[Dodgson, Charles Lutwidge] "Lewis Carroll".

Three autograph letters, two of them signed ("C.L. Dodgson"), the other written in the third person, to Mr or Mrs Harding, asking whether they would agree to his becoming acquainted with their daughter

a remarkable group of letters, apparently unpublished and all in purple ink, in which dodgson seeks the acquaintance of a young girl.

The first letter presents the writer's compliments to Mr Harding. Dodgson begs that if the reader is "...the gentleman with whose wife Mr Dodgson had a short conversation... about Children's Services..." then the "enclosed note" should be opened. Otherwise the author requests the return "in the enclosed envelope" (still present).

The enclosed note comprises a letter in which Dodgson asks for better acquaintance stating that the author is "an elderly bachelor, with a strong love for children" and explaining "I was first attracted by the face of your little girl..." Remarking that "there is such brief time for making any acquaintances in a sea-side holiday..." Dodgson provides his own introduction ("...I divide my time between mathematics, (in which subject I have been Lecturer at Ch[rist]. Ch[urch]. for nearly 25 years), + wandering on the beach...") and states "a visit to me in my solitary lodging would be a real boon".

The final letter, addressed to Mrs Harding, laments that "our very slender acquaintance" cannot be improved due to the Hardings' departure. Dodgson then reveals his literary identity, hitherto hidden ("...let me now ask a question I would have liked to ask before, only that it would have looked like offering a bribe..."), and enquires "...whether your little girl does or does not possess copies of two little books I have written for children, called "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking-Glass..." The author then asks for the pleasure of sending copies and states he would be glad if, before departure, "...you would leave yourself a few minutes to look in on your way to the station".

8 pages, 8vo, 7 Lushington Road, Eastbourne, 1-4 September 1879; also included are three envelopes and lewis carroll's visiting card written in the author's own hand ("Rev. C.L. Dodgson | Ch. Ch. | Oxford"), tears to envelopes, some creases