[BURPEE ] CHARLES HEAVYSEGE 58 
APPENDIX C. 
(Charles Heavysege to Charles Lanman.) 
Montreal, Oct. 12, 1860. 
Dear Sir,—I must beg pardon for my delay in answering your generous 
letter, which was six weeks old before I got it from our post-office ; and since 
that time various circumstances have conspired to delay my reply. Your 
good opinion of what I have written gratifies me much; and I gladly attempt 
to give you the sketch of my history which you require. I was born in 
England, as I believe you are aware; my ancestors on the paternal side 
_ being of Yorkshire (whence Mr. Gales of the Intelligencer.) I was what is 
usually styled religiously brought up, and, though my works are dramatic, 
taught to consider not only the theatre itself, but dramatic literature, even 
in its best examples, as forbidden things. Hence, when a boy, it was only 
by dint of great persuasion that I covertly obtained from my mother some 
few pence weekly for a cheap edition of Shakespeare that was then being 
issued in parts. From the age of nine until the present time, except a short 
period spent at school, it has been my lot to labor, usually from ten to thir- 
teen hours daily, and with few or no intervals of relaxation. But I was 
always thoughtful and observant of man and nature, and, from childhood, 
felt the stirrings of poetry within me. These were cherished in secret for 
many years; and, being of a rather retired, and, perhaps, solitary disposi- 
tion, I, until lately, wrote unknown to any except those of my own family. 
The first recognition I met with was from the ‘North British’ and 
“Saturday Reviews,’ and I believe some others in England that I have not 
yet seen. ‘‘ Count Filippo’’ received a most flattering notice in the New York 
Albion ; and Mr. S. Stephens, who is just returned from Boston, tells me that 
he heard me very favorably spoken of by Emerson, Longfellow, and‘ Mr. 
Fields (of the firm of Ticknor & Fields). Still, Iam at present unknown, and 
my writing, hitherto, has been under inconveniences that might surprise the 
author who is accustomed to retire into the quiet of his study when engaged 
in composition. That I have often repined that it should be so, I will not 
deny. In a literary sense, fortune has hitherto been but a step-mother to 
me, but I trust that better days are in store, when I may have that leisure 
to see, study and write, which is all that I crave. Again thanking you for 
your kind intention toward me, believe me, with best regards to Mrs. Lanman, 
Your truly, 
CHARLES HEAVYSEGE. 
P.S.—Out of “ Saul ” I have just finished condensing an acting play for a 
New York manager. If justice be done to it in the performance, I think it 
will succeed ; anyhow, it is a beginning, and may lead to something further. 
I should be happy indeed to do anything to elevate and refine the stage. 
Should you hereafter honour me with a letter, you shall find that I appreciate 
it by answering promptly. Could you post me a copy of the article which 
you may write, or inform me when and in what paper to look for it ?—C. H. 
