To Walter Lacy, 23 May 1871

LS to Walter Lacy (1809-1898), on headed paper, written in the hand of Caroline Graves and signed by Collins. Dated [Tuesday] 23 May 1871.

The Public Face of Wilkie Collins II 256

90, Gloucester Place,

Portman Square. W.

May 23^rd 1871.

Dear Mr Walter Lacy,

Pray accept my best thanks

for your very kind letter. The preparation

of Mercury which you describe has been tried

in my case, and, from some unlucky pecu-

-liarity in my constitution, has not succeeded.

Iodide of Potash, tried next, has mastered the

pain – and, in combination with Anti-Gout

medicine, is already bringing me round.

I hope I shall see you,

when I am able to report myself a little

farther advanced on the way to recovery.

In the mean time, once more thanking

you for your friendly sympathy.

I remain

Very truly yours

Wilkie Collins

NOTES

Walter Lacy (1809-1898) was born Walter Williams. Educated in medicine, he took to the state as a young man making his London debut in 1838. He was a member of the Garrick Club and became Professor of Elocution at the Royal Academy of Music, returning briefly to the state in 1879.