Market Bosworth, Leicestershire. - Dedicated his poems Forest and Fireside Hours to Milnes; sent three copies last year and has another in white vellum to present; publication expenses not met by subscriptions; has retired to native district on health grounds; hopes to start a school; has testimonials; hopes Milnes will recommend him; the venture will allow him leisure 'for wooing the Muse - making such devotion the pleasure & not the business of Life, as you once commended me for doing'.
'Residing at 16 Gt. Trinity Lane; Letters 146 1/2 Leadenhall St'. - Milnes formerly promised subscription to a poetry volume, The Woodland &c, which Gibson was unable to publish; he now plans to publish poems in Forest and Fireside Hours, as well as a book on mythology entitled Spirit & Earth Worship. Has acted on MIlnes's suggestion of 'self-culture' and studied widely. Sends poems [no longer present]. Is of limited means; would be glad to exchange present clerkship for a government post.
Enclosing printed subscription list and verses.
Sent on to Wright by Edward Maunde Thompson
25 Cullum St, London. - Encloses poem [no longer present]; seeks subscribers for volume of poems to be dedicated to Lady Blessington.
4 Church Passage, Spital Square. - Impoverished by ill-health and support of sisters; needs £5; can deposit books as security for the loan; has previously been forced to beg for food and sleep in the streets; abstains from liquor, tobacco and meat; faces ruin through a legal action. Mr. Gordon, bookseller at 146 Leadenhall Street, will testify as to his character.
4 Church Passage, Spital Square. - Milnes' aid has enabled him to 'shake off the Incubus of Law'; injustice of such debt-recovery, of which he outlines the procedure; thanks Milnes for his kindness; will repay loan when times improve and 'Dreams of Poesy' are realised. Gratified by Milnes' faith in him and his writings; always working but unpublished as yet; sometimes envies honest toils of his father and grandfather, quoting his own lines; accustomed to hard work as a printer but exhausted by present clerical work.