Autograph Letter Signed ('E . . . .') to 'Mrs. Jones', regarding the character and educational requirements of 'Miss Isabella Berkeley'.

The author identified as the 'Margravine of Anspach' beneath the signature in a contemporary pencil hand. 8vo, 3 pp. Bifolium. Fifty-five lines of text. Clear and complete. Fair, on aged and spotted paper, with remains of stub adhering to the reverse of the second leaf, which is addressed to 'Mrs. Jones'. A characteristic and energetic letter, reminiscent in tone of Jane Austen, showing why the Margravine was held in such high regard by Horace Walpole. She is sending Jones (clearly the proprietor of a finishing school) 'Miss Isabella Berkeley the youngest of the 2 young Ladies - [the other] Elizabeth will be very little at your house as she becomes companionable & I shall always have her with me when I can'. The Margravine proceeds to list 'some natural faults' which Isabella possesses. These 'would be rooted' if Isabella were to stay in the Margravine's house, and nothing can cure her of them 'but associating with young women submitting to those who educate them [...] She is inclined to be a very fine Lady - Curious & what I call fidgetty'. Describes some of Isabella's 'bad Customs'. Describes some of the virtues which 'Counterbalance these little defects'. Concludes the letter 'She was a very Sickly Child - & must Eat very little Butter - no wine - no Coffee -'. Ten-line postscript concerning the reading she should like Isabella to engage in.