TC-LH [JHLH], 8 Feb. MS: State University of Iowa. Pbd: Conway, Carlyle, p. 64; Garnett, p. 327; Sanders, CH, XLV, 440; Luther A. Brewer, “Leigh Hunt Association Books,” in Books at Iowa (Iowa City, Oct. 1964), p. 10. Carlyle's letter is in acknowledgement of a presentation copy of Hunt's Christianism: or Belief and Unbelief Reconciled (London, 1832, only 75 copies printed), sent to Carlyle by John Forster, at whose expense the book had been printed. Forster wrote on the half-title: “To the writer of the article in the Edinburgh Review, entitled ‘Characteristics.’” Beneath this Carlyle noted: “From Leigh Hunt (first acquaintance, 36 years ago!—T. C. 1868).” Sent with the book was a note from Forster which read: “If the gentleman to whom this book is sent, will have the goodness to acknowledge the receipt of it, as soon as it arrives,—in a note addressed to Mr. Moxon Bookseller No. 64 New Bond Street,—it will be considered a kindness.” This note has also been endorsed by Carlyle: “Came with Hunt's Meditations; has been thumbing about the house for 11 years now. Octr. 1843.” Carlyle's copy of Hunt's book, with all the inscriptions and notes, is in the Brewer Collection at the State University of Iowa. Carlyle wrote the note twice. The other version, definitely in his hand (MS also at the State University of Iowa), reads: “The Writer of the Essay named ‘Characteristics’ has just received, apparently from Mr Leigh Hunt, a Volume entitled ‘Christianism’; for which he keenly begs to express his thanks. The Volume shall be read: to meet the Author of it personally would doubtless be a new gratification. / Thomas Carlyle, / 4. Ampton Street, Gray's Inn Road, / 8th Feby 1832.” Carlyle's friendship with John Forster (1812–76), English journalist and biographer, did not ripen until the late 1830's and early 1840's.