Once a Week (magazine)/Series 1/Volume 5/Richard Grainger (postscript)

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2698725Once a Week, Series 1, Volume V — Richard Grainger (postscript)
1861Harriet Martineau


RICHARD GRAINGER.


I have petitioned for space in these columns to rectify a mistake I have been led into, by special information as well as common report. I rejoice to find that both are wrong, and that I have been wrong in assuming them to be trustworthy. That such a mind as Richard Grainger’s should have given way was a painful thought to many who will now be thankful that a faithful and intimate friend of his can bear such testimony as the following that it was not so. Mr. Fenwick writes to me thus, under date of October 12:—

“Your sketch of my late worthy friend, Mr. Grainger, affected me very much. I admired it greatly, except in one particular, where I am sure you have been misinformed. You state that ‘when he had worked too hard, and allowed himself too little sleep, his brain gave way.’ Now, no person beyond his own family knew Mr. Grainger so intimately as I did. He perpetually resorted to me as a friend on whom he could rely for advice; and although, as you may suppose, he felt embarrassment from his affairs, yet he never lost the equanimity of mind which ever distinguished him; and he worked through his difficulties in a manner which astonished me.”

Harriet Martineau.