M. Chapman letter to Leigh Hunt, September 30, 1837

              Devonport, Stafford’s Hill,

Sunday, Septr 30, 1837.



My Dear Sir,



Although the cross Saint Andrew kicked up such rows in parliament, on the abominations of open shops, &c. &c. &c. on the Sabbath, and which very probably paved the way, to his being kicked out, I find I cannot get better paper (I mean smaller, for I tremble at the thought of punishing you, with much of my ^commonplace matters, but am impelled to the perpetration, by the Repository, which after feasting on, I have this moment laid down), but it shall not put me, from my purpose, one good turn deserves another (for good read great ^as connected with your turn), you once begged me to excuse a slip, as you had no other. -Now my dear Sir, allow me to send you my warm thanks, for the delights you promise me, through the “Repository,” the moment I saw the announcement in the papers, that /that/ the mag. was in such rare keeping, knew no rest, found the first two numbers, at the Mechanic’s Institute, & now thank God, have my own, and will continue it as long as I can command the pence, though poor (in filthy lucre ^yet rich in expectation.) “Honi soit.” I do not think evil, I only /laugh/ smile at the creatures, the money-getters, and their noted meanness of soul, for “by the lord” I know them, as well as he that made them, and show them up occasionally; there is one who devours all I read or lend him; yet there never lies on his table, any sign of contribution, now and then a dirty Sun newspaper, from a neighbouring inn, I nose it; well done old rue, thinks I, there has been value received from the loan. I wish they would tell him to “drink deep or taste not,” that he might have no resource left, but the Print-shop or the Printer’s ordinary record offices,



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