Letter from Nathaniel Hawthorne to W. C. Bennet

Liverpool, Sept 7th '54 My dear Sir, The book for which you inquire, on Miss Witford's behalf, has not passed through my hands, unless it may have been contained in a small parcel which Fields transmitted through me to Mr. Bennet. I somewhat doubt whether the Poems are yet published - not having seen them [ ?] [-tied ?]or noticed. I will write to Fields per next steamer, telling him how earnestly Miss [Mitford ?] wishes

for the book. It grieves me to hear that she is so ill; for though I never had the happiness of meeting her, my feelings towards her are those of a warm personal friend. I thank you for the little poems - "Pygmalion," and "[ ? dess."] I think no other modern poet has wrought up a classic subject so passionately. The marble warms under your touch. Very truly yours, Nath' Hawthorne