The Works of Thomas Carlyle/Volume 6/Letter 58
‘The Gentleman I mentioned to you,’ who is now travelling towards Dover with this hopeful Note in his pocket, must remain for ever anonymous. Of Kenrick I have incidentally heard, at Worcester Fight or elsewhere; but of ‘the Gentleman’ nowhere ever. A Shadow, sunk deep, with all his business, in the Land of Shadows; yet still indisputably visible there: that is the miracle of him!
TO COLONEL KENRICK, “LIEUTENANT OF DOVER CASTLE: THESE”
Sir,—This is the Gentleman I mentioned to you. I am persuaded you may be confident of his fidelity to you in the things you will employ him in.
I conceive he is fit for any Civil employment; having been bred towards the Law, and having besides very good parts. He hath been a Captain-Lieutenant. and therefore I hope you will put such a value on him, in “the” Civil way, as one that hath borne such a place shall be thought by you worthy of: Whereby you will much oblige, your affectionate servant,
“P.S.” I expect to hear from you about your defects in the Castle, that so you may be timely supplied.[1]
‘Defects in the Castle,’ and in all Castles, were good to be amended speedily,—in such predicaments as we are now again on the eve of.
- ↑ Gentleman’s Magazine (1791), lxi. 520; without comment or indication of any kind.