GE to William Blackwood, London, 20 October 1871
Title
GE to William Blackwood, London, 20 October 1871
Title
GE to William Blackwood, London, 20 October 1871
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
William Blackwood
Date(s)
- 1871-10-20
Place
London
Letter Content
GE to William Blackwood, London, 20 October 1871
MS: National Library of Scotland. Hitherto unpublished.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
October 20. 71.
My dear Mr. William
I had just been thinking that this morning I would at last write to thank you for your kind letter and inquiries, when there came to us the sad announcement of your loss. 382 I do not like to think how many family losses your uncle Mr. John Blackwood has had to go through even since I have known him -- though indeed our acquaintance now stretches over fifteen years. We have been reflecting that probably the end in this case may have seemed less sudden to you than to us, who had not heard of any change since the first recovery.
Ever since death was in our own house we have become much more sensitive to like trials befalling our friends -- knowing how much deeper they cut, especially in those who are no longer young, than any outward show implies.
I have been in the receipt of all sorts of kindness for the last month without making any sign of gratitude, and I am getting strong enough to be rather ashamed. Your letter did me all the more good because you considerately desired me not to answer it on paper; but I gave it a long answer in my head. I cannot boast of great vigour yet, but I am able to take up my writing with more or less effect every morning.
Mr. Lewes unites with me in begging you to offer to Mr. Blackwood, and to accept yourself, our earnest sympathy and regard. Believe me always
Yours sincerely
M. E. Lewes.
William Blackwood Esq.
MS: National Library of Scotland. Hitherto unpublished.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
October 20. 71.
My dear Mr. William
I had just been thinking that this morning I would at last write to thank you for your kind letter and inquiries, when there came to us the sad announcement of your loss. 382 I do not like to think how many family losses your uncle Mr. John Blackwood has had to go through even since I have known him -- though indeed our acquaintance now stretches over fifteen years. We have been reflecting that probably the end in this case may have seemed less sudden to you than to us, who had not heard of any change since the first recovery.
Ever since death was in our own house we have become much more sensitive to like trials befalling our friends -- knowing how much deeper they cut, especially in those who are no longer young, than any outward show implies.
I have been in the receipt of all sorts of kindness for the last month without making any sign of gratitude, and I am getting strong enough to be rather ashamed. Your letter did me all the more good because you considerately desired me not to answer it on paper; but I gave it a long answer in my head. I cannot boast of great vigour yet, but I am able to take up my writing with more or less effect every morning.
Mr. Lewes unites with me in begging you to offer to Mr. Blackwood, and to accept yourself, our earnest sympathy and regard. Believe me always
Yours sincerely
M. E. Lewes.
William Blackwood Esq.
Signature
M. E. Lewes.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to William Blackwood, London, 20 October 1871, 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/94196