W.T. Stead to the Rev. Henry Kendall (April 11, 1871)

Dear Sir, I write you in strict confidence relying upon your absolute secrecy. Mr. [John] Hyslop Bell, proprietor of The Northern Echo called on me on Saturday to say that Mr. Copleston in all probability will be leaving this year and in case he does he will either engage an experienced editor or he will engage an unexperienced writer and an experienced sub. In case he determines upon the latter, he makes me the offer of the writing and thinks of engaging the present editor of the Express as my sub!! Just think, Your humble servant editor of the Echo with an experienced man of 40 below him as a sub and W.T. Stead being only 22. It is enough to turn a fellow's head...