152 174
23-YEAR OLDWRITESTO HIS MUM
207
●
STEVENSON, ROBERT LOUIS. Autograph Letter Signed, to “My dear
Mother,” delighting in books by [William] Robertson and Dugald Stewart and comparing
the latter to [Thomas] M’Crie, noting that he is not attracted to life in “Auld Reekie”
[Edinburgh], noting that [Sidney] Colvin is to leave at the end of the week, relating that
Madam Lassetsky believes that his own character is symbolized in the song “Dumbarton
Drums,” remarking that his nickname has become “Berechino,” and closing with reassur-
ance that he is recovered from parting. 2 pages, 8vo, grid ruled paper, written on the recto
and verso of a single sheet; paper clip stain at upper edge, folds.
[Menton], 1 March 1874
[3,000/4,000]
“
. . . I find Robertson; and Dugald Stewart’s life of him a source of unquenchable laughter. D. Stewart
is not much better than M’Crie, and puts me much in mind of him. . . .
“
I suppose you are now home again inAuld Reekie; that abode of bliss does not much attract me, not a bit.
“
Colvin leaves at the end of this week, I fancy.
“
. . . Mme Lassetsky has a theory that ‘Dumbarton Drums’ is an epitome of my character and talents.
She plays it, and goes into ecstasies over it, taking everybody to witness that each note, as she plays it,
is the march of Berechino. Berechino is my stereotype name in the world now. I am announced as M.
Berechino; a german handmaiden came to the hotel the other night, asking for Mr. Berechino . . . sup-
posing in good faith that such was my name. . . .
“
Your letter came. O I am all right now about the parting, because it will not be death, as we are to
write. . . .”