Bedfordshire Archives Service Catalogue

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Reference
L30/11/339/155
Title
Letter from Mary Yorke to Lady Polwarth, sent from Ely. Mrs Waddington is going on very well [following birth of Mary Agnes Waddington?], though met with a small interruption to her recovery from a cold that went through the family. She looks forward to getting rid of old nurses and receiving M'lle de Hompesch.
Date free text
17 Nov 1794
Production date
From: 1794 To: 1794
Scope and Content
Sorry to learn that Lady Grey had a cold; hopes she is now recovered. The town has been filled with the Leicestershire militia. The officers dine with the Bishop on Thursday. It seems a remarkably quiet, well behaved corps. 'As to our old friend Mrs P. [Anne Plumptre] I cannot suppose poverty can have induced her to take the part she has done, as the Doctor left her well provided. Her brother likewise (Mr Newcome) is retired in affluent circumstances, and is fond of her.' Reference to 10 gentlemen, one from St.John's College Cambridge and the other nine from Oxford who are steeing out for America and mean to retire to some uncultivated spot and form schemes for the happiness of the world, as they are inspired by the true spirit of liberty. Writer has heard that a votary of this 'spirit' Miss Helen [Maria] Williams has retired into Switxerland having narrowly escaped the guillotine. [Note: Helen Maria Williams was a British novelist, poet, and translator of French-language works. A religious dissenter, she was a supporter of abolitionism and of the ideals of the French Revolution; she was imprisoned in Paris during the Reign of Terror]. Lady Cork has claimed the girl so long protected by Lord & Lady Amherst - however, her Ladyship will not part with her. The writer hears she is to be married. [Possibly relates to Fanny Williams]. Mention of Holland and trials. The repairs are done to the house in Upper Brook Street and the bill paid.
Level of description
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