Part of an autograph letter to "Mrs Sterndale".

Novelist. The two surviving pages, 4to, from a lengthy letter which has already been crudely repaired but which has an additional tear which does not, however, lead to textual loss. "I was very much rejoiced at the sight of your truly welcome letter" except that it announced a death. She eulogises the departed "He was one of the few of whom you may know little yet think much . . ." She explains how she had planned to visit her within a more complicated trip but "all my plans were laid aside and certainly my pleasures annihilated by an attack of inflammation in the eyes. I think it arose from travelling on the outside of the coach . . .[Erysipelas, pain, etc.]". The next section of the letter is headed "November 16 and goes on "The above was written my dear friend as soon after my return as the state of my eyes permitted me to touch a pen but having no opportunity of sending till now and moreover having an engagement which occupied my mind and obliged me to use my sight more than I ought to do, I have not allowed myself to write letters at all (my friend Miss Mitford complains bitterly she does not know where I am) but as a Mr Hoole [future husband?] is here I now will write seeing I can at least send to Sheffield. You did well and wisely undoubtedly dear Mrs Sterndale in going to Ashford which is a beautiful place in" [the text concludes here. Another hand has cross-written the ascription to Barbara Hofland of this letter.