12 OCTOBER 1844, Page 10

DEATH OF JOHN OVERS.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SPECTATOR.

Son-When Mr. CHARLES DICKENS wrote his able and eloquent preface to JOHN 0cm:is's Evenings of a Working Haas, his philanthropic desire was to enlist the sympathies of the public in behalf of that talented mechanic, to enable him to provide " for a sick wife and very young family." Since that feeling appeal, poor OVERS has gone to his last home ; leaving an unblemished charac- ter and no small degree of fame as a self-taught genius; but, alas! he lets also left, to struggle with the difficulties and hardships of poverty, an amiable wife and six children-the eldest not ten years of age, one an infant, and another labouring under great bodily affliction ; and the poor widow herself in delicate health.

It is but to -make this distressing case known, and I feel assured the public will not withhold their sympathy.

When the death of OvEns was announced to me, I deeply deplored the ab- sence of Mr. CHARLES DICKENS from England, and I still regret that he is not at hand to advocate the cause of this distressed family; but although I cannot urge their claims so eloquently and forcibly as he would have done, yet I can, and do, as earnestly appeal to the benevolent that they will contribute liberally to enable the widow " to make some provision for her family."

I have the permission of Messrs. BOUVERIE and Co., hankers, No. 11, Hay- market, to state that they will kindly receive subscriptions; and I shall also be happy to do the same, at 72 Mortimer Street, Cavendish Square.

I am sure it is unnecessary for me to do more than beg the favour of your giving this a place in your columns ; for when a charitable action is to be ad- vocated, the press of England has ever generously lent its aid.

I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient humble servant,

T. C. NEWBY.

Subscriptions received-

Mr. Atkins £1

0 0

Pouncey, Esq 1 0 0 Anonymous 0 10 0 Miss M'Cailan 0 10 0 A Friend 0 5 0 T. C. Newby 20 0 0