| Description | Letter written from Plymouth dated 1 April. Bowdler [1750-1830, writer and literary editor] opens the letter with the phrase 'If after every Storm there come such Calms, Let the Winds blow'. She continues: 'I know not how to regret anything I have suffered since it has been the means of my receiving such precious such inestimable proofs of friendship' and thanks Ponsonby [1755-1831] and Miss Butler [Lady (Charlotte) Eleanor Butler, 1739-1829] for their kindness. She writes that it is difficult for her to travel as 'our poor Invalid is not equal to doing it either by land or by water' but goes on to say that her sister is already much better. She describes their life in Plymouth and mentions that they have been reading Whitaker's defence of Mary Queen of Scotland and Dr Johnson's letters ('I c[oul]d wish that many of them had been suppress'd'). She writes that her days are relatively happy and peaceful but admits: 'I feel a want w[hi]ch Adam felt in Paradise' and writes: 'I doubt after this declaration that Miss B. will prescribe a Husband for me as well as my Sister [...] no man w[oul]d be a help meet for me, but I want a Female exactly to my mind; such as I have seen, but cannot find at Plymouth'. She thanks Miss Butler for her letter but wishes it was longer. She shares news of friends and acquaintances.
With a manuscript note explaining the provenance of the letter, signed 'J.E.D.' |