PEMBROKE LODGE, April 4, 1857

The City election engrossed my thoughts for many days, and made it difficult to write to anybody who cared as much about it as you till it was over.  I have since spent my life in answering letters and receiving visits of congratulation, most of them very hearty and sincere, and accordingly very pleasant.  I thought my days of caring for popular applause were over, but there was something so much higher than usual in the meaning of the cheers that greeted John whenever he showed himself, that I was not ashamed of being quite delighted.  There was obviously a strong feeling among the electors and non-electors, in Guildhall and in the streets, that John had been unfairly and ungratefully set aside, which far outweighed the effect of his unpopular opinions on ballot and church rates.  Altogether there was a good tone among the people (by which I don’t mean only one of attachment to John) which made me proud of them.  Next to the pleasure of seeing and hearing with my own eyes and ears how strong his hold upon his countrymen still is, was the pleasure I was wicked enough to feel at the reception which greeted the unfortunate Raikes Currie.

    The repose of Pemmy Lodge, which I hope you will by and by share
    with us, is very welcome after our noisy triumph.

    Mr. Charles Dickens to Lady John Russell

    May 22, 1857

DEAR LADY JOHN,—­Coming to town yesterday morning out of Kent, I found your kind and welcome note referring to the previous day.  I need not tell you, I hope, that although I have not had the pleasure of seeing you for a long time, I have of late been accompanying Lord John at a distance with great interest and satisfaction.  Several times after the City election was over I debated with myself whether I should come to see you, but I abstained because I knew you would be overwhelmed with congratulations and I thought it was the more considerate to withhold mine.

I am going out of town on Monday, June 1st, to a little old-fashioned house I have at Gad’s Hill, by Rochester, on the identical spot where Falstaff ran away, and as you are so kind as to ask me to propose a day for coming to Richmond, I should very much like to do so either on Saturday the 30th of this month or on Sunday the 31st.

    I heard of you at Lausanne from some of my old friends there, and
    sometimes tracked you in the newspapers afterwards.  I beg to send
    my regard to Lord John and to all your house.

    Do you believe me to remain always yours very faithfully,

    CHARLES DICKENS

    Lady John Russell to Lord Minto

    PEMBROKE LODGE, September 27, 1857