BIB_ID
282301
Accession number
MA 977.19
Creator
Austen, Jane, 1775-1817, sender.
Credit line
Purchased by J.P. Morgan, Jr. in 1920.
Description
1 item (4 pages) ; 23.3 x 37.6 cm (unfolded)
Notes
With postmark and wafer, addressed to Miss Austen, Edward Austen's Esqr, Godmersham Park, Faversham, Kent; written from Castle Square.
Most of the first three pages are written on "Saturday Oct.1"; "Sunday," Oct. 2, appears in the lower half 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.
Most of the first three pages are written on "Saturday Oct.1"; "Sunday," Oct. 2, appears in the lower half 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: GATER 1808 on wove paper.
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 happiness at learning that Edward and Elizabeth Austen's son has been born; mentioning various meetings with neighbors and comparing one tedious visit to Elizabeth Austen's labor; speculating that the family may move to Alton soon; noting that her brother Frank's family "must be very happy"; reporting that Cassandra's plants were taken inside to protect them from the cold. The letter also mentions that she is reading aloud Southey's Espriella's letters.
Catalog link
Department