My Lords and Gentlemen,
As Certain statements have appeared in the Local Journals reflecting upon my character as the Honorary Conductor of “The Readings,” and upon the Institution, I deem it my duty to send this statement to you, with the request that you will give it your kind and impartial consideration. I should not have adopted this course had the Editors of those journals, viz.: “The Marylebone Mercury” and “The Bayswater Chronicle,” inserted my letters addressed to them, giving a denial of the misrepresentations. I think it may not be out of place to give you a sketch of the progress of the Institution, and to mention from what cause I was induced to commence the series of Penny Readings first known as “Praed Street Penny Readings,” but afterwards more appropriately termed “The Marylebone Penny Readings.” I had attended many Penny Reading meetings within the metropolis and was thoroughly convinced that such meetings were not only