James T. Fields — 14 Mar. 1862

To JAMES T. FIELDS
March 14[?], [1862], Washington, Pennsylvania

Mr Fields

I feel a little uneasy at not hearing from you in relation to the time you would like to have the new story.[1] I find I must divide it into two parts–for two nos. Will you object? And when do you wish for it? It is hard to write when one is not in the vein but I fear I have indulged myself longer than you like.

I am glad Margret’s sale pleases you.[2] Mr. Leland has just sent me the proof sheets of the Knickerbocker in which he gives my name.[3] I dispatched to him to take it out. I have every reason to dislike its appearing in print. And if anybody thinks it pleases me they are very much mistaken though I suppose he did it for kindness.

Won’t you drop me a line as soon as possible about the time you would like ‘David Gaunt’? And oblige yours sincerely,

R.B.H.

Notes

1. “David Gaunt.”

2. Margaret Howth had been published in book form.

3. Charles Godfrey Leland (1824-1903), editor of The Knickerbocker; or New York Monthly Magazine.

Key Words

"David Gaunt", authorship--use of name, Charles Godfrey Leland, Knickerbocker Magazine, Margret Howth

Source

Richard Harding Davis Papers, Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia

Contributor

S. M. Harris