| Description | 5 May 1779 Totteridge
Transcript:-
Totteridge May 5th 1779
Poor Anacreon thou'rt grown old -----
When I look at the date of Dear Miss Downes's letter (Feb 12th. 1779) I need not the proofs of bodily pains and infirmities, it is sufficient to convince me, that I grow old, in thus suffering a young Ladies fair hand-writing to ly by neglected, and unanswer'd three long months --- to my shame be it spoken --- If you improve equally in other genteel accomplishments as in the use of the pen, as I doubt not you do, under the tuition, and instruction of your good Parents, you will become a pattern for your Sisters to copy after, and in time, I hope, an Ornament to your sex --- A laudable pride, and Ambition that ought to be cherish'd, and encourag'd in young minds, to spur them on, to the acquiring such commendable qualifications as are requisite thereto --- Miss Ashurst at the birth of her Brother began to betray marks of Jealousy, imagining herself neglected, and that all the court was paid to the new born Infant by Grand-Mama Aunts &c but when inform'd, that she must overlook the Nurse, and as he grew older, be his Instructor his Counsellor, and Friend, she began to be reconcil'd, and is not a little proud of the office. My wife desires me to return you sincere thanks for your pretty obliging letter, and kind invitation to Butley, but the only journey she is likely to take is to --- her long home --- she has never been able to visit the Church since Easter Sunday --- I am with kind remembrance of her Sisters & Brothers Miss Downes's Affectionate Faithful Friend
B. Liptrott.
English
Mark: None. To Miss Downes. |