Reference
Z699/76
Title
Helen Curtis to Priscilla May 3 Nov 1830
Frenchay Novr 3rd 1830
My dear Priscilla,
You will no doubt be surprised at receiving a letter from me so soon after the arrival of yours, but I thought if I did not embrace this opportunity, another might not occur during your stay in London, being quite aware one of my letters would not compensate for the postage -
I was exceedingly disappointed at not receiving any letter from Walworth saying how my sister Harriet was, I must therefore conclude "no news is good news", and as Samuel Sturge (your friend) went to London this morning he was kind enough to take a few lines for me requesting my sister Maria to write to me this week -
Yesterday was our Monthly meeting a large party of friends dined here and as most of the Gentlemen were Farmers smoking was the order of the day, in which Francis & Alfred most willingly joined, you say you cannot fancy Francis sitting round the table after tea, but I assure you it would be much more in character, were you to fancy him sitting in the Summer house about dusk, with his Scotch Cap on smoking a pipe with his dog sitting by the side of him -
Alfred [Tuckett] & Samuel Jackson dined here yesterday, Alfred is still very much unsettled with respect to servants, Priscilla is gone on account of her strange conversation with the new servant, which seemed more like insanity than anything else, or as Aunt says, disappointed love, she drank a large cup of logwood in hope it was poison, telling the servant she wished to die, and many strange things in that way - so that my Aunt thought it much better to get rid of her, the new one will not stay altho' she seems a steady person, and would be likely to suit, but she says she cannot bring her mind to washing dishes so that I fear it will be some time before Alfred gets quite comfortably settled with servants.
My Aunt & Cousins were all very much surprised to hear of the death of the young man you speak of - we go on here much as usual, in a very quiet way, we see very little of Francis or Philip till the evening & then Philip generally reads to us, he has just finished 2 vols Lingard's History of England, which is very interesting.
We went to see the Frys at Redlands last 6th day, they all dined here yesterday, I now begin to get more acquainted with the friends in this part of the country, which makes it much pleasanter.
My Aunt's health is much improved, today she has been making morning calls, but has not been to dine or drink tea with any one since you left, we are expecting the Miss Wilkins's to spend the day here.
This week two very dashing friends, they are staying at their Aunts Mrs Fishers of Redland, we sat down 22 to dinner yesterday.
I am sorry to hear of Jane's indisposition. I am much obliged to you for the watch case pattern & will try my skill in making one, the first opportunity.
I must now conclude as supper is waiting - as you are going to stay at Kennington, you will have an opportunity of seeing my sisters, will you give my dear love to them, I feel very anxious to hear how Harriet is as I have had such bad accounts of her.
Give my dear love to all my relations and accept the same yourself my dear Priscilla from
your ever affectionate Cousin
Helen.
I am much obliged to Francis for his love, & send mine in return. I hope my dear Priscilla you will burn this scrawl, as soon as read.-
Miss Priscilla May, [Seal : a sunburst sunflower.]
Bishopsgate Street.
[Pencil] 6 lbs Pomfret cakes
Date free text
3 Nov 1830
Production date
From: 1830 To: 1830
Exent
No. of pieces: 1
Format
paper
Level of description
item