The Charles Dickens Letters Project

To THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OR TRUSTEES OF ROADS, 4 SEPTEMBER 18661

Extract in George Houle Autographs, Los Angeles, Aug 2007; dated Gad’s Hill Place, Tuesday 4 Sep 66; addressed Board of the Commissioners or Trustees of Roads

I have the honor to make the present application w[ith] you, for permission to plant a row of lime-trees on the side of the highroad along the whole wall-frontage of my property here. I trust you may be of opinion that the road could sustain no damage from being so ornamented, and that the appearance of the trees would be refreshing and pleasant to passers by. It is scarcely necessary to add that I will readily submit myself to any conditions with which your permission…may be accompanied....Your faithful servant, CHARLES DICKENS

• 1. Enclosed in a letter to Messrs Essell, Knight & Arnold of the same date, for them to lay before the Board at their meeting at Gravesend, 5 Sep.