LABOURING

2pp., 12mo. On bifolium. Good, on lightly-aged paper. In answer to her request he is enclosing a Post Office order for £1, hoping that 'the help is to be given only to those who cannot help themselves. There is so much improvidence among the labouring classes in & around Llangollen, that I confess to having not the least pity for them, if they are feeling somewhat pinched by the present high price of fuel.' He considers that they 'should be taught to provide against this & other contingencies to which life must always be subect'.

Of Norwich, labouring-class poetess (1767-1839). Some of her work reprinted in "Women Romantic Poets, 1785-1832. An Anthology", ed. Breen. Piece of paper, c.7 x 6", discoloured and marke, chipped and small tears on fold marks, text clear and complete, 18 lines, rhyming couplets, some as follows: "To Miss Drake and Miss E. Drake. / Dear honour'd ladies, this address excuse, / The grateful tribute of my humble muse; / Ye in whose minds each Grace her charm displays, / And infant Virtue sheds her early rays. . . .