ALS Letter to Joseph Hatton

London, 1880. Manuscript material. Very Good. Manuscript material. An interesting four page letter written by Justin McCarthy to Joseph Hatton, sent from Westminster Palace Hotel, Victoria Street on 20 December 1880. This appears to be from the Justin McCarthy (1830-1912) who was a member of parliament, journalist, and author, who wrote for many years for the Daily News. Joseph Hatton (1841-1907) was a journalist and novelist who was editor of the Sunday Times from 1874-1881. In the letter, Mr. McCarthy first writes that he is enclosing with pleasure a photograph of himself, but was not able to provide one of Mr. Hill. He tells Hatton that he could get (truncated) one from the photographer and gives the photograph number. He then goes on to write about Mr. Hill, who was Frank Harrison Hill, a writer and the editor in chief of the London Daily News. from 1870-1886. McCarthy writes ..."you are aware of course that he is the author of that collection of masterly, and I think unrivalled personal studies called "Political Portrais." He is also, there can be no doubt, the author of the "Political Adventures of Lord Beaconssfield" whilc appeard in the Fortnightly Review (, "and" crossed out) He is one of the most accomplished scholars I know and his reading, both in solid and light literature, is very varied. He is a wonderfully good talker with a strong tinge of the sarcastic.... I do not know anyone who has a happier gift of touching off a character in two or three phrases....The number of happy things he has said about people in public life is surprising....He was I believe originally intended for the Church, but I fancy his opinions underwent some change. For a time he became a Unitarian minister, but I presume found that he had no special calling for the work and so gave it up and took to literature.....With kind regards Faithfully Yours Justin McCarthy. Quarto sheet folded. Some light marks not affecting the text on inside recto. Very good condition. ALS/020112. (Inventory #: 25654)