Reference
Z699/246a-b
Title
Louisa Hooper to Edward Harris Strange 10 June 1849
Kennington Court - First Day 6th mo 10-1849
My dear Cousin
It occurs to me that a letter posted tonight may reach thee tomorrow afternoon, and I am sure it will come none too soon to gratify thy Father's heart, so I very gladly take the pen to tell of thy dear children; we consigned them this morning to the care of their Aunt & Cousins at Peckham nor should I omit their Uncle who seems extremely pleased to have them -
Dear little Ted sat through a long & full meeting beautifully and seems to like going to meeting. They are both well, and as lively and as good as one could wish.-
After thou hadst left, they went out with Emily for a short time, to be introduced to Kennington Common &c. - then amused themselves in the garden &c. until one o'clock when they went with Carry & me to the Tottenham Omnibus; London Bridge I found was a point of great interest with them, at least until we came to it, when I fear they were disappointed in the view of the shipping, which I hope to show them to greater advantage another day.-
We had some shopping to do in Town and as there was time before dinner I took them on in the carriage to see Uncle & Aunt Arch - the latter was much gratified by the call - and books them for a day on their return to us.-
After dinner I retreated with them into the drawing room where some quiet amusements during which I read to them, rested and refreshed them as long as Punch permitted - but he was with us part of the time & became too playful - tea - a saunter in the garden - and a pretty good imitation of their tub or water frolics before going to bed, ended the day.-
It quite amused me to see these dear little ones in a hurry round stirring up my sisters - it does Emily a power of good, and Carry who always professes not to like children but seldom carries such professions into practise, and who withall is not now quite in usual health, has been forced to hop about with only one shoe, the other having been spirited away by these little fairies, and I have helped them stand & laugh at her dilemma which could not fail to divert and rouse herself to a most beneficial extent - so as we can all play together thou needst not fear lest we shall enjoy ourselves very much - Carry has determined to go to Basingstoke in 2 or 3 days, and I think it will do her good.-
We fetch the children again on 5th day - and I have sent word to Tottenham we will convey them there the following 3rd or 4th day - but thou shouldst hear from me again once or twice before that time - as I am sure thou must long to know frequently all about them.-
They said they had no message to thee but their dear love - to which I shall in all freedom add my own -
My dear Uncle Benjamin Hooper is here, and Mama, who is with him just now, does not know of my writing to thee - my sisters desire their love & wilt thou give mine to Eliza Yeates - and tell her as she is so fond of teaching her little pupils, I shall not distress myself if she finds a little extra work made for her during their visit here -
Thou must know tho' I have not exactly told thee that it is very pleasant to me at all times to see thy handwriting - yet I wish thee not to receive these bulletins of thy precious absent ones as letters needing a reply - I shall neither look nor wait for one - indeed there is nothing to reply to -
I hope thou art able to enjoy this fine, fresh feeling, day.- not quite suited for a bask & a seat under a tree - but I may fancy thee walking in the park or elsewhere - perhaps alone, and while I join thee mentally - wish I could do so in reality - every thing around must be looking so lovely - so calmly beautiful this evening.-
Intending to write again the latter end of the week.- I am
Thy attached Cousin, Louisa Hooper -
Envelope: Penny red.
Edward H Strange Ampthill 11 Jul postmark
Ampthill
Date free text
10 June 1849
Production date
From: 1849 To: 1849
Exent
No. of pieces: 1
Format
paper
Level of description
item