Autograph letter signed : Halifax, to Mrs. [Esther] J.C. Esten, 1810 Aug 4-Aug. 18.

Concerning the timely arrival in Halifax of the Hodgson family before the departure of the HMS Penelope ("The sailing of the Penelope was of course postponed & Major Bozon immediately dispatched to bring Mrs. Hodgson & the children on shore ... they all dined here; slept at the general's lodgings ... & sailed this morning --could there be any thing more complete?"); news of Mrs. Austen's daughter Cassandra and Mrs. Esten's children; delays in mail and mail delivery and her own anxiety regarding the sudden departure and uncertain return of her husband, Captain Charles Austen; naval news, including an indirect report from an American vessel concerning the present location of her husband; news of family and mutual acquaintances, including dinner with Col. Orde; and general observations and information regarding the movement of packets, mail, gifts, provisions, and passengers between Halifax and Bermuda.