May 24^th 1811

My dear John
Your goodness in answering my letter so
quickly, was very pleasing to me, and your second reciev'd by
M^r Bossley, was very soothing to my feelings, you have my grateful
thanks for both and I am encouraged to hope, brighter & happier
days, are yet in store for us, as these little dark storms get less
frequent - I am so well convinced of your exertions, and wishes
to render us happy, that my pen cannot express my thoughts,
nor my feelings; I am very sensible we, have reason to be con=
=tent, and even happy - and I sometimes think on what D^r
Blair says, "Hardly a day passes, without somewhat, or other
occurring, which serves to ruffle the man of impatient spirit.
Of course such a man lives in a continual storm."
"The last trifle is sufficient to discompose his mind, and
poison his pleasures". But surely, Patience should be studied,
by all who wish their life to flow in a smooth stream - "He
"that hath no will over his own spirit, is like a City, that is broken
"down, and without walls"


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We have a fine, and beautiful spring, with a prospect, of
plenty, should not this make us thankful? Your Brother
returned, in good health from Lancaster, with a very nice
lot, of Cattle. I have not heard a word of Complaint, and I
hope they will do well {^^and} turn to profit: Here is full emply
-ment, and much room for improvement, in the Farming
Concerns, now we are in possession of the new purchase - the
old barn at the top of the Garden has fortunately, half of it,
fallen down, I say fortunately, because I fear it would not
have been taken down this summer; we are so backward
in improvement, I sometimes think If I was young again
I could delight in farming - If I might be alow'd a little
of my own way - I do not say it would prove most profitable
When you see M^r W Whately or his family, give
my best respects; I am truly conserned for them & his family
my affectionate, friendly regards, will ever attend Him, & his
good Brother, the Doc^tr - in every situation of Life


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The kindly affectionate manner in which you express
yourself regarding my health, I feel in its full force, and I
still ever retain the remembrance gratefully - In moderately
cool weather, I am much better - and I hope I shall be able
to keep enjoy such a state of health as will enable me to
attend to my domestic concerns, without so much fatigued
I cannot take pleasure in the thoughts of sea=bathing
without your Fathers free & full approbation - at this time
I am aware it would not be so - we will [damaged]
wait a more favourable opportunity.
I am going to morrow to spend a few days with Miss Mather,
who has left Goulgreave for a much pleasanter situation at Alport.
I sent your letter, to M^r Barker the day I received it.
I had dined and spent the afternoon with M^r & M^rs B
and {^^met} with your letter on my return in the evening
M^rs Barker enquired after you, I talk'd of sending you a
commission - Miss Harris & Barker is with them, and I
{^^am} sorry to say is not in a good state of health, yet I hope
change of air, in this neighbourhood will restore her.
I hope to write more before M^r GM leaves us, Adieu!
My Dear John, ever, most affectionately yours, E Longsdon


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M^r John Longsdon
London

By favour of
M^r Morewood

May 24^th 1811

My dear John
Your goodness in answering my letter so
quickly, was very pleasing to me, and your second received by
M^r Bossley, was very soothing to my feelings, you have my grateful
thanks for both and I am encouraged to hope, brighter & happier
days, are yet in store for us, as these little dark storms get less
frequent - I am so well convinced of your exertions, and wishes
to render us happy, that my pen cannot express my thoughts,
nor my feelings; I am very sensible we, have reason to be con=
=tent, and even happy - and I sometimes think on what D^r
Blair says, "Hardly a day passes, without somewhat, or other
occurring, which serves to ruffle the man of impatient spirit.
Of course such a man lives in a continual storm."
"The last trifle is sufficient to discompose his mind, and
poison his pleasures". But surely, Patience should be studied,
by all who wish their life to flow in a smooth stream - "He
"that hath no will over his own spirit, is like a City, that is broken
"down, and without walls"


[next page]


We have a fine, and beautiful spring, with a prospect, of
plenty, should not this make us thankful? Your Brother
returned, in good health from Lancaster, with a very nice
lot, of Cattle. I have not heard a word of Complaint, and I
hope they will do well {^^and} turn to profit: Here is full employ
-ment, and much room for improvement, in the Farming
Concerns, now we are in possession of the new purchase - the
old barn at the top of the Garden has fortunately, half of it,
fallen down, I say fortunately, because I fear it would not
have been taken down this summer; we are so backward
in improvement, I sometimes think If I was young again
I could delight in farming - If I might be allowed a little
of my own way - I do not say it would prove most profitable
When you see M^r W Whately or his family, give
my best respects; I am truly concerned for them & his family
my affectionate, friendly regards, will ever attend Him, & his
good Brother, the Doc^tr - in every situation of Life


[next page]


The kindly affectionate manner in which you express
yourself regarding my health, I feel in its full force, and I
still ever retain the remembrance gratefully - In moderately
cool weather, I am much better - and I hope I shall be able
to keep enjoy such a state of health as will enable me to
attend to my domestic concerns, without so much fatigued
I cannot take pleasure in the thoughts of sea=bathing
without your Fathers free & full approbation - at this time
I am aware it would not be so - we will [damaged]
wait a more favourable opportunity.
I am going to morrow to spend a few days with Miss Mather,
who has left Youlgreave for a much pleasanter situation at Alport.
I sent your letter, to M^r Barker the day I received it.
I had dined and spent the afternoon with M^r & M^rs B
and {^^met} with your letter on my return in the evening
M^rs Barker enquired after you, I talked of sending you a
commission - Miss Harriot Barker is with them, and I
{^^am} sorry to say is not in a good state of health, yet I hope
change of air, in this neighbourhood will restore her.
I hope to write more before M^r GM leaves us, Adieu!
My Dear John, ever, most affectionately yours, E Longsdon


[next page]


M^r John Longsdon
London

By favour of
M^r Morewood