Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Jane Austen's letter to Cassandra Austen, dated August 1796

Source:

Letters of Jane Austen, published 1884



Above: Jane Austen, painted by James Andrews after Cassandra Austen.


Above: Cassandra Austen, artist unknown.

The letter:

Cork Street: Tuesday morn (August 1796).
My dear Cassandra,
Here I am once more in this scene of dissipation and vice, and I begin already to find my morals corrupted. We reached Staines yesterday, I do not [know] when, without suffering so much from the heat as I had hoped to do. We set off again this morning at seven o'clock, and had a very pleasant drive, as the morning was cloudy and perfectly cool. I came all the way in the chaise from Hertford Bridge.

Edward and Frank are both gone out to seek their fortunes; the latter is to return soon and help us seek ours. The former we shall never see again. We are to be at Astley's to-night, which I am glad of. Edward has heard from Henry this morning. He has not been at the races at all, unless his driving Miss Pearson over to Rowling one day can be so called. We shall find him there on Thursday.

I hope you are all alive after our melancholy parting yesterday, and that you pursued your intended avocation with success. God bless you! I must leave off, for we are going out.
Yours very affectionately,
J. Austen.

Everybody's love.

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