Letter : "Berkeley Square" [London], to Mary Berry, 1791 Jan. 22.

Record ID: 
331391
Accession number: 
MA 494.43
Author: 
Walpole, Horace, 1717-1797.
Credit: 
Acquired by Pierpont Morgan before 1904.
Description: 
1 item (4 p., with address) ; 20.3 cm
Notes: 

Letter and address panel are entirely in the hand of Thomas Kirgate, Walpole's secretary and printer.
Numbered "No. 26" and "No. 16" [of the series of letters addressed to the Berrys abroad].
Address panel with seal and addressed "À Mademoiselle Mademoiselle Berry."
Part of a collection of letters from Horace Walpole to Mary and Agnes Berry. Items in the collection have been described individually; see related collection-level record for more information. See also MA 495 (Letters from Walpole to the Misses Berry, 1791-1793); MA 496 (Letters from Walpole to the Misses Berry, 1794-1796, and letters from the Misses Berry to Walpole); and MA 497 (letters to various persons and miscellaneous writings).

Summary: 

Apologizing for having sent two letters with such dismal reports of his health, but noting that he wanted to prepare them should the illness prove fatal; reporting that all danger is passed.Thanking her for a letter, saying he is glad that riding has improved their health and discussing their life in Pisa; wondering that they have not heard oftener from Mrs. Damer in Lisbon, mentioning that her dog Fidèle is dying. Continuing the letter on Monday the 24th: saying he had a restful eight hours of sleep and is recovering from the attack of gout and that he will begin to "let in a little company" and that his letters will be less dull. Continuing the letter on Tuesday the 25th: remarking that he had another good night and is on the mend; reporting that Mrs. French is dead, that George Selwyn (Walpole's "oldest acquaintance and friend") is dying, and that Lady Cecilia Johnstone called the previous day.

Provenance: 
Given by Mary Berry to Sir Frankland Lewis; by descent to his daughter-in-law Lady Theresa Lewis; by descent to her son Sir Thomas Villiers Lister; by descent to his wife Lady Lister; Acquired by Pierpont Morgan before 1904.