ABSTRACT
This lecture was first given in New York in 1853, and repeated occasionally in differing forms. Giving it in London in 1857, in aid of the Douglas Jerrold Fund, he ‘boldly, and at the same time delicately, instituted a sort of comparison between himself and Mr Dickens. He referred to the misanthropic sentiments which have been laid to his charge, and honestly confessed that he could only paint truth as he saw it with his own eyes. This brought him to a generous commendation of Dickens, whom he said, to his regret he could not resemble, but whom he regarded as a person commissioned by Divine Providence to correct and instruct his fellowmen’ (The Times, 23 March 1857). Dickens wrote to him that day, having read this report: ‘I am profoundly touched by your generous reference to me. I do not know how to tell you what a glow it spread over my heart. Out of its fulness I do entreat you to believe that I shall never forget your words of commendation. If you could wholly know at once how you have moved me and how you have animated me, you would be the happier, I am certain.’
