People featured: 2
Collection: Madan Family
Item Number: Eng Letter C.284 f.97
Repository: Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
Summary: She discusses how her style of writing is direct from the heart, without taking heed of convention – her letters are a ‘faithful transcript’ of her ‘soul’. Her only aim is to communicate the fact that she loves him. Her love for him is as involuntary and innate as her pulse.

People featured: 2
Collection: Madan Family
Item Number: Eng Letter C.284 f.56
Repository: Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
Summary: Continued discussion of her love for Martin and her pain at being separated from him, rooted in embodied language of heart, soul, and her emotions. She says that their souls are not separated, because hers accompanied his when he left. She hopes that his hand, which she has kissed many times, will repay the favour by writing to her. She has constant concerns for his health and happiness, and hopes he will return soon.

People featured: 3
Collection: Thoresby, Ralph Papers
Item Number: YAS/MS6/14
Repository: Brotherton Library, University of Leeds
Summary: She has read (in a letter from him?) that he is unwell and says she is sorry to hear it. If he comes to Newcastle she will get ‘all sorts of Physicians for you’. Talks of his illness as enemies to be vanquished – devilish?

People featured: 3
Collection: Thoresby, Ralph Papers
Item Number: YAS/MS6/16
Repository: Brotherton Library, University of Leeds
Summary: Responds to the compliments Thoresby bestowed in his letter to her. Discusses the good people of Leeds and her hopes of visiting soon, asks after friends. Mentions joy and sorrow.

People featured: 5
Collection: Jerningham Family Papers
Item Number: JER/59
Repository: Cadbury Library, University of Birmingham
Summary: Lady Anastasia Stafford to Charlotte, in Brussels. The Mother Abbess would have returned Charlotte’s letter herself if she had not been so ill. She had been afflicted by St Anthony’s Fire in her back, and was confined to her room over Christmas, but without danger. She has been purged twice, and is now, thank God, much better and able to attend high mass. They were all concerned to hear about Charlotte’s mother’s sickness and are glad that has also improved in strength and spirits. Discusses election of nuns and an appointment of new nun in the infirmary, which Anastasia is pleased about because her sister continued to be ill. The convent was recently visited by a mother and...

People featured: 2
Collection: Jerningham Family Papers
Item Number: JER/57
Repository: Cadbury Library, University of Birmingham
Summary: Lady Anastasia Stafford (nun at the Blue Nuns at Paris) to Sir William Jerningham (cousins). Thanks him for his letters and sending her money. They recently held feasts at the convent. It may be necessary for the convent to move to England, and she may have to use his financial assistance to do this. She discusses her advancing age, with a discussion of Catholic beliefs relating to death – she expects she will shortly go from hence to purgatory, and asks that he assist her through prayers.

People featured: 4
Collection: Jerningham Family Papers
Item Number: JER/38
Repository: Cadbury Library, University of Birmingham
Summary: Mother to son - Lady Jerningham to Edward Jerningham (the younger) at Old Hall Green School. She sends him a pianoforte with instructions on how to play it – she is concerned that if he does not play it with the proper fingers he will return with twisted fingers. She also sends some raisins and almonds. The weather is cold and snowy at Cossey and they greatly miss him, but they are comforted by the fact that he is so good. She asks that he will soon write them a long letter, and asks how strict their observance of Lent is. A note in French at the end - (rough translation) "Do not forget (to play) your harpsicord, nor that I love you with all my heart."

People featured: 6
Collection: Jerningham Family Papers
Item Number: JER/36
Repository: Cadbury Library, University of Birmingham
Summary: Mother to daughter. She apologises for the delay in writing and hopes she will agree that Charlotte’s brothers have been improved by their visit to England. They have sent a letter describing their journey. She discusses the visit of brother Arthur and his lady. They have visited Cambridge, Ampthill Park, Eton, Woburn Abbey, Stowe and Middleton Park, Oxford, and have seen Mr Poole from Norwich go up in a balloon. They dine at 6 o’clock in the evening and go to bed at 1 or 2 in the morning. Poor Harry has recovered after an illness he picked up from school – he is now well and returned home for winter, is a pleasing child and handsome. The other children are pretty and...

People featured: 7
Collection: Jerningham Family Papers
Item Number: JER/42
Repository: Cadbury Library, University of Birmingham
Summary: Mother to daughter. Frances has been lonely since Sir William set out yesterday to London – she misses Charlotte greatly. She had decided not to go to London because it was an unnecessary expense that the family can ill afford. She continues to discuss the benefits of having a French maid, as speaking to her will improve her diction, and points out a few errors in Charlotte’s French grammar. Asks after her school friends. She will shortly send William to school at Doway for 2 years – being there will help him regain his English, but he will continue to know multiple languages. Neddy has learned gentility and politeness, and, much like Charlotte, he is clever and has good sense,...

People featured: 7
Collection: Jerningham Family Papers
Item Number: JER/43
Repository: Cadbury Library, University of Birmingham
Summary: Mother to daughter, she hopes to hear from her soon, and asks whether she’s heard about the clothes they intend to purchase. Frances is feeling very low and lonely alone at Cossey – she somewhat regrets not going to London. She has been tempted to recall her son from school so that he could keep her company but has resisted this urge because he is doing well at school. There was a dance for young ladies in London which Sir William attended – a discussion of the fortunes of various young ladies and families. Lady Stourton has just given birth to a son, and Mrs Norris is pregnant. She suggests they should start an album at the convent.

People featured: 11
Collection: Jerningham Family Papers
Item Number: JER/20
Repository: Cadbury Library, University of Birmingham
Summary: Condoles with Charlotte on having a fever during the Innocents’ Recreation and describes a visit to Ditchley, where Mr Le Texier read a play aloud every night. Discusses various deaths and illness, and the physical appearance of various people.

People featured: 8
Collection: Jerningham Family Papers
Item Number: JER/29
Repository: Cadbury Library, University of Birmingham
Summary: Mother to daughter. She is very angry that Lady Petre refused to take her a parcel when she visited Paris. Lady Petre had apparently wanted permission to visit Charlotte, and Frances is curious to hear about the visit. She also wants to hear about the appearance and dress of Miss Petre. Henriette’s figure has improved, and her mother in law is pregnant. Mrs Rothe has been in mourning for her half-brother. She finishes the letter in a hurry because the chevalier has arrived, but she sends lots of kisses. She imagines that Charlotte’s written French is now good, but she wants her to continue to write to her in the language she finds easiest. Discussions of clothes that have been...

People featured: 6
Collection: Jerningham Family Papers
Item Number: JER/48
Repository: Cadbury Library, University of Birmingham
Summary: Mother to daughter. Frances is sorry that Charlotte was concerned about her health, and wishes to reassure her that she is now quite well. Papa also took the bark and it got rid of his ague. Frances thinks Charlotte is very sweet to think of them so and thanks God for having such a daughter. Ned is of a very good disposition. Master Pitchford has returned from St. Omer and has been staying at Cossey to play with Ned. They are exactly the same size, though Pitchford is 14. Discussion of clothing for school – she asks that Charlotte re-write her extract for the album, because she has made mistakes with the previous one. The little ?Ja Ja is in perfect health, and is considered a...

People featured: 4
Collection: Jerningham Family Papers
Item Number: JER/45
Repository: Cadbury Library, University of Birmingham
Summary: Mother to daughter. Frances has been unwell with a violent headache and fever but is now mending very fast – she was helped by the assistance of Dr Manning. She acknowledges that Charlotte would be uneasy if she had heard this news from anyone else. She is still weak and not entirely recovered by well enough to write to her daughter, which is her greatest pleasure. She hopes Charlotte is well and she thought of her often whilst lying awake at night. Asks (in French) that the Mere Generale buys her a dress – Charlotte should have everything she desires. Discussion of society marriages, asks that Charlotte let her brothers know that Frances is well – everyone at Cossey sends their...

People featured: 10
Collection: Jerningham Family Papers
Item Number: JER/35
Repository: Cadbury Library, University of Birmingham
Summary: Mother to daughter, she longs to hear from her. She almost cried at hearing the extent to which she had been trying to justify her expenses. Frances’ brother Arthur and his lady have been visiting. She has heard that Mde Dillon had visited Charlotte – she is not at all pretty, but has a good personality. She has recently given birth to a little girl called Fanny. Her brother’s poor little boy Harry has been very ill but has nor recovered, and had to be taken out of school Miss Arundel has recently given birth to a son. They are putting together an album at Cossey where everyone writes their name and extract of verse or prose. She asks after the other girls who had been in...

People featured: 9
Collection: Jerningham Family Papers
Item Number: JER/32
Repository: Cadbury Library, University of Birmingham
Summary: Mother to daughter – she does not forget her dear pretty girl in Paris, but must resign herself to the separation. Charlotte’s brothers and Pere Arnout are very happy at Cossey, but she dreads them going back. They held a dance in the parlour – Miss Wodehouse dances well but is ugly – Frances asks that Charlotte reply to her letters and be civil to her, because she has enough to be worried about in her face. Frances recalls her days of convent school, where she would have to kiss the ground – she dreaded doing that. She sends a kiss to her daughter’s two little fat cheeks.

People featured: 9
Collection: Jerningham Family Papers
Item Number: JER/28
Repository: Cadbury Library, University of Birmingham
Summary: Mother to daughter, hopes she has survived Holy Week without fatigue, receiving her pretty letters has made her very happy. Discussion of building works in the house – she was going to include a drawing of the outline of these refurbishments but cannot. She is going to dine with her friend Mrs Bagot and will then go with her to see “The Duenna” at the opera. She is concerned about the sun damaging her daughter’s skin – she needs to wear a hat if she is running around outside or it will damage her complexion. Discusses women who are with child, Mrs Pitchford has a lost her 4 year old daughter who had a similar fever to Fanny Wodehouse. Other children are looking well, Mrs...

People featured: 4
Collection: Jerningham Family Papers
Item Number: JER/33
Repository: Cadbury Library, University of Birmingham
Summary: Fragment only of letter, Mother to daughter. Discusses grandmama’s (Lady Mary Jerningham)’s will along with a detailed description of her deathbed conduct. She received the sacrament and holy oils, and was sensible and at peace with it. Mary had previously feared death. Little brother Ned has had a return of his previous complaint and has been visited by the surgeon. This gives the author (Ned’s mother) some uneasiness.

People featured: 4
Collection: Jerningham Family Papers
Item Number: JER/18
Repository: Cadbury Library, University of Birmingham
Summary: Letter from Lady Jerningham, written from Dover, to her daughter, Charlotte in Paris. They have reached Dover safely after a rough passage; Dr Johnson has died; Beaumarchais's 'Mariage de Figaro' has been translated into English and acted in London

People featured: 8
Collection: Jerningham Family Papers
Item Number: JER/37
Repository: Cadbury Library, University of Birmingham
Summary: Mother to daughter. They had recently left London and travelled in the snow. She has sent Charlotte a pretty steel necklace which she hopes she will like. Mrs Dillon is a good humoured woman and very devoted to Frances’s brother which pleases Frances. Her brother was received very favourably in London – he has been so handsomely treated that she is reconciled to the idea of William serving abroad. Her brother and Mrs Dillon have suggested visiting Charlotte, but Frances thinks that as she has done well to stay in the convent, that she should try and hold out until Frances goes to collect her. Lady Clifford’s third son is a very handsome young man. Charlotte has made her laugh...

People featured: 6
Collection: Jerningham Family Papers
Item Number: JER/52
Repository: Cadbury Library, University of Birmingham
Summary: Mother to daughter. Frances is at her Father’s house in Kingston, and on her way to Paris to collect Charlotte – the next time she sees England she will have her daughter with her. The neighbourhood is described as London transported into the countryside, and they have been dining and meeting with acquaintances. Charlotte’s old footman James has grown tall. Frances is writing in a great hurry but thought Charlotte would be glad to know they have left Cossey and are on their way to Paris- Papa sends her a kiss. Miss Clifford has had a fit of the gout and is at home.

People featured: 9
Collection: Jerningham Family Papers
Item Number: JER/31
Repository: Cadbury Library, University of Birmingham
Summary: Lady Jerningham to Charlotte, in Paris. She praises her pretty style of writing, and reflects on the fact that while parting from her daughter has been so difficult, it has enabled her to receive such a good education. She asks that she tell the Mere Generale that she should start lessons on the harp immediately. Discussion of clothing that has been made for her. Pere Arnout may travel with George and William back to England so they can spend their vacation in Cossey – they are very excited about this. Miss Barry is unlikely to be able to stay at the Blue Nuns because her eyesight is too bad to read the office. Mrs Berkeley has died, and her granddaughter, Miss Wodehouse, will...

People featured: 8
Collection: Jerningham Family Papers
Item Number: JER/40
Repository: Cadbury Library, University of Birmingham
Summary: Mother to daughter. It is has been a while since Frances has heard from her daughter – she hopes she is well, and wonders if perhaps the Lent duties have not given her much time to write. Charlotte’s expenses of £200 a year, though necessary, are sometimes found a expensive by Siir William, but she must not be uncomfortable. She suggests reducing the number of lessons to ensure that Charlotte is getting a ‘general’ education but also to reduce costs. She would like to know Charlotte’s opinion on this before make this decision. They had received Charlotte’s letter in which she said she had no more money for the rest of the month, they hope she has enough for mourning clothing etc...

People featured: 9
Collection: Jerningham Family Papers
Item Number: JER/19
Repository: Cadbury Library, University of Birmingham
Summary: Lothian’s Hotel Albemarle St. 24 Dec 1784. They have seen Mrs Siddons perform Isabella in ‘The fatal marriage’, but were too near the stage. Mrs Siddons acts with a great deal of feeling. They shared a box with Mr Pitt, who inspired more than Mrs Siddons.

People featured: 12
Collection: Jerningham Family Papers
Item Number: JER/47
Repository: Cadbury Library, University of Birmingham
Summary: Mother to daughter. Frances’ health is now restored, and she thinks that Charlotte will be pleased to see her handwriting. After she last wrote her fever got somewhat worse, but thank God has now recovered and is now left with only weakness. She has taken the bark for a week, and was yesterday able to go downstairs to the library. Frances hopes that Charlotte is well. Neddy is very much grown and is of good disposition. Mr Fitzgerald, whom she once knew in London, has been hanged for the murder of a Mr McDonald in his own park. He used to be a pretty young man, but was always fighting duels, and he leaves a 14 year old daughter, who is very handsome. She uses this example as a...

People featured: 7
Collection: Jerningham Family Papers
Item Number: JER/26
Repository: Cadbury Library, University of Birmingham
Summary: Mother to daughter. She is very pleased to see how her writing style has developed. No-one is as interested in Charlotte’s happiness as she is, and she hopes that nothing will ever happen to distress her. She has heard from the General Mother that everyone speaks very highly of Charlotte, and all love her there. Neddy is well and has improved his manner, his letters and full of mistakes but she quite likes that. The house of industry girl died of a dropsy, her legs were swollen, her death is described in religious terms, God was pleased to take her. Old Godfrey has been ill for a number of months and is now approaching death. The French Amabassador was taken very ill of a fit,...

People featured: 7
Collection: Jerningham Family Papers
Item Number: JER/39
Repository: Cadbury Library, University of Birmingham
Summary: Mother to daughter. Discussion of her pocket money at school, and comments on her timetable and lessons. She is to learn Geography and Italian and should have only two dancing and singing lessons per week. Dropping a lesson would give her time for her other studies and would decrease the pressure upon her ‘memory’, but she wants her daughter to learn as many skills as her natural qualities. Discussion of the poor girl from Arras – Frances found the story about her very affecting, but asks that Charlotte concentrate on her spelling. Neddy has gone back to school of his own accord, and his mind is improving. Mrs Petre was presented at court and is said to be pretty. Mrs...

People featured: 7
Collection: Jerningham Family Papers
Item Number: JER/51
Repository: Cadbury Library, University of Birmingham
Summary: Mother to daughter, Frances will soon set out to Paris fetch Charlotte home. Parting from her has been very difficult but she is greatly cheered by the talents and accomplishments her duaghter will have acquired. Discussion of finding Charlotte a suitable maid, including one that knows how to dress hair and make caps. The Catholic Barbara Webb, who is pretty, has married the Protestant Earl of Shaftesbury. Inserts a few lines of poetry which make up Mrs Leigh’s contribution to the album. Frances asks that she sends her compliments to the Mere Generale – she had planned on writing to her but is too hurried to do so. Asks after Miss Hawkins and Miss Constable, and the family at...

People featured: 8
Collection: Jerningham Family Papers
Item Number: JER/41
Repository: Cadbury Library, University of Birmingham
Summary: Mother to daughter. She thanks Charlotte for thinking of her health – she has had a period of ill health and apologises for not telling Charlotte about it. She had mentioned her ill health in a letter to Charlotte’s brother to explain why she had not written sooner – this is why her brother knew about the ill health and not Charlotte. La Mère Générale may buy her a tafeta, and she shall also have a muslin. Frances is looking forward to see her tall daughter – she wants to know how much Charlotte has grown so that she knows what to expect. She ought to continue having a French maid and may engage one herself if she finds a suitable one – the maid should be of good disposition and...

People featured: 6
Collection: Jerningham Family Papers
Item Number: JER/34
Repository: Cadbury Library, University of Birmingham
Summary: Mother to daughter. Apologises for her delay in writing, does not want her to grown uneasy. Discusses ‘dismal events’ that had happened at the school. Charlotte’s brothers have travelled back to school – they are in tolerable spirits, and Neddy has recovered and in good spirits. Discusses mourning dress following the death of Lady Mary Jerningham (her grandmother). Discusses the appearance, comportment and clothing of Miss Pitchford who has grown considerably. Frances sends kisses to Charlotte.

People featured: 9
Collection: Jerningham Family Papers
Item Number: JER/24
Repository: Cadbury Library, University of Birmingham
Summary: Long detailed letter, mother to daughter, she was uneasy not to receive a letter from her sooner. She cried when she read it and wanted to kiss her daughter. Discussion of clothing and fashion, including hair styles and how the style sits on her head, and the cost of certain dresses. She advises her not to wear high heeled shoes because it is difficult to be firm upon your feet, and causes the ankles to swell. She hopes that she will learn to play the harp. She is glad to have sent her to this convent school, because it is the only place for ‘Piety & real Goodness’. She feels her daughter is a good student, and has a good amount of sense and reason. George is happy and settled...

People featured: 5
Collection: Bateman Family Papers
Item Number: OSB MSS 32 Box 2, Folder 32 (1)
Repository: Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University
Summary: Thanking her for her letter and the hymn that was enclosed, expressing sorrow on the illness of the hymn's author, updating her on the health of Mr & Mrs Smith, and detailing the health of various friends and acquaintances

People featured: 5
Collection: Hare and Elliott Families of Sheffield
Item Number: LD1576/11/2
Repository: Sheffield Archives
Summary: M Burton commiserates with 'Mrs Hare' on her daughter Kitty's ('Miss H's) ill-health. She sends biscuits and a novel, though apologizes that the biscuits are not 'newer' and that the novel is not the one Kitty had mentioned. Burton reports on her husband or father (Mr Burton), whose head complaint has gone but whose lameness continues.

People featured: 3
Collection: Hare and Elliott Families of Sheffield
Item Number: LD1582/10/2
Repository: Sheffield Archives
Summary: Miss Moore is suffering from a cough, pain in her side and pain when sitting down. A doctor has been to bleed her. Having seen Ann recently, she is concerned about Ann's health, and wonders if Ann's bad cold might remove the only friend Moore has to confide in. Moore is having a new outfit made, possibly for her 21st birthday.

People featured: 8
Collection: Hare and Elliott Families of Sheffield
Item Number: LD1582/10/1
Repository: Sheffield Archives
Summary: Moore is concerned that Ann's health is poor and advises that she take better care of herself and follow recommendations to bathe. There is an invasion expected daily, she says, and they are enlisting men in Sheffield. She comments negatively on the excessive drinking of men in the town, including 'Gentlemen', the 'lower classes' and a Dr Wadsworth, who was then unable to walk. She asks Ann to burn the letter as the pen has made it illegible, she suspects.

People featured: 4
Collection: Hare and Elliott Families of Sheffield
Item Number: LD1582/10/4
Repository: Sheffield Archives
Summary: After some improvements in her health, Mary Moore's boil on the 'bum' continues to give her pain and prevents her from travelling to see Ann despite the improvements in the weather. Mary is distressed that Ann is allowing the resentment and neglect of self caused by difficulties in her marriage to Thomas to damage her health, and strongly advises Ann to take the advice of a Mr R before it is too late.

People featured: 4
Collection: Hare and Elliott Families of Sheffield
Item Number: LD1576/8/6
Repository: Sheffield Archives
Summary: Margaret reports on her family's visits to London and is shocked by what she has heard about men in London taking mistresses. She has enjoyed horse riding and walking, and will resume her music studies with a new teacher. She comments on 'Mrs Benson' [her mother?] being pregnant again.

People featured: 4
Collection: Hare and Elliott Families of Sheffield
Item Number: LD1576/8/5
Repository: Sheffield Archives
Summary: Margaret expresses concern for Ann's health and appreciation of her motherly concern for Margaret. She reports on an expedition to the mountains of the Lake District, horse riding and the clothing required for the trip , her music practice and her struggles with writing good letters.

People featured: 7
Collection: Hare and Elliott Families of Sheffield
Item Number: LD1576/8/4
Repository: Sheffield Archives
Summary: Margaret's letter is a jaunty account of her and her sister's visiting and participation in 'gayeties'. She reflects on how the death of her grandfather has caused her to learn about her ancestors and reports on her mother's impending childbirth. She imagines that Ann's recent visit to London brought her the pleasure of seeing Kitty 'happy and amused'.

People featured: 2
Collection: Boscawen Collection (Fortescue papers)
Item Number: 1262M/0/FC/1 [14]
Repository: Devon Heritage Centre
Summary: This is a response to a petition from Robert Clinton about some money he feels he is owed, Clinton has been unable to get a response from Margaret's husband so he has written to her, Margaret answers each element of his petition in some detail, reprimanding him for the language that he used in his letters to her husband

People featured: 2
Collection: Watt, James and Family Papers
Item Number: MS 3219/4/1/1/8/3
Repository: Library of Birmingham
Summary: The young Margaret writes to tell her father that she and her younger brother James are well.

People featured: 1
Collection: Watt, James and Family Papers
Item Number: MS 3219/4/1/1/8/6
Repository: Library of Birmingham
Summary: Margaret writes at her father's request, hopes she will hear from him, and reports on visits from four women.

People featured: 2
Collection: Madan Family
Item Number: Eng C.284 f.6
Repository: Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
Summary: A courtship letter from Martin Madan to Judith Cowper in which he restates his feeling for her. He uses metaphors for the body including breathing the sentiment of his soul, discussions of her hand, and the tongues that could verify his feelings for her. Detailed discussion of his emotions.

People featured: 2
Collection: Madan Family
Item Number: Eng Letter C.284 f.8
Repository: Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
Summary: He has hoped to see her this morning, nothing makes him as happy as seeing her, and he shall call at her house as soon as he has dined. He believes she also enjoys seeing him – he was worried he had tired her during his visit yesterday, but her disposition is such that she did show it if that was the case. He has opera tickets for her.

People featured: 2
Collection: Madan Family
Item Number: Eng Letter C.284 f.12
Repository: Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
Summary: Discussion of their continued feeling for one another and dispelling a misunderstanding – Madan assures Cowper he had never thought of leaving her, and resents being accused of such. He feels he can only be happy with her. Discussion of her good nature, and how he does not feel he deserves her. He is concerned with the size of her finger. He will see her later today.

People featured: 2
Collection: Madan Family
Item Number: Eng Letter C.284 f.15
Repository: Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
Summary: Courtship letter discussing feeling, rooted in allegorical images, the alias of Lysander and cupid biting Judith’s finger. Discussion of solitude, the female heart, and his imminent visit to that evening.

People featured: 2
Collection: Madan Family
Item Number: Eng Letter C.284 f.18
Repository: Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
Summary: Further discussion of their courtship / engagement – it appears Judith has still not given him a firm answer. He has arrived in London, and is surrounded by people who are teasing him about his situation. He wonders if she is making him uneasy on purpose, and this goes against her usual kind disposition. His emotions are rooted in the body - he discusses missing her soft hands and lips, and how he offered his soul to her. Discussion of a ring on her finger, which he should look at as a means of remembering him.

People featured: 2
Collection: Madan Family
Item Number: Eng Letter C.284 f.20
Repository: Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
Summary: A response to Judith’s question about why he left so quickly. He described being parted from her as similar to separating soul and body. Being with her brings him great joy, being apart brings him great pain. He asks whether she accused him of having received bad news because he looked sad yesterday, and says that she looked very well and happy. He is being distracted from writing his letter by those around him who want to talk to him and are pouring him tea – he would rather be writing to her, and looks forward to seeing her later that day.

People featured: 2
Collection: Madan Family
Item Number: Eng Letter C.284 f.22
Repository: Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
Summary: A further discussion of the unusual scene with Mrs Howe, and a letter that was meant to be sent to Judith, but which the servant forgot. He reiterates how happy is to be with her, and to look at her, and how miserable he is when parted from her. He will visit her this evening.

People featured: 3
Collection: Madan Family
Item Number: Eng Lett C.284 f.4
Repository: Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
Summary: A courtship letter from Martin Madan to Judith Cowper, shortly before their marriage in 1723. Upon returning from his travels he was confronted with the news of the death of William Cowper (Judith’s grandfather), and has sent condolences to Cowper’s family, but is most concerned about how this will affect his ability to see Judith. He has been thinking of her beauty often, and has ‘gazed his soul’ away. He describes, whether metaphorically or not, retracing the walks that she often takes, and kissing the page of the letter that she has often asked that he send her. He wishes to know when he can see her next – seeing her would be more valuable than ‘life to a dying sinner’.

People featured: 2
Collection: Madan Family
Item Number: Eng Letter C.284 f.10
Repository: Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
Summary: Madan has asked for Judith’s father’s permission to marry her. He feels they have nothing to fear, because he feels their love is mutual and that she shares the sentiments ‘of his own soul’. He will not visit her until he knows whether her father has mentioned this matter. He has been ill since the birthday and has a bad headache that has affected his eyesight – that was also the reason why he was in London longer than anticipated.

People featured: 2
Collection: Madan Family
Item Number: Eng Lett C.284 f.25
Repository: Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
Summary: Further discussion of expressions of feeling, and the implication that Madan’s previous letters had been too forthcoming in expressing his feelings towards her. He doesn’t understand how he has offended her when he has just repeated her feelings back to her.

People featured: 2
Collection: Madan Family
Item Number: Eng Lett C.284 f.28
Repository: Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
Summary: A response to Judith’s discussion of a misunderstanding, and accusation that Madan no longer loves her. He quotes passages of her own letters back at her, suggests her behaviour was just as confusing / irrational, and assures her he loves her and that their passion is mutual. He hopes that he will forget she was ever angry at him, and ‘flatter him with a smile’.

People featured: 2
Collection: Madan Family
Item Number: Eng Lett C.284 f.30
Repository: Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
Summary: Cowper has finally agreed to marry Madan. Madan wonders at the reason for the delay in accepting his proposal – did she question whether is heart and soul was entirely hers? He expresses his delight at her acceptance, he feels he will forever be happy, that joy and gratitude will be evident on his face, that he will never be sad again, and wishes to know when they will make arrangements to get married.

People featured: 2
Collection: Madan Family
Item Number: Eng Lett C.284 f.32
Repository: Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
Summary: Madan is delighted to hear confirmation of Cowper’s father’s consent to the memory – he will never forget that conversation. Discussion of feelings and sentiments expressed to each other, and the conventions of expressing these sentiments. This discussion is rooted in embodied language: his heart will be hers until his last breath, she will always have power over his thoughts and soul. He expects he will see her later that day.

People featured: 2
Collection: Madan Family
Item Number: Eng Lett C.284 f.34
Repository: Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
Summary: Judith and Martin are now in the early years of marriage. He describes her as his soul, wishes to open his heart to her, and emphasises how much he loves her. He described how miserable he has been in the time he has been apart from her. The letter finishes with some lines of poetry, including a discussion of how his eyes gaze upon her beauty.

People featured: 5
Collection: Madan Family
Item Number: Eng Letter C.284 f.142
Repository: Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
Summary: Martin wishes to waste no time in informing Judith that young Martin is better, or as well as they can expect. He appears to have smallpox, bur is now resting well and is thought to be over his fever. While he still has pocks, they do not expect the pockmarks to disfigure his face. The doctor thinks that he is now out of danger. Martin has not and will not leave the boy’s side until he is out of bed. He hopes that the younger children are well with Judith – he expects Pen is running around the nursery with Jack. The letter ends on what for the Madans is an uncharacteristically religious note: Martin thanks God for delivering their son from death, and asks that Judith join him in...

People featured: 3
Collection: Madan Family
Item Number: Eng Letter C.284 f.89
Repository: Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
Summary: Martin describes himself as hungover this morning – he feels stupid in the head and is ‘sick as a breeding wife’. Despite this he sits down to write to Judith, and to thank her for her expressions of love towards him, which is pleasing to his heart. He encloses a poem (written by himself it appears) on the subject of a man saddened to see his mistress crying. The protagonist is presumably an allegory for Judith, and is described in embodied language – her smile, her eyes, her cheeks, her tears.

People featured: 5
Collection: Madan Family
Item Number: Eng Letter C.284 f.130
Repository: Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
Summary: The letter begins with a discussion of business and purchasing land in St Christopher’s. Martin has been dined at Lord Cowper’s. Discussion of a child’s christening, and the possibility of delaying the ceremony. Their dear little fellow (?Martin) is well and happy, and is enjoying being gifted 'play things' and sweets.

People featured: 4
Collection: Madan Family
Item Number: Eng Letter C.284 f.121
Repository: Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
Summary: Martin writes from Canterbury to ask that Judith send him a parcel of clothing and equipment: linen, his boots and saddle. He laments being parted from her, being confined in one place, and being dependent on her. He asks that Judith kiss Martin and their little children for him.