31 JANUARY 1914, Page 33

[To THR EDITOR or Tax "SPECTATOR...]

SIR,—Witb reference to the phrase or catchword "I don't think," there is no doubt it was used before the time of Dickens. A near relation of mine, born in the year 1800 spoke of it as used in his childhood, e.g., "'You're a nice man, I don't think !"—I am, Sir, &c, J. C. F. [Another correspondent points out that the phrase occurs in Sam Weller's coniersation with Mr. Winkle at Bath— En. Spectator.]