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Archive Reference / Library Class No.D8760/F/FEG/1/21/5
Former ReferenceD3287/31/3/17
TitleLetter 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
Date14 May [1852]
DescriptionOnly dated Friday 14 May, but 1852 added in pencil [Friday is the correct day for 1852].
Extent1 sheet
LevelItem
RepositoryDerbyshire Record Office
SenderCousin C. Cracroft
Sender LocationNo address
RecipientEleanor Isabella Gell
Recipient LocationNo address
Archive CreatorEleanor Isabella Franklin, later Eleanor Gell (1824-1860)
Gell family of Hopton Hall, Wirksworth
Transcript or IndexMay 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
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