Reference
Z699/125
Title
Priscilla May to Edward Harris Strange 25 June 1834
Wandsworth 6th Mo. 24th
My dear Edward
Several of the family here being gone to the Q.M. & Aunt Arch & I left to ourselves I thought it was a nice quiet time to scribble a few lines previous to our going to dine at Aunt Maddock's -
I was a little surprised on receiving thy letter at Cavendish Square as I did not know any of you knew of my going there but however it was not the less welcome - I was glad to hear you had at length begun stock taking you have had a warm time for it but I suppose it is near the conclusion I shall want to know how it turns out & what arrangements are proposed for the partnership.-
From thy account of Burrows' house I suppose it they will quit it at Michaelmas in that case the alterations must soon be begun, dost not thou think it would look much better without the verandah over the door? I think it would, & if I recollect right the steps are very poor which always gives a house a mean appearance -
What is thy idea about thy getting into it ? We seem As to my coming home I cannot fix any time as I must pay a visit at Peckham & Tottenham - on some accounts to go with Aunt Arch would a little take off from the awkwardness of first making my appearance now it is all out - when I do go I shall hope to have someone with me -
Wilt thou ask Mother whether Louisa Hooper had better be asked to go with Aunt Arch or with me as I know she is quite depending on going - Aunt Arch will be ready to go (I should think) in about ten days or two weeks - if Father is coming up in the chaise.
Yesterday we went five of us duly adorned in white gloves & without bonnets in a Fly to pay the bride visit to James & Kate, they have a ready furnished house in Brixton - it is a tolerable sort of one standing in the middle of a garden which is not in good order at all - they were very sociable & we liked our visit very well - it was not so stiff as such visits often are - - they have had some very handsome presents of plate but I should not think there was much beside.- - Kate is unsettled about her cook - she gives herself such airs that Kate who has never been used to any thing of the sort is quite in a dilemma & is on the lookout though she has not given Betsy warning.-
We spent last fourth day at Aunt Maddock's - we enjoyed it much & think the old lady was glad to see us - thou dost not know her I think, she is quite an original & is most thoroughly kind hearted to those she thinks worthy of esteem - she is looked up to by the poor & very much beloved by them - I think thou knows the greater part of our numerous relations - I do not seem to know what thou hast besides brothers & sisters - I suppose some Uncles & Aunts - -
I had a long note from Nancy yesterday giving a much better account of herself which is would be the more cheering had we not been so often buoyed up with hope & then as often disappointed - I intend going to spend next second day with her as we leave here for Cornhill on sixth day & will take Nancy back as the change does not seem to be of much benefit to her - - she seems more like an own sister to me & she takes a great interest in all my concerns & the more I know of her the more I esteem her for her many good qualities -
William Holmes has just lately been rejected by Emma Curtis which has a little surprised us - - he is very unfortunate having been refused once or twice before - perhaps Mother has heard of it she will not be surprised at it - -
I was sorry to hear of Father's being still rather poorly he generally is so during stock taking but I was in hopes this time he would have been better - I want very much to know whether he has at all consulted with Charles with respect to the partnership - I know their ideas differ but each giving their opinion freely would tend to produce a more lively interest in each other as any dissension would be most painful to me & to all of us.- -
H. Morland called on Nancy at the Square - - she talked of us in a most agreeable manner & N. said nobody would have thought she had ever said any thing to thy disparagement - I intend going to see her if I have an opportunity when in London.
I think I must now bring this to a conclusion - I shall hope to hear from thee by Charles - Aunt Arch wishes to have nine yards of twilled cambric not f about 2/- per yard sent by him - - - With dear love to Father & Mother accept a large share thyself from
Thy ever affectionate Priscilla
Seal : P.M.
Samuel May Postmarks : Z Wandsworth NIGHT
Ampthill JU24 7 JU.24 7
E.H.S. Beds. 1884 1834
Date free text
25 June 1834
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From: 1834 To: 1834
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