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| Archive Reference / Library Class No. | D8760/F/FEG/1/21/5 |
| Former Reference | D3287/31/3/17 |
| Title | Letter from Catherine Cracroft to her cousin Eleanor Isabella Gell, mainly on family news, including on Eleanor's children and Mr Gell's employment prospects, including for the Bishopric of Christ Church |
| Date | 14 May [1852] |
| Description | Only dated Friday 14 May, but 1852 added in pencil [Friday is the correct day for 1852]. |
| Extent | 1 sheet |
| Level | Item |
| Repository | Derbyshire Record Office |
| Full Catalogue List | Click here to view a full list for this collection |
| Sender | Cousin C. Cracroft |
| Sender Location | No address |
| Recipient | Eleanor Isabella Gell |
| Recipient Location | No address |
| Archive Creator | Eleanor Isabella Franklin, later Eleanor Gell (1824-1860) |
| Gell family of Hopton Hall, Wirksworth |
| Transcript or Index | May 14 [1852 in pencil]
Friday night
I intended sending off a letter dear Eleanor to you today but unhappily so many other things had to be done, and I have been on my feet nearly all day, that writing many letters have been out of the question.
I cannot remember if this really be little Eleanor’s birthday and if she has already entered upon her second year – so you will some day set me right. I heard of Emma producing the Doll before the time & of the amusing reception it received from little Eleanor – I hope she will take to it, in due time and find pleasure in playing with it. We were delighted to find from Aunt Di [?] that your little boy is gone to Duffield – as no doubt the fresh country air will be of benefit to him – and he will now be old enough to enjoy the fields and garden. Whom have you chosen as Sponsors for your Baby? – Is it a fine child? And can you nurse him ? We were surprised to find you were on the sofa – give many kisses for me to dear little Eleanor. It is a blessing she enjoys such excellent health. Where do you think of going this summer for change? I suppose Mr Gell wishes to change duties as he did last year.
Mama I am thankful has nearly lost her cough – which has been most troublesome. She is looking well but is not very strong.
How truly glad we are that Mr Gell consents to accepting the Bishopric of Xt. [Christ] Church for he seems so excellently fitted for the work of a Bishop, and in every respect this appears a very good arrangement. No doubt the climate of N. Z. [?] will benefit you much and suit you far better than England. Does Miss Blunt (who took us last spring to Huntsworth Mews Ragged School) live in Gloucester Street, Dorset Square? – and has she not something to do with your “Refuge” – to which you once took me? If so, some day I may ask you to interest yourself in a poor young orphan whom our friend Mrs [?]T Brook is endeavouring to get into that Asylum – and will succeed in so doing as I have this day seen a note from Miss Blunt saying the girl is eligible – But as yet I am in the dark as to the whereabouts of this said institution. That, you visit is in New Road if I remember right. It is so late I must close and say goodnight affectionate cousin
C. Cracroft |