, but we do still distinctly propose to act in Manchester and Liverpool. I have set forth the plain state of the case in a letter to Mr. Robinson by this post (a counterpart of which I have addressed to Liverpool), and to which, in the midst of a most laborious correspondence on the subject, I beg to refer you. It will be a great satisfaction to us to believe that we shall still be successful in Manchester. There is great and urgent need why we should be so, I assure you. If you can help to bring the matter speedily into a practical and plain shape, you will render Hunt the greatest service. I fear, in respect to your kind invitation, that neither Jerrold nor I will feel at liberty to accept it. There was a pathetic proposal among us that we should "keep together;" and, as president of the society, I am bound, I fear, to stand by the brotherhood with particular constancy. Nor do I think that we shall have more than one very short evening in Manchester.