Jane Austen died on 18 July 1817. Ten days later her sister Cassandra writes to Anne Sharp, Jane’s friend, sending a lock of hair, clasps and a small bodkin. Cassandra speaks of her loss and hopes they can meet.

Cassandra Elizabeth Austen to Anne Sharp

JUL 28, 1817

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 sure that if she is now conscious of what is passing on earth it gives her pleasure that they should be so disposed of.—I am quite well in health & my Mother is very tolerably so & I am much more tranquil than with your ardent feelings you could suppose possible. What I have lost, no one but myself can know, you are not ignorant of her merits, but who can judge how I estimated them?—God’s will be done, I have been able to say so all along, I thank God that I have.—If any thing should ever bring you into attainable distance from me we must meet my dear Miss Sharp.—

Believe me very truly

Yr affectte friend

Cass. Elizth Austen

Chawton July 28th

The manuscript gives Chawton, July 28; the Morgan catalogue supplies 1817.

Source: Morgan MA 2911.11, first side / spread.