BIB_ID
428967
Accession number
MA 14286.61
Creator
Knox, Maria, 1795-1822, sender.
Display Date
Nasirabad, India, 1822 January 30.
Credit line
Bequest of Gordon N. Ray, 1987.
Description
1 item (4 pages) ; 25.7 x 20.3 cm
Notes
Address page: Mrs. Colonel Butler / On her way up the River / To be left at the Post Office / Allahabad [scratched out] / Caccenhad [?]/ 30th January.
Caroline of Brunswick was the wife of King George IV. When he ascended to the throne in 1820, he attempted to prevent her from becoming queen and, ultimately, to divorce her. The two had been estranged for nearly their entire 25 years of marriage. George IV accused her of adultery, and the Bill of Pains and Penalties was introduced in Parliament to allow a divorce. The hearings for the bill became a de facto trial of Caroline for adultery. A massive public controversy accompanied the hearings. The Torys supported the King, while the Whigs backed Caroline. Caroline died on August 7, 1821. See Jonathan Fulcher, "Queen Caroline Affair," in The Oxford Companion to the Romantic Age, edited by Ian McCalman et al. (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999).
Forms part of a collection (MA 14286.1-66) of letters written by Maria Knox to her mother, Mrs. Harriet Butler.
Caroline of Brunswick was the wife of King George IV. When he ascended to the throne in 1820, he attempted to prevent her from becoming queen and, ultimately, to divorce her. The two had been estranged for nearly their entire 25 years of marriage. George IV accused her of adultery, and the Bill of Pains and Penalties was introduced in Parliament to allow a divorce. The hearings for the bill became a de facto trial of Caroline for adultery. A massive public controversy accompanied the hearings. The Torys supported the King, while the Whigs backed Caroline. Caroline died on August 7, 1821. See Jonathan Fulcher, "Queen Caroline Affair," in The Oxford Companion to the Romantic Age, edited by Ian McCalman et al. (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999).
Forms part of a collection (MA 14286.1-66) of letters written by Maria Knox to her mother, Mrs. Harriet Butler.
Provenance
Bequest of Gordon N. Ray, 1987.
Summary
Relaying advice from Alexander about her mother's journey. Complaining that they are not allowed to use company cattle to get her from Agra to Nasirabad. Complaining about her health, that "one day often undoes the benefits of three or four." Suggesting that her mother send back the Ayah she is bringing with her, since she prefers her current servant. Commenting on the death of Caroline of Brunswick and the coronation of King George IV. Writing that Charlotte has returned from her tour. Asking her mother not to write about her (Maria) moving to England, because "it makes my Aleck quite wretched." Writing that Alexander will send a guard for her when she arrives at Agra.
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