Feb 18, 1811

[change hand]

My dear Brother

I did not think when you left
us at Christmas, it would have been thus long
before we had ^had farther communication, but
I trust I shall not let the fault on my side
be quickly repeated. We had some hopes of see
ing you at Longsdon in this last journey,
but the melancholy occasion of it would have
rendered the time short, and dull. I have just
been writing to Maria with whom my thoughts
have been some time, how heartily sorry I am
for her. I have not heard from, or of her, sinse
the shock she has sustained, & feel very anxious
to know how she does. I had two letters from her
lately written very cheerfully but much la-
-menting her Fathers bad state of health, which
she said made her more uneasy than anything.
My Mother, whose health has lately been very

indifferent, is gone to Bubnell, for a week, & Kate
is with her. I trust it will do her good. My Father,
I no doubt you perceive is much hurried, but
I hope he will have fortitude, to bear up against
the times better. the accounts we hear are indeed
dismal. my Bro James is just returned from Cliff
where he has been dining with my Cousins & Mr J.
Peake. The latter has enjoyed himself much at the
neighbouring dances, which he has kept up with
great spirit. a near neighbour of mine very
much regrets his departure, & thine, & I think
the regret is mutual, you will perhaps know
I mean Miss E Carliell, we had a dance there.
Last Monday, played our first till up past 3 o Clock
none of our Family exsepting James, attended the last
Bakewell Assembly on account of the recent death
of our Cousin Longsdon, the unexpected intelligence
of which I am sure would shock you much. my
father was much hurt by it. we have all of
late been very low in spirits, for my part when

I am not actively employed, I am inclined to
be extremely dull, but I consider it as my du
ty to do what little is in my power, to render
my Parents comfortable. James I think is the
worst amongst us. I do not know whether he
has written to you but he has talked much
of it. We frequently see our neighbours Mr & Mrs More
-wood who I think we all admire the more we
see I am sorry to tell you Miss Wilks is going
to leave us, she is going home on account of a nem[damaged]
-al which is going to take place in the Fari[damaged]
of ther Bro is going to be married and in c[damaged]
-cequence, her sister, herself, & M^rs Wilks wwill re-
move to another house. I imagine my dear
brother you have been very much engaged of late
as soon as you have time, it will give me great
pleasure to received a Letter from you & know
how your cold does. remaining ever,

Your very affectionate Sister
E Longsdon
Little Longsdon Feb^y 18^th 1811

Mr John Longsdon
Mess^rs John & Geo. Morewood,
London