Jane Austen Letters
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Jane Austen Letters Jane Austen (1775–1817), author of Pride and Prejudice, wrote to family, friends and publishers. This collection brings her correspondence together with letters by her relatives and contemporaries. Structure All: the whole collection, starting with this introduction. Family: letters between Austen…
Jane Austen Letters
Jane Austen (1775–1817), author of Pride and Prejudice, wrote…
Marriott
Greetings to Betsy and George little ("great" I believe I should say) Betsy Hancock, good hearty shake by the hand to George; I suppose if I were to go to kiss him he would give me a box on the ears.—Write me particularly how these little ones go.
Greetings to Betsy and George
little ("great" I believe I should say) Betsy Hancock,…
George Austen
The boys while their mother is away Steventon 8th July, 1770 Dear sister Walter, I had, before yours arrived, heard of your safe arrival in town and of your meeting with my brother and Weaver; which I sincerely rejoiced at, as I do to learn from yourself that you have happily reached the parsonage and found all well there. The day I…
The boys while their mother is away
Steventon 8th July, 1770 Dear sister Walter, I…
Cassandra Austen (née Leigh)
Home from London, back to the dairy Steventon, Augst. 26th My dear sister, I received your kind letter in town and should have thanked you for it before now, but was so hurried while I was in town that I deferred it till I got home, and then Mr. Austen told me he had wrote to you very lately, and so I thought I would stay a little…
Home from London, back to the dairy
Steventon, Augst. 26th My dear sister, I…
Cassandra Austen (née Leigh)
Little George comes to visit Steventon Dec 9th Dear Sister, Thank you kindly for your letter and Oppedeldock receipt. Thank God we are all very well, and my little Neddy’s cough seems entirely to have left him: he was so well that I ventured to leave him with his maid for a few days, while we went to Southcote, where we found…
Little George comes to visit
Steventon Dec 9th Dear Sister, Thank you kindly for…
Cassandra Austen (née Leigh)
Henry is home, and another baby is expected Steventon Novr. 8th, 1772 Dear sister, Your letter was indeed very welcome as I had long wished much to hear from you, indeed I have several times been going to write purposely to enquire after you all, but still put it off from time to time in hopes of seeing you and my brother Walter at Steventon,…
Henry is home, and another baby is expected
Steventon Novr. 8th, 1772 Dear sister,…
Cassandra Austen (née Leigh)
Children, pupils and the Steventon dairy Steventon, June 6th, 1773 I thank you kindly, my dear sister, for your letter; we hope this will find you all in good health, as it leaves us. Mr. Austen was sorry his time would not permit him to see you at the parsonage, but the business which he went about required so much attendance, that it was…
Children, pupils and the Steventon dairy
Steventon, June 6th, 1773 I thank you…
Cassandra Austen (née Leigh)
Waiting for the baby who will be Jane Steventon, 20th Augst. 1775. My dear sister, Your letter for which I sincerely thank you gave us very great pleasure by the good account it brought of our nephew George’s safe arrival at Jamaica, which was a circumstance we had for many weeks been very desirous of hearing; may all your future…
Waiting for the baby who will be Jane
Steventon, 20th Augst. 1775. My dear sister,…
George Austen
Jane is born at Steventon Steventon, 17th Dec. 1775 Dear Sister, You have doubtless been for some time in expectation of hearing from Hampshire, and perhaps wondered a little we were in our old age grown such bad reckoners but so it was, for Cassey certainly expected to have been brought to bed a month ago: however last…
Jane is born at Steventon
Steventon, 17th Dec. 1775 Dear Sister, You have doubtless…
Eliza Hancock
A miniature from Paris Paris le 16 Mai 1780. My dear Cousin I am myself much to blame in having suffered so much time to pass since I last wrote to you but hope you will think my fault in some measure diminished when I assure you it has been greatly occasioned by my waiting for an opportunity of sending my letter without…
A miniature from Paris
Paris le 16 Mai 1780. My dear Cousin I am myself much to…
J. Woodman
Concern about Eliza’s French marriage London 7 Aug. 1781. P.S. Mrs. & Miss Hancock are yet in France & likely to continue there, the young lady being on the point of marriage with a French officer which Mrs. Hancock writes is of good family with expectation of good Fortune, but at present but little. Her letter was to Mr. Austen & self…
Concern about Eliza’s French marriage
London 7 Aug. 1781. P.S. Mrs. & Miss…
Eliza de Feuillide
Marriage, visits and plans for the family theatre The man to whom I have given my hand is everyways amiable both in mind and person. It is too little to say he loves me, since he literally adores me; entirely devoted to me, and making my inclinations the guide of all his actions, the whole study of his life seems to be to contribute to the…
Marriage, visits and plans for the family theatre
The man to whom I have given my…
Eliza de Feuillide
News of a death reaches Eliza in France I experienced much pleasure from the account you gave me of my Uncle Geo: Austen's family; each of my cousins seems to be everything their parents could wish them; such intelligence would have given me the completest satisfaction had it not been accompanied by the melancholy news of the death of the…
News of a death reaches Eliza in France
I experienced much pleasure from the…
Eliza de Feuillide
London parties and a toothless baby As to me, I have been for some time past the greatest rake imaginable, and really wonder how such a meagre creature as I am can support so much fatigue, of which the history of one day will give you some idea, for I only stood from two to four in the drawing-room and of course loaded with a great…
London parties and a toothless baby
As to me, I have been for some time past the…
Philadelphia Walter
Invited to act at Steventon They [i.e. the Comtesse and her mother] go at Christmas to Steventon and mean to act a play, Which is the Man? and Bon Ton. My uncle's barn is fitting up quite like a theatre, and all the young folks are to take their part. The Countess is Lady Bob Lardoon [sic] in the former and Miss Tittup in the…
Invited to act at Steventon
They [i.e. the Comtesse and her mother] go at Christmas…
Philadelphia Walter
Listening at Warren Hastings’s trial and sat from ten till four, completely tired; but I had the satisfaction of hearing all the celebrated orators—Sheridan, Burke, and Fox. The first was so low we could not hear him, the second so hot and hasty we could not understand, the third was highly superior to either, as we could distinguish…
Listening at Warren Hastings’s trial
and sat from ten till four, completely tired; but I…
Philadelphia Walter
Philadelphia meets Jane and Cassandra Yesterday I began an acquaintance with my two female cousins, Austens. My uncle, aunt, Cassandra, and Jane arrived at Mr. F. Austen's the day before. We dined with them there. As it's pure nature to love ourselves, I may be allowed to give the preference to the eldest, who is generally reckoned a…
Philadelphia meets Jane and Cassandra
Yesterday I began an acquaintance with my…
Eliza de Feuillide
Oxford visits and unrest in France What has contributed to hurry me and take up my time is my having been obliged to pay some visits out of town. We spent a little time at Beaumont Lodge, and I am but just returned from an excursion into Berkshire, during which we made some little stay at Oxford. My cousin met us there, and as well…
Oxford visits and unrest in France
What has contributed to hurry me and take up my…
George Austen
A father's advice before Frank sails for India “Memorandum for the use of Mr. F. W. Austen on his going to the East Indies on board his Majesty’s ship Perseverance (Captain Smith). “December, 1788. “My dear Francis,—While you were at the Royal Academy the opportunities of writing to you were so frequent that I gave you my opinion and advice as…
A father's advice before Frank sails for India
“Memorandum for the use of Mr. F. W.…
George Austen
Extracts from George's farewell advice to Frank your good mother, brothers, sisters and myself will all exult in your reputation and rejoice in your happiness. I have nothing more to add but my blessing and best prayers for your health and prosperity, and to beg you would never forget you have not upon earth a more disinterested and warm friend…
Extracts from George's farewell advice to Frank
your good mother, brothers, sisters…
Eliza de Feuillide
A royalist husband abroad M. de F. had given me hopes of his return to England this winter, but the turn which the affairs of France have taken will not allow him to quit the Continent at this juncture. I know not whether I have already mentioned it to you, but my spouse, who is a strong Aristocrate or Royalist in his heart,…
A royalist husband abroad
M. de F. had given me hopes of his return to England this…
Eliza de Feuillide
Family comfort while France is in turmoil but he soon received accounts from France which informed him that, having already exceeded his leave of absence, if he still continued in England he would be considered as one of the Emigrants, and consequently his whole property forfeited to the nation. Such advices were not to be neglected, and M.…
Family comfort while France is in turmoil
but he soon received accounts from…
Jane Austen
Balls, visits and the journey home Steventon: Saturday (January 9). In the first place I hope you will live twenty-three years longer. Mr. Tom Lefroy’s birthday was yesterday, so that you are very near of an age. After this necessary preamble I shall proceed to inform you that we had an exceeding good ball last night, and that I was…
Balls, visits and the journey home
Steventon: Saturday (January 9). In the first place…
Jane Austen
Extracts of Jane's letters about her brothers “How impertinent you are to write to me about Tom, as if I had not opportunities of hearing from him myself. The last letter I received from him was dated on Friday the 8th, and he told me that if the wind should be favourable on Sunday, which it proved to be, they were to sail from Falmouth on that…
Extracts of Jane's letters about her brothers
“How impertinent you are to write to…
Jane Austen
Extracts from Jane's letters “finest comic writer of the present age.”
Extracts from Jane's letters
“finest comic writer of the present age.”
Eliza de Feuillide
Cassandra’s bereavement and a later rumour This is a very severe stroke to the whole family, and particularly to poor Cassandra, for whom I feel more than I can express. Indeed I am most sincerely grieved at this event, and the pain which it must occasion our worthy relations. Jane says that her sister behaves with a degree of resolution and…
Cassandra’s bereavement and a later rumour
This is a very severe stroke to the…
George Austen
Offering First Impressions to a publisher Sir,—I have in my possession a manuscript novel, comprising 3 vols., about the length of Miss Burney's Evelina. As I am well aware of what consequence it is that a work of this sort shd. make its first appearance under a respectable name, I apply to you. I shall be much obliged, therefore, if you…
Offering First Impressions to a publisher
Sir,—I have in my possession a manuscript…
Eliza de Feuillide
Eliza agrees to marry Henry Austen Dear Sir,—As I flatter myself you still take an interest in my welfare, I think it incumbent on me to acquaint you with a circumstance by which it must be materially influenced. I have consented to an Union with my Cousin, Captain Austen, who has the honour of being known to you. He has been for…
Eliza agrees to marry Henry Austen
Dear Sir,—As I flatter myself you still take an…
Catherine Knight
Catherine Knight gives Edward the estates Godmersham Park: Friday. If anything were wanting, my dearest Edward, to confirm my resolution concerning the plan I propose executing, your letter would have that effect; it is impossible for any person to express their gratitude and affection in terms more pleasing and gratifying than you have…
Catherine Knight gives Edward the estates
Godmersham Park: Friday. If anything…
Jane Austen
At home while Cassandra stays in Kent "Bull and George," Dartford, Wednesday (October 24, 1798). My dear Cassandra,—You have already heard from Daniel, I conclude, in what excellent time we reached and quitted Sittingbourne, and how very well my mother bore her journey thither. I am now able to send you a continuation of the same good…
At home while Cassandra stays in Kent
"Bull and George," Dartford, Wednesday…
Jane Austen
Winter news and a spring visit to Bath Steventon, Tuesday (January 8, 1799). My Dear Cassandra,—You must read your letters over five times in future before you send them, and then, perhaps, you may find them as entertaining as I do. I laughed at several parts of the one which I am now answering. Charles is not come yet, but he must come…
Winter news and a spring visit to Bath
Steventon, Tuesday (January 8, 1799). My…
Montague Cholmeley
An offer of company during imprisonment You tell me that your good sister Austen has offered you one or both of her daughters to continue with you during your stay in that vile place, but you decline the kind offer, as you cannot procure them accommodation in the house with you, and you cannot let those elegant young women be your inmates…
An offer of company during imprisonment
You tell me that your good sister Austen…
Richard Lovell Edgeworth
A friend's indignation after the trial Edgeworthstown, Ireland: [April 7, 1800.] My dear Sir,—I do not think that I ever felt so much astonishment or indignation as at the abominable transaction which was related in the Star of March 31st. Among my numerous friends and acquaintance, if there was a couple whom I could have selected as the…
A friend's indignation after the trial
Edgeworthstown, Ireland: [April 7, 1800.] My dear…
Jane Austen
Autumn visits, a storm and a ball Steventon: Saturday evening (October 25). MY DEAR CASSANDRA, I am not yet able to acknowledge the receipt of any parcel from London, which I suppose will not occasion you much surprise. I was a little disappointed to-day, but not more so than is perfectly agreeable, and I hope to be disappointed…
Autumn visits, a storm and a ball
Steventon: Saturday evening (October 25). MY…
Jane Austen
Coming for conversation, not books Steventon Wednesday Eveng. Nov:r 12th [1800]. My dear Martha I did not receive your note yesterday till after Charlotte had left Deane, or I would have sent my answer by her, instead of being the means, as I now must be, of lessening the Elegance of your new Dress for the Hurstbourn Ball by the…
Coming for conversation, not books
Steventon Wednesday Eveng. Nov:r 12th…
Jane Austen
Leaving Steventon for Bath Steventon, Saturday (January 3, 1801). My dear Cassandra,—As you have by this time received my last letter, it is fit that I should begin another; and I begin with the hope, which is at present uppermost in my mind, that you often wore a white gown in the morning at the time of all the gay parties…
Leaving Steventon for Bath
Steventon, Saturday (January 3, 1801). My dear…
Eliza de Feuillide
The Austens settle in Bath I conclude that you know of our uncle and aunt Austen and their daughters having spent the summer in Devonshire. They are now returned to Bath, where they are superintending the fitting up of their new house.
The Austens settle in Bath
I conclude that you know of our uncle and aunt Austen…
Jane Austen
Sea bathing and a ball at Lyme Lyme: Friday [September 14, 1804]. My dear Cassandra,—I take the first sheet of fine striped paper to thank you for your letter from Weymouth, and express my hopes of your being at Ibthorp before this time. I expect to hear that you reached it yesterday evening, being able to get as far as Blandford…
Sea bathing and a ball at Lyme
Lyme: Friday [September 14, 1804]. My dear…
Jane Austen
Telling Frank that their father has died “Green Park Buildings, “Monday, January 21, 1805. “My dearest Frank,—I have melancholy news to relate, and sincerely feel for your feelings under the shock of it. I wish I could better prepare you for it, but, having said so much, your mind will already foretell the sort of event which I have to…
Telling Frank that their father has died
“Green Park Buildings, “Monday, January 21,…
Jane Austen
An extract from the news of George Austen's death Heavy as is the blow, we can already feel that a thousand comforts remain to us to soften it. Next to that of the consciousness of his worth and constant preparation for another world, is the remembrance of his having suffered, comparatively speaking, nothing. Being quite insensible of his own…
An extract from the news of George Austen's death
Heavy as is the blow, we can…
Jane Austen
After their father's death 25 Gay Street: Monday [April 8, 1805]. My dear Cassandra,—Here is a day for you! Did Bath or Ibthorp ever see a finer 8th of April? It is March and April together, the glare of one and the warmth of the other. We do nothing but walk about. As far as your means will admit, I hope you profit by such…
After their father's death
25 Gay Street: Monday [April 8, 1805]. My dear…
Francis William Austen
Frank misses the battle of Trafalgar “Canopus at Sea, off Gibraltar, October 15, 1805. “My dearest Mary,—Having now got over the hurry and bustle which unavoidably attends every ship while in the act of compleating provisions, water and stores, I think it high time to devote some part of my attention to your amusement, and to be in a…
Frank misses the battle of Trafalgar
“Canopus at Sea, off Gibraltar, October 15, 1805.…
Francis William Austen
An extract about missing Trafalgar I do not profess, to like fighting for its own sake, but if there has been an action with the combined fleets I shall ever consider the day on which I sailed from the squadron as the most inauspicious one of my life.
An extract about missing Trafalgar
I do not profess, to like fighting for its own sake,…
Henry Austen
Frank offers to support his mother feels the magnificence of your offer and accepts of half.
Frank offers to support his mother
feels the magnificence of your offer and accepts…
Francis William Austen
A hurried letter after battle “Canopus, off St. Domingo, February 7, 1806. “My dearest Mary,—The news of an action with an enemy’s squadron flies like wildfire in England, and I have no doubt but you will have heard of the one we had yesterday soon after the vessel which goes home shall arrive. It will, therefore, I am sure, be…
A hurried letter after battle
“Canopus, off St. Domingo, February 7, 1806. “My…
Cassandra Austen (née Leigh)
Breakfast and family portraits at Stoneleigh STONELEIGH ABBEY, August 13, 1806. MY DEAR MARY, – The very day after I wrote you my last letter, Mr. Hill wrote his intention of being at Adlestrop with Mrs. Hill on Monday, the 4th, and his wish that Mr. Leigh and family should return with him to Stoneleigh the following day, as there was much…
Breakfast and family portraits at Stoneleigh
STONELEIGH ABBEY, August 13, 1806.…
Jane Austen
Making a home in Southampton · 1807 Southampton, Wednesday (January 7, 1807). My dear Cassandra,—You were mistaken in supposing I should expect your letter on Sunday; I had no idea of hearing from you before Tuesday, and my pleasure yesterday was therefore unhurt by any previous disappointment. I thank you for writing so much; you…
Making a home in Southampton · 1807
Southampton, Wednesday (January 7, 1807).…
Jane Austen
Godmersham visits and a family loss · 1808 Godmersham, Wednesday (June 15, 1808). My dear Cassandra,—Where shall I begin? Which of all my important nothings shall I tell you first? At half after seven yesterday morning Henry saw us into our own carriage, and we drove away from the Bath Hotel; which, by the by, had been found most…
Godmersham visits and a family loss · 1808
Godmersham, Wednesday…
Charles John Austen
Charles fears for a missing prize crew “I wrote to Jane about a fortnight ago acquainting her with my arrival at this place and of my having captured a little Frenchman, which, I am truly sorry to add, has never reached this port, and, unless she has run to the West Indies, I have lost her—and, what is a real misfortune, the lives of…
Charles fears for a missing prize crew
“I wrote to Jane about a fortnight ago…
Jane Austen
Looking towards Chawton · 1809 The Manydown ball was a smaller thing than I expected, but it seems to have made Anna very happy. At her age it would not have done for me.
Looking towards Chawton · 1809
The Manydown ball was a smaller thing than I…
Jane Austen
Asking Crosby to publish Susan Gentlemen,—In the spring of the year 1803 a MS. novel in two vols., entitled Susan, was sold to you by a gentleman of the name of Seymour, and the purchase money £10 recd. at the same time. Six years have since passed, and this work, of which I am myself the Authoress, has never to the best of my…
Asking Crosby to publish Susan
Gentlemen,—In the spring of the year 1803 a MS.…
Catherine Knight
News of breakfast at Chawton I was quite delighted with your letter, my dearest Fanny, but you have got yourself into a scrape by your kind attention to my wishes, for you sent me just such an account as I like to receive, and I shall therefore be the more desirous of hearing from you again. I have also heard from your uncle…
News of breakfast at Chawton
I was quite delighted with your letter, my dearest…
Jane Austen
London visits and a first novel in print · 1811 Sloane St., Thursday (April 18, 1811). My dear Cassandra,—I have so many little matters to tell you of, that I cannot wait any longer before I begin to put them down. I spent Tuesday in Bentinck Street. The Cookes called here and took me back, and it was quite a Cooke day, for the Miss Rolles paid a…
London visits and a first novel in print · 1811
Sloane St., Thursday (April 18, 1811). My…
Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice and the Godmersham household · 1813 Chawton: Sunday evening [January 24, 1813]. My dear Cassandra,—This is exactly the weather we could wish for, if you are but well enough to enjoy it. I shall be glad to hear that you are not confined to the house by an increase of cold. We quite run over with books. My mother has got Sir John Carr's…
Pride and Prejudice and the Godmersham…
Chawton: Sunday evening…
Jane Austen
Family news and book sales for Frank in the Baltic I wonder whether you happened to see Mr. Blackall's marriage in the papers last January. We did. He was married at Clifton to a Miss Lewis, whose father had been late of Antigua. I should very much like to know what sort of a woman she is. He was a piece of perfection—noisy perfection—himself, which…
Family news and book sales for Frank in the Baltic
I wonder whether you happened…
Jane Austen
The boys make rabbit nets — an extract “amuse themselves very comfortably in the evening by netting; they are each about a rabbit-net, and sit as deedily to it, side by side, as any two Uncle Franks could do.”
The boys make rabbit nets — an extract
“amuse themselves very comfortably in the…
Jane Austen
Reading Mansfield Park with Henry · 1814 Henrietta St., Wednesday (March 2, 1814). We had altogether a very good journey, and everything at Cobham was comfortable. I could not pay Mr. Harrington! That was the only alas! of the business. I shall therefore return his bill, and my mother's 2l., that you may try your luck. We did not begin…
Reading Mansfield Park with Henry · 1814
Henrietta St., Wednesday (March 2, 1814).…
Jane Austen
Anna's new home and a night at the theatre was pitiful and wretched twelve years ago and not likely to have anybody's publications.
Anna's new home and a night at the theatre
was pitiful and wretched twelve years…
Jane Austen
Reading Anna’s novel My dear Anna,—I am quite ashamed to find that I have never answered some question of yours in a former note. I kept it on purpose to refer to it at a proper time, and then forgot it. I like the name "Which is the Heroine" very well, and I dare say shall grow to like it very much in time; but…
Reading Anna’s novel
My dear Anna,—I am quite ashamed to find that I have never…
Jane Austen
Fanny asks whether she should marry To Miss Frances Austen. Chawton, Friday (Nov. 18, 1814). I feel quite as doubtful as you could be, my dearest Fanny, as to when my letter may be finished, for I can command very little quiet time at present; but yet I must begin, for I know you will be glad to hear as soon as possible, and I really…
Fanny asks whether she should marry
To Miss Frances Austen. Chawton, Friday…
Mary Russell Mitford
Mitford repeats—and questions—gossip about Austen To Sir William Elford, Bickham, Plymouth. Bertram House, April 3, 1815. Alas! my dear friend, you are mistaken—quite mistaken, I assure you. I am not going to be married. No such good luck, as papa says. I have not been courted, and I am not in love. So much for this question. If I ever should…
Mitford repeats—and questions—gossip about…
To Sir William Elford, Bickham,…
Charles John Austen
Praise for Jane's novels reaches Palermo Books became the subject of conversation, and I praised Waverley highly, when a young man present observed that nothing had come out for years to be compared with Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, &c. As I am sure you must be anxious to know the name of a person of so much taste, I shall…
Praise for Jane's novels reaches Palermo
Books became the subject of…
Jane Austen
Cassy chooses the fair Chawton, Friday (Sept. 29). My dear Anna,—We told Mr. B. Lefroy that if the weather did not prevent us we should certainly come and see you to-morrow and bring Cassy, trusting to your being good enough to give her a dinner about one o'clock, that we might be able to be with you the earlier and stay…
Cassy chooses the fair
Chawton, Friday (Sept. 29). My dear Anna,—We told Mr. B.…
William Gifford
A reader’s report on Emma “I have read ‘Pride and Prejudice’ again—’tis very good—wretchedly printed, and so pointed as to be almost unintelligible. Make no apology for sending me anything to read or revise. I am always happy to do either, in the thought that it may be useful to you.” * * * * * “Of ‘Emma,’ I have nothing but…
A reader’s report on Emma
“I have read ‘Pride and Prejudice’ again—’tis very…
Jane Austen
Henry's recovery and the printing of Emma · 1815 . . . What weather we have! What shall we do about it? The 17th October and summer still! Henry is not quite well—a bilious attack with fever. He came back early from Henrietta Street yesterday and went to bed—the comical consequence of which was that Mr. Seymour and I dined together tête-à-tête. He…
Henry's recovery and the printing of Emma · 1815
. . . What weather we have! What…
Jane Austen
Welcome to the company of aunts Hans Place: Monday night [October 30, 1815]. My dear Caroline,—I have not felt quite equal to taking up your Manuscript, but think I shall soon, and I hope my detaining it so long will be no inconvenience. It gives us great pleasure that you should be at Chawton. I am sure Cassy must be delighted to…
Welcome to the company of aunts
Hans Place: Monday night [October 30, 1815]. My…
Jane Austen
Emma’s dedication and a suggested clergyman Sir,—I must take the liberty of asking you a question. Among the many flattering attentions which I received from you at Carlton House on Monday last, was the information of my being at liberty to dedicate any future work to His Royal Highness, the Prince Regent, without the necessity of any…
Emma’s dedication and a suggested clergyman
Sir,—I must take the liberty of…
Jane Austen
Getting Emma into print Hans Place: Thursday [November 23, 1815]. Sir,—My brother's note last Monday has been so fruitless, that I am afraid there can be but little chance of my writing to any good effect; but yet I am so very much disappointed and vexed by the delays of the printers, that I cannot help begging to know…
Getting Emma into print
Hans Place: Thursday [November 23, 1815]. Sir,—My…
Jane Austen
An extract about Caroline's fictional father December 6. My dear Caroline,—I wish I could finish stories as fast as you can. I am much obliged to you for the sight of Olivia, and think you have done for her very well; but the good-for-nothing father, who was the real author of all her faults and sufferings, should not escape unpunished. I hope…
An extract about Caroline's fictional father
December 6. My dear Caroline,—I wish I…
Jane Austen
Returning books and saying goodbye Dear Sir We return these Volumes with many Thanks. They have afforded us great amusement.—As we were out ourselves yesterday Eveng. we were glad to find you had not called—but shall depend upon your giving us some part of this Eveng.—I leave Town early on Saturday, & must say “Good bye” to you.— Yr:…
Returning books and saying goodbye
Dear Sir We return these Volumes with many…
Frances Talbot, Countess of Morley
An early welcome for Emma ‘Saltram, December 27 (1815). ‘Madam,—I have been most anxiously waiting for an introduction to “Emma,” and am infinitely obliged to you for your kind recollection of me, which will procure me the pleasure of her acquaintance some days sooner than I should otherwise have had it. I am already become…
An early welcome for Emma
‘Saltram, December 27 (1815). ‘Madam,—I have been…
Jane Austen
Caroline's stories, handwriting and reading Chawton. Wednesday March 13. My dear Caroline I am very glad to have an opportunity of answering your agreeable little Letter. You seem to be quite my own Neice in your feelings towards Mde de Genlis. I do not think I could even now, at my sedate time of Life, read Olimpe et Theophile without being…
Caroline's stories, handwriting and reading
Chawton. Wednesday March 13. My…
James Stanier Clarke
Declining a royal historical romance Pavilion: March 27, 1816. Dear Miss Austen,—I have to return you the thanks of His Royal Highness, the Prince Regent, for the handsome copy you sent him of your last excellent novel. Pray, dear Madam, soon write again and again. Lord St. Helens and many of the nobility, who have been staying here,…
Declining a royal historical romance
Pavilion: March 27, 1816. Dear Miss Austen,—I…
Jane Austen
Reading the review of Emma ‘Chawton, April 1, 1816. ‘Dear Sir,—I return you the “Quarterly Review” with many thanks. The Authoress of “Emma” has no reason, I think, to complain of her treatment in it, except in the total omission of “Mansfield Park.” I cannot but be sorry that so clever a man as the Reviewer of “Emma” should…
Reading the review of Emma
‘Chawton, April 1, 1816. ‘Dear Sir,—I return you the…
Jane Austen
A book for Cassy and some forgotten gloves My dear Anna,—Cassy desires her best thanks for the book. She was quite delighted to see it. I do not know when I have seen her so much struck by anybody's kindness as on this occasion. Her sensibility seems to be opening to the perception of great actions. These gloves having appeared on the…
A book for Cassy and some forgotten gloves
My dear Anna,—Cassy desires her…
Jane Austen
Edward leaves school and writes a novel Chawton: July 9, 1816. My dear Edward,—Many thanks. A thank for every line, and as many to Mr. W. Digweed for coming. We have been wanting very much to hear of your mother, and are happy to find she continues to mend, but her illness must have been a very serious one indeed. When she is really…
Edward leaves school and writes a novel
Chawton: July 9, 1816. My dear…
Jane Austen
News from Chawton while Cassandra is away · 1816 Chawton: September 4, 1816. We go on very well here, Edward is a great pleasure to me; he drove me to Alton yesterday. I went principally to carry news of you and Henry, and made a regular handsome visit, staying there while Edward went on to Wyards with an invitation to dinner: it was declined, and…
News from Chawton while Cassandra is away · 1816
Chawton: September 4, 1816.…
Jane Austen
A backwards New Year letter for Cassy Ym raed Yssac,—I hsiw uoy a yppah wen raey. Ruoy xis snisuoc emac ereh yadretsey, dna dah hcae a eceip fo ekac. Siht si elttil Yssac's yadhtrib, dna ehs si eerht sraey dlo. Knarf sah nugeb gninrael Nital ew deef eht Nibor yreve gninrom. Yllas netfo seriuqne retfa uoy. Yllas Mahneb sah tog a wen…
A backwards New Year letter for Cassy
Ym raed Yssac,—I hsiw uoy a yppah wen…
Jane Austen
Music and stories during Jane's illness [January 23, 1817.] My dear Caroline,—I am always very much obliged to you for writing to me, and have now I believe two or three notes to thank you for; but whatever may be their number, I mean to have this letter accepted as a handsome return for all, for you see I have taken a complete, whole…
Music and stories during Jane's illness
[January 23, 1817.] My dear Caroline,—I am…
Jane Austen
An orange-wine recipe, after the news Chawton: January 24, 1817. My dear Alethea,—I think it time there should be a little writing between us, though I believe the epistolary debt is on your side, and I hope this will find all the Streatham party well, neither carried away by the flood, nor rheumatic through the damps. Such mild weather…
An orange-wine recipe, after the news
Chawton: January 24, 1817. My dear…
Jane Austen
Fanny's suitors and Jane's unfinished plans Chawton (Feb. 20, 1816). My dearest Fanny,—You are inimitable, irresistible. You are the delight of my life. Such letters, such entertaining letters, as you have lately sent! such a description of your queer little heart! such a lovely display of what imagination does! You are worth your weight in…
Fanny's suitors and Jane's unfinished plans
Chawton (Feb. 20, 1816). My dearest…
Jane Austen
Jane's last surviving letter to Charles [April 6, 1817.] My dearest Charles,—Many thanks for your affectionate letter. I was in your debt before, but I have really been too unwell the last fortnight to write anything that was not absolutely necessary. I have been suffering from a bilious attack attended with a good deal of fever. A few…
Jane's last surviving letter to Charles
[April 6, 1817.] My dearest Charles,—Many…
Jane Austen
Jane writes from her Winchester sickroom Mrs. David's, College Street, Winton: Tuesday [May 27, 1817]. I know no better way, my dearest Edward, of thanking you for your most affectionate concern for me during my illness than by telling you myself, as soon as possible, that I continue to get better. I will not boast of my handwriting;…
Jane writes from her Winchester sickroom
Mrs. David's, College Street, Winton:…
Cassandra Austen
Cassandra tells Fanny of Jane's death Winchester, Sunday. My dearest Fanny,—Doubly dear to me now for her dear sake whom we have lost. She did love you most sincerely, and never shall I forget the proofs of love you gave her during her illness in writing those kind, amusing letters at a time when I know your feelings would have dictated…
Cassandra tells Fanny of Jane's death
Winchester, Sunday. My dearest…
Cassandra Elizabeth Austen
Remembering Jane My dear Miss Sharp I have great pleasure in sending you the lock of hair you wish for, & I add a pair of clasps which she sometimes wore & a small bodkin which she had had in constant use for more than twenty years. I know how these articles, trifling as they are, will be valued by you & I am very…
Remembering Jane
My dear Miss Sharp I have great pleasure in sending you the…
Cassandra Austen (née Leigh)
A mother's hope and grief for Jane I thank you sincerely for all your kind expressions, and your offer. I am certainly in a good deal of affliction, but trust God will support me. I was not prepared for the blow, though it in a manner hung over us; I had reason to think it at a distance, and was not quite without hope that she might…
A mother's hope and grief for Jane
I thank you sincerely for all your kind…
Caroline Austen
Caroline fears she has not valued her aunt enough I now feel as if I had never loved and valued her enough.
Caroline fears she has not valued her aunt enough
I now feel as if I had never loved…
James Austen
James warns Edward that Jane will not recover Steventon: Thursday. My dear Edward,—I grieve to write what you will grieve to read; but I must tell you that we can no longer flatter ourselves with the least hope of having your dear valuable Aunt Jane restored to us. The symptoms which returned after the first four or five days at Winchester,…
James warns Edward that Jane will not recover
Steventon: Thursday. My dear…
Eliza Susan Quincy
An American reader asks for Jane's handwriting ‘Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A. 6th Jan. 1852. ‘Since high critical authority has pronounced the delineations of character in the works of Jane Austen second only to those of Shakspeare, transatlantic admiration appears superfluous; yet it may not be uninteresting to her family to receive an…
An American reader asks for Jane's handwriting
‘Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A. 6th…
Ben Dunford
A former servant offers his help White Hart, Bath. [No date.] Honored Sir,—You may have forgot your old postillon Ben Dunford but I shall never forget yours and my mistresses great goodness to me when I was taken with the small pox in your sarvice. You sent me very careful to mothers, and paid a nurse and my doctor, and my board…
A former servant offers his help
White Hart, Bath. [No date.] Honored Sir,—You may…
Cassandra Austen (née Leigh)
News from Jane’s sickroom I had a very comfortable account of your Aunt Jane this morning; she now sits up a little. Charles Knight came this morning: he saw her yesterday, and says she looks better and seem'd very cheerful. She hoped to be well enough to see Mrs. Portal to-day; your Mamma is there (went yesterday by the…
News from Jane’s sickroom
I had a very comfortable account of your Aunt Jane this…
Cassandra Austen (née Leigh)
Welcoming Mary into the family most heartfelt satisfaction at the prospect. Had the selection been mine, you, my dear Mary, are the person I should have chosen for James's wife, Anna's mother and my daughter, being as certain as I can be of anything in this uncertain world, that you will greatly increase and promote the happiness…
Welcoming Mary into the family
most heartfelt satisfaction at the prospect. Had the…
Charles John Austen
Charles reads Emma at sea Emma arrived in time to a moment. I am delighted with her, more so I think than even with my favourite, Pride and Prejudice, and have read it three times in the passage.
Charles reads Emma at sea
Emma arrived in time to a moment. I am delighted with…
Dr. Newman
A portrait offered to the Austen family I have another picture that I wish to go to your neighbour, Morland Rice. It is a portrait of Jane Austen the novelist, by Zoffany. The picture was given to my stepmother by her friend Colonel Austen of Kippington, Kent, because she was a great admirer of her works.
A portrait offered to the Austen family
I have another picture that I wish to go to your…
Mrs. C. Cage
Feeling at home in Highbury A great many thanks for the loan of Emma, which I am delighted with. I like it better than any. Every character is thoroughly kept up. I must enjoy reading it again with Charles. Miss Bates is incomparable, but I was nearly killed with those precious treasures. They are unique, and really with more…
Feeling at home in Highbury
A great many thanks for the loan of Emma, which I am…
Henry Austen
Henry questions the price for three copyrights Dear Sir,—Severe illness has confined me to my bed ever since I received yours of ye 15th. I cannot yet hold a pen, and employ an amanuensis. The politeness and perspicuity of your letter equally claim my earliest exertion. Your official opinion of the merits of Emma is very valuable and…
Henry questions the price for three copyrights
Dear Sir,—Severe illness has…
Henry Austen
Henry praises Warren Hastings Suffer me to say that among the earliest lessons of my infancy I was taught by precept and example to love and venerate your name. I cannot remember the time when I did not associate with your character the idea of everything great, amiable, and good. Your benevolence was a theme on which my young…
Henry praises Warren Hastings
Suffer me to say that among the earliest lessons of…
Mrs. Leigh of Oxfordshire
Hastings offers to help publish Camilla Mr. Hastings I saw just now; I told him what was going forward; he gave a great jump and exclaimed: "Well, then, now I can serve her, thank heaven, and I will! I will write to Anderson to engage Scotland, and I will attack the East Indies myself."
Hastings offers to help publish Camilla
Mr. Hastings I saw just now; I told him what…
Tysoe Saul Hancock
A father argues against sending Eliza to India You know very well that no girl, tho' but fourteen years old, can arrive in India without attracting the notice of every coxcomb in the place; you yourself know how impossible it is for a young girl to avoid being attached to a young handsome man whose address is agreeable to her.
A father argues against sending Eliza to India
You know very well that no girl, tho'…
Philadelphia Walter
More impressions of the Austen sisters I continue to admire my amiable likeness the best of the two in every respect; she keeps up conversation in a very sensible and pleasing manner. Yesterday they all spent the day with us, and the more I see of Cassandra the more I admire [her]. Jane is whimsical and affected.
More impressions of the Austen sisters
I continue to admire my amiable likeness the…
Unidentified correspondent
Mourning Admiral Charles Austen his death was a great grief to the whole fleet—I know I cried bitterly when I found he was dead.
Mourning Admiral Charles Austen
his death was a great grief to the whole fleet—I…
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