Autograph letter signed, accepting a story.

20 September 1864. Dickens as editor and literary critic Autograph letter signed from Dickens to one of his regular authors, accepting a story for publication in his periodical All the Year Round, and praising her literary skill. Dickens writes to Julia Cecilia Collinson Stretton (1812-1878) that "I am very happy to accept your story", discussing his preference to include it in the Christmas number, though he is not yet sure of its contents aside from that part of it written by himself. For its inclusion he will give it "a little condensation and slight touching". Dickens adds "a word of small praise" for the story and commends the skill of the author. The recipient published two stories in the Christmas number of All The Year Round, 'His Portmanteau' and 'Hat-Box', and published a number of triple-decker novels with Hurst and Blackett between 1855 and 1869. Other letters to the same recipient are known, discussing serializing her stories in the same journal. Bifolium (178 x 111 mm). Autograph letter, writing on 2 pages, black border, letterhead of Gads Hill Place in Kent. Note of recipient at end. Sometime pressed, pinholes in inner margin, in very nice condition.