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Copyright © 2008, Alison Pryce, all rights reserved.
This is a letter from Frances's aunt who lived in Cambridge.
She mentions "The Commencement" - a ceremony when degrees of Master and
Doctor are conferred at Cambridge University.
M. Bond was the wife of Thomas Bond (uncle of Francis) - a surgeon at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge.
They did write a bit differently than we are likely to write today.
Cambridge 14th. July - 1802
Dear Nephew,
I do most earnestly, intreat your pardon for not answering your kind
letter sooner, impute it not to neglect. The real cause is illness, and
the hurry of the Commencement - which put it out of my power - it has
been a gay time and I am heartily glad it is over. I have not partaken
of any of its pleasures - for my youngest girl has been very unwell,
since she returned from school, but is thank God much better. We have
received a very valuable urn - accept our sincere and grateful thanks -
but excuse me when I say that I am sorry you should think it necessary
to make any return for the few civilities shewn from us. The
affectionate attachment which you and family express to ours, made a
full amends. I can speak particularly in regard to myself and it often
dwells on my mind with pleasure.- If the visit was agreeable, I hope and
trust that you will repeat it. How does my dear Sophy and little Tom you
did not mention him in your last letter and I was apprehensive he might
not be well but Mary has just received a charming epistle from my other
daughter Juliana who informs us that he is and with you in Devonshire
which has eased our fears.- Poor Thomas has at times been very unwell
since you left us but has now had an interval of three weeks, a comfort
that he has not experienced a great while. Many thanks are due for your
consolation and I will endevour to make it my own - indeed I am well
convinced that resignation and trust can alone lighten our burdens or
alleviate those afflictions which continually fall to our lot.
We have had another bustle in our county election owing to a new
candidate starting up in the room of Sir Henry Peyton who in a very
shabby manner has deserted his friends. Mr. York our old member has been
used very ill by the populace but is returned in triumph by those of
respectability -- all our friends have left College, Mr. Brandreth
excepted and he talks of going soon to Liverpool. Elizabeth leaves us
next Monday to go into Essex where she will make a short stay -- by Miss
Snows letter learn that you are going to Exeter. I have heard it
described as a delightful place and fear you will not in a hurry quit
it. Is it not selfish in me to say fear if it proves agreeable to you -
Forgive and set it down to human nature.
Remember me very kindly to my sister who I imagine you are with also to
Charlotte and Thomas. I beg my dear Sophia will accept my sincere and
best wishes for her health and happiness. Accept also the same yourself
and child and may every blessing attend you your uncle and cousins in
the same.
and I am Dear Nephew
your affectionate
Aunt M. Bond
P.S. I find the family must soon prepare to go to Ditton at least a
part, as harvest is coming on but shall delay it as long as I can as our
house is not in so settled a state as in the time of our old family which
makes me loth to leave it.
Whenever opportunity offers if either you or my dear Sophia will let me
hear from you will greatly add to my pleasure.
Present my love to Juliana- once more Adieu.
To Captain Bond
in Plymouth Dock
on Mount Billing
Devonshire
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