GE to John Blackwood, [Wandsworth], 20 April 1859
Title
GE to John Blackwood, [Wandsworth], 20 April 1859
Title
GE to John Blackwood, [Wandsworth], 20 April 1859
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
John Blackwood
Date(s)
- 1859-04-20
Place
[Wandsworth]
Letter Content
GE to John Blackwood, [Wandsworth], 20 April 1859
MS: National Library of Scotland. Extract published: Cross, II, 101.
April 20. 59.
My dear Sir
I know good Mr. Bracebridge, 108 and dined at his house in my sallet days, 109 though I'm sure he has no recollection of me. He is a kind-hearted, patronizing man -- of wealth and old family -- who once tried to make a figure politically (as a liberal) in his county and succeeded -- only the figure was a very poor one.
But this myth about Liggins is getting serious and must be put a stop to. I think an explicit denial should be given to Mr. Bracebridge. We are bound not to allow sums of money to be raised (or perhaps a place given) on a false supposition of this kind.
Don't you think it would be well for you to write a letter to the
"Times" to the effect that, as you find in some stupid quarters my letter has not been received as a bon'e2 fide denial, you declare Mr. Liggins not to be the author of Clerical Scenes and Adam Bede; further, that any future applications to you concerning George Eliot will not be answered, since that writer is not in need of public benevolence. Such a letter might save us some future annoyance and trouble; for I am rather doubtful about Mr. Liggins's character. The last report I heard of him was that he spent his time in smoking and drinking. I don't know whether that is one of the data for the Warwickshire logicians who have decided him to be the author of my books.
The last letter you enclosed to me was from the "Constitutional Press," 110 asking me for a story on my "own terms"! Only think what I lose by my anonymity.
Ever yours truly
George Eliot.
John Blackwood Esq.
MS: National Library of Scotland. Extract published: Cross, II, 101.
April 20. 59.
My dear Sir
I know good Mr. Bracebridge, 108 and dined at his house in my sallet days, 109 though I'm sure he has no recollection of me. He is a kind-hearted, patronizing man -- of wealth and old family -- who once tried to make a figure politically (as a liberal) in his county and succeeded -- only the figure was a very poor one.
But this myth about Liggins is getting serious and must be put a stop to. I think an explicit denial should be given to Mr. Bracebridge. We are bound not to allow sums of money to be raised (or perhaps a place given) on a false supposition of this kind.
Don't you think it would be well for you to write a letter to the
"Times" to the effect that, as you find in some stupid quarters my letter has not been received as a bon'e2 fide denial, you declare Mr. Liggins not to be the author of Clerical Scenes and Adam Bede; further, that any future applications to you concerning George Eliot will not be answered, since that writer is not in need of public benevolence. Such a letter might save us some future annoyance and trouble; for I am rather doubtful about Mr. Liggins's character. The last report I heard of him was that he spent his time in smoking and drinking. I don't know whether that is one of the data for the Warwickshire logicians who have decided him to be the author of my books.
The last letter you enclosed to me was from the "Constitutional Press," 110 asking me for a story on my "own terms"! Only think what I lose by my anonymity.
Ever yours truly
George Eliot.
John Blackwood Esq.
Signature
George Eliot.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to John Blackwood, [Wandsworth], 20 April 1859, Complete George Eliot Letters(2026), George Eliot Archive, edited by Beverley Park Rilett. https://GeorgeEliotArchive.org, Accessed September 7, 2026. https://georgeeliotarchive.org/items/show/92567