Signed. ‘Are you open to consider a reprint school story? Nearly 20 years ago (in 1886) I wrote a story which appeared in a journal called 'The New Boys Paper' - (Long since dead) I retained the copyright as I wanted Messrs Blackie of Edinburgh to publish the story in book form – This idea fell through and the story has never been re-published –I am now writing a school story which is appearing in 'True Blue' and which is making a hit in a small way – This has made me think of the old story and I have turned up the numbers – The story really reads remarkably well – The hero to my maturer judgment is a solemn prig but the fun is fast and furious and the invention is amazing –The story is called 'Barrington’s Fag' but of course the title could be altered - Shall I send it along? You can have either the original numbers or a pruned and revised copy of the story which I prepared for Messrs Blackie.' On verso - diary notes.
Headed notepaper: The Big Budget/The Boys' Leader - The Papers a Boy can take Home, 28 Maiden Lane, London. Signed. 'In reply to your letter, I should be very glad indeed to give my best consideration to your story.'
Headed notepaper: The Big Budget/The Boys' Leader - The Papers a Boy can take Home, 28 Maiden Lane, London. Signed. In response to story - 'I regret to say it is not exactly the style of thing I am needing [...] it is apt to be old-fashioned in incident and totally out of keeping with the notions of school tales in the minds of present-day youngsters.’
Signed. ‘The story is perhaps a bit old-fashioned – I was only 17 when I wrote it and fresh from school. At the same time I doubt whether your policy of insisting that all school stories should be made to the one pattern is sound. Boys – the most fickle public in existence – are always craving for 'something different' – Pardon me if I seem to be trying to teach you your own trade and believe me yours faithfully HJA.’
From: Konigsberg i. Pr., Hinter-Tragheim 64. Addressed to Herbert Allingham, 5 Broughton Road, Ealing. Signed. 'In reply to yours of 24/2, I regret to say that the stories are not for the German taste, at least not for the magazines for which I write. They are – how shall I say? – too sensational, too little natural. I have only got two, “Dick’s Mascot” and “Tom Munro’s Murder”. You write interesting but, please don’t misunderstand me – not for the better public – more for the middle-class who like sensational stories.’ (she adds a note ‘at least here in Germany, in England it may be otherwise’). The note continues to describe the type of story she is interested in - 'real life, humorous'.
From: 5 Broughton Road, Ealing. Signed. ‘Owing to the rivalry of two or three popular publishers in this country the demand for sensational stories is so great that the temptation to supply it is almost overwhelming. However I am sending you two other stories. They are somewhat different but still I fear not quite what you want. At present I am very busy but later in the year I hope to resume the writing of short stories. In that case I trust to be able to send you something more likely to suit your purpose! Will you be so good as to send me one or two German magazines containing the kind of stories you speak of?.'
Signed. 'Dear Murray, Send me some money!! (repeated x3) Right willingly will I clown and grin for the entertainment of thy juveniles but to do so on an empty belly I flatly refuse – Thine more in sorrow than in wrath HJA.'
Headed notepaper: Editorial Department, Smart Novels / Dainty Novels Caxton House, Gough Square, London. Signed. 'I have only just had time to read the two instalments of The Spy & like them very much indeed, in fact I think they are by far the best of all - do you not agree? I suppose you know that the story will begin in our Easter Number. I am advertising it as largely as possible & think it ought to 'go'.'
Headed paper: The New Palace Steamers LTd., 50 King William Street. Addressed to H J Allingham, London Jornal, 12-13 Fetter Lane. [...] we greatly regret we cannot issue any passes at present but we shall be most happy to comply with your request after the 20th inst.' Pencil annotations on verso. Printed signature.
Headed notepaper: Yes or Not - One Penny Weekly, 11 Gough Square, Fleet Street, London. Signed. 'I am obliged to return you the tenth instalment of 'The Czar's Chief Spy' as I think it would be greatly improved if you 'worked up' the scene with the Czar considerably. We hear so much in these days of his terror, of his changing words, of the precautions taken for his safety, of the hunted life he lives in his splendid surroundings, that I am sure you have lost a grand opportunity. On second thoughts I have no doubt you will see it as I do.'
