BIB_ID
282293
Accession number
MA 977.18
Creator
Austen, Jane, 1775-1817, sender.
Credit line
Purchased by J.P. Morgan, Jr. in 1920.
Description
1 item (4 pages) ; 22.7 x 37.1 cm (unfolded)
Notes
With postmark and wafer, addressed to Miss Austen, Castle Square, Southampton.
"June 20,1808 J.A." is written above the address in what could be Jane or Cassandra Austen's hand.
"Friday July 1" appears near the middle of p. 3.
Forms part of a collection of 41 letters from Austen to her sister and two prints (MA 977.1-43).
High reserve.
"June 20,1808 J.A." is written above the address in what could be Jane or Cassandra Austen's hand.
"Friday July 1" appears near the middle of p. 3.
Forms part of a collection of 41 letters from Austen to her sister and two prints (MA 977.1-43).
High reserve.
Inscriptions/Markings
Watermark: THINPOST 1807.
Provenance
Bequeathed by Cassandra Elizabeth Austen to Fanny, Lady Knatchbull, in 1845; inherited by Lord Brabourne, 1882; probably in the Puttick & Simpson sale of 26-8 June 1893; Alfred Morrison sale, 10 December 1918, lot 2154; purchased by J.P. Morgan, Jr. from the New York dealer Ernest Dressel North in 1920.
Summary
Expressing joy at Frank's return; commenting on the cold weather; describing various visits and visitors; noting that "it will be two years tomorrow since we left Bath for Clifton, with what happy feelings of Escape!"; musing on the luxuries at Godmersham and the "Vulgar Economy" of her home and concluding that "the pleasures of Friendship, of unreserved Conversation, of similarity of Taste & Opinions, will make good amends" for having to live more frugally.
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