Jane Austen to Anna Austen
AUG 10, 1814
was pitiful and wretched twelve years ago and not likely to have anybody's publications.
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Anna's new home and a night at the theatre
Anna, the daughter of Jane's brother James, married Ben Lefroy in November 1814. Jane writes about the couple's home at Hendon and a London performance of Isabella. The theatre extract from the Memoir repeats part of the 29 November letter below, not the separate letter about Anna's writing sent on Wednesday, 30 November. The separate Dawlish-library fragment comes from Jane's advice about Anna's novel; read its fuller setting in the writing correspondence. The old edition's November headings differ from the corrected dates explained in the notes.
Extract from Life and Letters (1913), p. 173.
Jane Austen to Anna Austen
NOV 22, 1814
Chawton, Nov. 21, 1814.
My dear Anna,—I met Harriet Benn yesterday. She gave me her congratulations, and desired they might be forwarded to you, and there they are. The chief news from this country is the death of old Mrs. Dormer. Mrs. Clement walks about in a new black velvet pelisse lined with yellow, and a white bobbin net veil, and looks remarkably well in them.
I think I understand the country about Hendon from your description. It must be very pretty in summer. Should you know from the atmosphere that you were within a dozen miles of London? Make everybody at Hendon admire "Mansfield Park."
Your affectionate aunt, J. A.
The printed November 21 heading is retained. Chapman, letter 104, pp. 412–413 gives Tuesday November 22, a November 22 closing and November 24 postmark. See also the Bodleian catalogue.
Jane Austen to Anna Austen
NOV 29, 1814
‘We were all at the play last night to see Miss O’Neil in Isabella. I do not think she was quite equal to my expectation. I fancy I want something more than can be. Acting seldom satisfies me. I took two pockethandkerchiefs, but had very little occasion for either. She is an elegant creature, however, and hugs Mr. Young delightfully.’
This theatre excerpt also appears in Woolsey’s selection of the same letter. The surviving portion dated 29 November 1814 identifies Anna as recipient.
Extract from A Memoir of Jane Austen (1871), p. 93.
Jane Austen to Anna Austen
NOV 29, 1814
Hans Place, Nov. 28, 1814.
My dear Anna,—I assure you we all came away very much pleased with our visit. We talked of you for about a mile and a half with great satisfaction; and I have been just sending a very good report of you to Miss Benn, with a full account of your dress for Susan and Maria.
We were all at the play last night to see Miss O'Neil in "Isabella." I do not think she was quite equal to my expectations. I fancy I want something more than can be. I took two pocket-handkerchiefs, but had very little occasion for either. She is an elegant creature, however, and hugs Mr. Young delightfully. I am going this morning to see the little girls in Keppel Street. Cassy was excessively interested about your marriage when she heard of it, which was not until she was to drink your health on the wedding-day.
She asked a thousand questions in her usual manner, what he said to you and what you said to him. If your uncle were at home he would send his best love, but I will not impose any base fictitious remembrances on you; mine I can honestly give, and remain
Your affectionate aunt, J. Austen.
The edition prints November 28. Jane Austen’s House, CHWJA:JAHLTR.41 dates the matching principal portion to 29 November 1814; that is its placement here.