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Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870. Autograph letter signed : London, to J.A. Overs, 1839 Dec. 28.

Title: Autograph letter signed : London, to J.A. Overs, 1839 Dec. 28.

Discussing Overs' work, and reminding him that Dickens is in no way connected with any Magazine and that he is "not on such terms" with either Ainsworth or Bentley [both of Bentley's Miscellany] to promote the publication of Overs' work there. Suggesting that Overs rethink his literary work, rhetorically asking "if a ballad were printed here or a paper accepted there, do you think you would better your condition or be a happier man?" Answering that "in nine tenths of the time you would not." Encouraging Overs to peruse his literary work when it "becomes a pleasure and relaxation from other toils, and may be indulged without regret or pain." Noting that although Dickens is "very closely occupied and the sight of MS (not [his] own) is a nightmare," he is willing to read the work Overs has sent and to give him a private opinion of its merits.

ArchivalResource: 1 item (4 p.) ; 19cm. + envelope.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/475550934 View

Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870. Autograph letter signed : London, to J.A. Overs, 1839 Oct. 8.

Title: Autograph letter signed : London, to J.A. Overs, 1839 Oct. 8.

Praising Overs' work, noting that Dickens thinks his May song and the June song that begins "Night's conqueror I" are the best.

ArchivalResource: 1 item (1 p.) ; 18 cm.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/475520419 View

Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870. Autograph letter signed : London, to J.A. Overs, 1839 May 8.

Title: Autograph letter signed : London, to J.A. Overs, 1839 May 8.

Suggesting that Overs address a private note to Ainsworth regarding a contribution to [Bentley's] Miscellany, noting that since Dickens had communicated with Ainsworth regarding Overs, Overs has "a direct claim upon him." Also reflecting that "booksellers (as a class) are not remarkable for anything but dishonesty."

ArchivalResource: 1 item (3 p.) ; 18 cm. + envelope.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/475063684 View

Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870. Autograph letter signed : London, to William Charles Macready, 1841 Aug. 21.

Title: Autograph letter signed : London, to William Charles Macready, 1841 Aug. 21.

Discussing [John] Overs, a cabinet-maker who "has written some pretty ballads and good little prose sketches"; suggesting that Macready might be able to hire Overs at his theater.

ArchivalResource: 1 item (3 p.) ; 18.2 cm.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/474900029 View

Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870. Autograph letter signed : Broadstairs, to J.A. Overs, 1841 Sept. 26.

Title: Autograph letter signed : Broadstairs, to J.A. Overs, 1841 Sept. 26.

Enclosing (not present) a cheque for £5, and asking for note indicating that it has reached Overs. Expressing delight at Overs' recovery, and mentioning that Dickens shall be glad to see Overs in town on the eleventh or twelfth of October.

ArchivalResource: 1 item (1 1/2 p.) ; 18.1 cm.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/475581661 View

Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870. Autograph letter signed : London, to J.A. Overs, 1840 May 5.

Title: Autograph letter signed : London, to J.A. Overs, 1840 May 5.

Praising Overs' work, noting that Dickens does not think that Overs "could have done better," and asking whether "the odd fellow carries his eccentricity so far, as to pay." Returning (not present) Mr. Adams' letter, and asking for an update on Overs' "proceedings."

ArchivalResource: 1 item (1 p.) ; 18.3 cm.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/475566106 View

Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870. Autograph letter signed : London, to J.A. Overs, 1840 July 13.

Title: Autograph letter signed : London, to J.A. Overs, 1840 July 13.

Mentioning that "Frazer's [sic] flourish about payment was meant" for Dickens' eye, and suggesting that Overs write to Fraser [of Fraser's Magazine] again. Thanking Overs for his account of the Moral World, but noting that Dickens "cannot make up [his] mind whether [he] shall pursue the subject."

ArchivalResource: 1 item (1 1/2 p.) ; 19cm. + envelope.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/475551031 View

Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870. Autograph letter signed : London, to William Bryden, [1841 Oct. 25].

Title: Autograph letter signed : London, to William Bryden, [1841 Oct. 25].

Informing him that Dickens has instructed Mr. Overs to call on Bryden at the Theatre the following day.

ArchivalResource: 1 item (1 p.) ; 18.2 cm.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/475641296 View

Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870. Autograph letter signed : London, to Mrs. Macready, Monday Evening [1841 Oct. 25].

Title: Autograph letter signed : London, to Mrs. Macready, Monday Evening [1841 Oct. 25].

Mentioning that Dickens wrote to Mr. Overs that morning, appointing him to be at the Theatre the following day [for an interview regarding employment].

ArchivalResource: 1 item (1 p.) ; 18.2 cm.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/489702673 View

Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870. Autograph letter signed : London, to J.A. Overs, 1841 Nov. 23.

Title: Autograph letter signed : London, to J.A. Overs, 1841 Nov. 23.

Setting out to tell Overs why Dickens' interest in him "has undergone a change," and berating Overs' conduct with Macready at length. Noting that when Overs seems to "recognize no difference" between himself and Macready, he has lost sight of "his true position in regard to that gentleman." Recognizing Overs' right to leave Macready's employment, and noting that his "manner of leaving it ... is what [Dickens] quarrels with," and that it leads Dickens to the conclusion that Macready and Bryden treated Overs with "a delicacy and a consideration which [Overs] did not deserve." Stating that Dickens is very sorry to have ever recommended him to Macready. Also criticizing a letter from Overs to Dickens, noting that Overs' conduct has disappointed Dickens, that it has shown him that Overs is "not the sort of man" that Dickens took him for, and that "coming from [Overs] it only confirms [Dickens] in the impression that there is something wanting in [Overs], which [Dickens] believed [him] to possess." Reassuring Overs that although disappointment has slackened his zeal to serve him, Dickens "still entertain[s] the desire" to assist him, and would do so, if he had the opportunity.

ArchivalResource: 1 item (5 p.) ; 18.1 cm.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/475581894 View

Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870. Autograph letter signed : London, to J.A. Overs, 1841 Nov. 30.

Title: Autograph letter signed : London, to J.A. Overs, 1841 Nov. 30.

Wondering where in Dickens' last note (MA 105.64) Overs "discovered" that Dickens "looked upon [him] as the subject of moral deficiency which rendered [him] unfit to associate with gentleman," and asking whether Overs thinks Dickens would have written to him if he "entertained any such opinion." Stating that Dickens has no quarrel with Overs, and all he wants is for Overs' "own welfare and happiness." Suggesting that the matter be laid to rest, as it "has been quite enough discussed," and inviting him to call on any Sunday.

ArchivalResource: 1 item (3 p.) ; 18.1 cm.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/475622878 View

Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870. Autograph letter signed : London, to J.A. Overs, 1841 Aug. 24.

Title: Autograph letter signed : London, to J.A. Overs, 1841 Aug. 24.

Discussing Overs' health and Dr. Elliotson's skill. Relaying that Dr. Elliotson forbids Overs to work, and noting that he has sent Dickens £5 "towards keeping [Overs] from the necessity of doing so." Stating that Dickens has "put another five to it, and [is his] banker to the amount of Ten Pounds." Enclosing (not present) a note from Macready and discussing possible employment for Overs with Macready at Drury Lane.

ArchivalResource: 1 item (4 p.) ; 18.1 cm.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/475581607 View

Cunningham, Allan, 1784-1842,. Collection of letters primarily from Charles Dickens to John Macrone, 1835-1851.

Title: Collection of letters primarily from Charles Dickens to John Macrone, 1835-1851.

Includes 37 letters to John Macrone, 13 to J.A. Overs, 6 to T.J. or J.J. Thompson, 2 to T.C. Hansard, 1 to Allan Cunningham, and 1 to William Dryden.

ArchivalResource: 75 items.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/270994232 View

Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870. Autograph letter signed : London, to J.A. Overs, 1841 Oct. 22.

Title: Autograph letter signed : London, to J.A. Overs, 1841 Oct. 22.

Noting that Dickens has had Overs' letter [to William Macready] read to him, and that he strongly disapproves of it for three reasons: first, that it is inconsiderate to address three sides of foolscap to a gentleman who receives three or four score letters every day; second, that Overs vaunts his independence too much and "flourish[s] it rather unnecessarily;" and third, "that the whole of that paragraph about wives and children, and the wet and cold, is presumptuous and impertinent." Recognizing Overs' decision to leave Macready's employment, referencing "the right of every man to do his best for himself," but noting that Overs' letter "is in execrable taste, and not at all becoming," and that Dickens looks upon this as a matter of fact, "and not a matter of opinion." Mentioning that Dickens "saw in five minutes the other night ... that [Overs] would not stay at the Theatre a month" and is not surprised at his decision. Criticizing Overs' "working [his] ideas of Mr. Macready's character out of the wretched materials presented to [his] view, which would be well enough in a man who could neither read nor write, but is quite beneath [Overs]."

ArchivalResource: 1 item (3 p.) ; 18.2 cm.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/475581760 View

Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870. Autograph letter signed : London, to J.A. Overs, 1841 Oct. 22.

Title: Autograph letter signed : London, to J.A. Overs, 1841 Oct. 22.

Noting that illness has kept Dickens from reading Overs' papers, and asking him to defer his visit.

ArchivalResource: 1 item (1 p.) ; 18.2 cm.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/475581691 View

Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870. Autograph letter signed : London, to J.A. Overs, 1841 Oct. 27.

Title: Autograph letter signed : London, to J.A. Overs, 1841 Oct. 27.

Discussing the publication of Overs' Songs of the Months, indicating that he should send them all to Mr. Tait [of Tait's Edinburgh Magazine]. Noting that Cruikshank called to say that Overs' paper [The Postilion] could not be published [in Cruikshank's Omnibus] the next month "but that it would certainly be published in the No. following," and that Cruikshank will nevertheless remit payment immediately.

ArchivalResource: 1 item (2 p.) ; 18.2 cm.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/475597481 View

Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870. Preface to John A. Overs's "Evenings of a working man: being the occupations of his scanty leisure" : autograph manuscript signed : London, 1844 June.

Title: Preface to John A. Overs's "Evenings of a working man: being the occupations of his scanty leisure" : autograph manuscript signed : London, 1844 June.

Consists of Dickens's manuscript title page, dedication, and preface to a prose work by Overs, a London cabinet-maker to whom Dickens had provided practical and financial assistance.

ArchivalResource: 1 item (7 p.) ; 22.6 cm.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/270992720 View

Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870. Autograph letter signed : Broadstairs, to J.A. Overs, 1839 Sept. 27.

Title: Autograph letter signed : Broadstairs, to J.A. Overs, 1839 Sept. 27.

Encouraging him to relay Dickens' words on Overs' Songs to the Editors of Tate's and Blackwood's. Discussing a play that Overs has sent Dickens for review, noting that, though he is "sorry to say" it, Dickens "cannot speak favorably of the play." Stating that "the production is most honorable and creditable to [Overs], but it would not benefit [him], either in pocket or reputation, if it were printed;--and acted, [Dickens does] not think it ever could be." Reassuring Overs that Dickens read it with great care, and reminding him "how very difficult it is to produce a good play." Expressing assurance that Overs will not be "discouraged or hurt" by Dickens' words, noting that he communicates his "individual opinion" and is "as likely to commit an error in judgment as anybody else."

ArchivalResource: 1 item (3 p.) ; 22.8 cm.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/475063764 View

Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870. Autograph letter signed : Broadstairs, to William Charles Macready, 1841 Aug. 24.

Title: Autograph letter signed : Broadstairs, to William Charles Macready, 1841 Aug. 24.

Thanking him for his "kind note" about [John] Overs; mentioning Dr. [John] Elliotson's attentive care of Overs; condeming the press for criticizing Elliotson.

ArchivalResource: 1 item (3 p.) ; 18.1 cm.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/474900070 View