Autograph letter signed : [London], to Sarah Payne Burney, 1813 December 30-1814 January 1.

Telling her that she is anxious for news of James's health; adding that she is extremely ill at ease because her son Alex "is not come, & has not written" from Cambridge; mentioning that her father Charles Burney is well; writing that her brother Charles Burney has "a new & severe attack of the Gout" and that their planned visit to Althorp has therefore been delayed, which she welcomes "as I am harassed with affairs, & as travelling in such weather would be nearly madness in me"; adding that fortunately Charles's wife Sarah Rose Burney (called "Rosette") "keeps well, & is now a good Nurse"; adding news of other family members; asking Sarah to "send me a chearing account of my dear Brother James; & give him my kindest love: & tell him I write to you to save him the trouble of seeking his Spectacles"; adding in a postscript that she does not know of anyone at Caius College, Cambridge who she could ask for news of Alex: "He said he should come on Monday! -- These dreadful fogs are what most disturb me. All travelling must, for some days past, have been dangerous. Would he were here!"; asking in a second postscript (which she has crossed out, but is still legible) whether Sarah could send a messenger to the inn at Charing Cross to make inquiries about any coach accidents or whether any young passengers have gone missing; adding that she has found and sent a messenger, who has returned with the news that there have been no accidents; concluding "Saty nig[ht]... no news!"