Title
Sarah Arch to Priscilla May 11 Mar 1834
[3 Mo 11 - 34]
My dear Priscilla
Thou art probably aware, that the subject of a proposal that has been made to thee, has been directed to me by thy mother, which I must confess excited considerable surprise, and in addition to thy mother's letter, having had some conversation with thy father on the subject, I find that they both consider, after a long acquaintance with the party, that his character, conduct, and principles are unobjectionable, and farther, that the proposal does not meet with any decided objection on thy part, and that under these circumstances they are disposed to favour it- -
I supposed, as I doubt not will be the case with thy friends generally, that thy wish would be, in forming this most important connection, to be united to one, who from habits, education, and connections in life, thou could refer and look up to, for information and instruction, I do not mean in the more serious and primary concerns of life, but those which are of interest to a cultivated mind, and which to many, are of some importance, and of frequent occurrence. - Nevertheless, should it appear to thy judgement & feelings, that the individual in question, is qualified to make thee a desirable companion, in those more material points, which make up the comfort & happiness of married life, I would not discourage thee from entertaining the proposal, - shouldst thou incline to write to me, I shall have pleasure in receiving it.-
I must refer thee to thy father for particulars regarding thy cousin S.C. - we were at Kennington on 1st day, they were all pretty well, except thy Aunt, who feels very weak and looks thinner than I ever saw her, indeed it was affecting to me, she has not yet heard of either Servant, and her present ones behave very bad, particularly Maria, so that they long for 6th day week to get rid of them. - have not heard when Emily is to return, - with feelings of affectionate solicitude, for the anxiety that must accompany thy present state of mind, and earnest desires for thy happiness, I conclude with dearest love to thy mother -
thy truly affectionate Aunt S.A.
Priscilla May
Ampthill