Letters to Sherlock Holmes

Very soon after the publication of the first Sherlock Holmes stories, readers from around the world began to write to the Great Detective to ask for his help.

The first letter, dated Jan 4th 1957, is addressed to “Mr John Greaves c/o Sherlock Holmes, 221B Baker Street, London, England”. It reads “Dear Sir and Holmes lover. Having read of the marvellous job you are doing to keep alive the “sacred writings” and, indeed, the legend-comes-to-life, I would certainly appreciate you sending me a copy of the Sidney Paget drawing the “Master” and the photograph of the famous sitting room recreated by the 1952 Festival of Britain.

I am merely a devoted lover, follower and collector of any and all bits I can lay my hands on of the deathless Sherlock. Many thanks in advance. It is signed E J Hillier of 1346 Lakeland Ave, Lakewood 7, Ohio, USA. There is also a PS ‘I am one of the “old-timers who has been following the stories from away back at the turn of the century when many of the stories appeared in magazines. EJH.

The handwritten letter next to this reads:

Dear Mr Sherlock Holmes, I hope you are in good health, my dearly loved and much honoured cat has got the palsy .The doctor recommends a pint of whiskey with two bars of Sapelie (sic) in it, twice a day while another says that the only thing that can ease her is Ogden’s Guinea Gold Cigarettes.

Knowing you to be a man of great resource, I have decided to ask your advice, I am yours sincerely, C R D Pullins.

The small envelope below this is addressed to “Sherlock Holmes Esq, 221 Baker Street, London. There is a red stamp in the top right corner which is postmarked Hayward 16.15AM No 13, 05”. On the top left is written “If away, please return”.

The final letter in the case reads:

“Dear Mr Hiller, As requested by your letter of the 4th January, I have great pleasure in sending you a copy of the Sidney Paget drawing of Sherlock Holmes which appeared when the stories were first published in the Strand Magazine.

I also enclose two views of the sitting room which was reconstructed for the Sherlock Holmes Exhibition held in this building in 1951, and which was visited by over 55,000 people before it went on tour in America. Yours truly, J Greaves.”

This is one of the images supplied to Mr Hillier.