SD2801. Thomas Carlyle to John A. Carlyle

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 343 (in part).

Chelsea,

5 Decr 1865–

My dear Brother,

Today no more than yesterday brings me word from Laing or Kelland …

Last night, very much agt my will, we had to go to Forster’s; F. himself ill of gout wd take no denial: “Yr birthday, Carlyle!” To set abt rejoicing because one’s 70 th year is done wd not have occurred to myself by any means: ah me, ah me! However, the thing went well enough, foolish as it was; and did not break my sleep. Browning was there, and one Dyce (an Aberdeen Ex-shovelhat, huge grey man, very good-natured) who lives upon Shakspeare; no other except ourselves,—poor Jane says she always sleeps better after such a thing! …

Publication: Carlyle, 43, 66–67.

Manuscript: National Library of Scotland.

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