Letter from Maria Tunno, London, to Charlotte Susannah Raikes, 1819 February 09: autograph manuscript signed.

Sharing that her father has suffered another severe attack on his health, and though his condition has improved slightly, he is feeling despair and melancholy; remarking on seeing Lady Baring and telling her "the circumstances respecting your Swiss Governess"; conveying that Lady Baring is interested in hiring Charlotte Susannah's Governess; remarking on her plans to hire Mr. Besley and propose two or three pupils to him; inquiring as to whether or not Caroline was to be part of the party; Rosa is also "delighted with the idea of being admitted"; remarking on time and energy, and questioning broadly whether it is best to put all one's energy toward one single pursuit until one's goal is attained, or to "go on gradually with many" different pursuits; reflecting on her desire to make arrangements to forward education; describing trips to the Opera with her sisters, an activity they can do after her father is in bed; reflecting on how the Theatre allows her to enter society without the exertion of trying to "be gay and agreeable", which she has mixed feelings about; she looks forward to seeing Charlotte Susannah despite feeling incapable of fully enjoying her society; expressing a feeling of alienation, and of being "so completely out of the World"; conveying love from her father and mother to Charlotte Susannah's circle. Postscript noting that they have just been settling her brother in his new apartments in Harley Street, which she rejoices to think are nearby.