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Archive Reference / Library Class No.D8760/F/FEG/1/45/3
Former ReferenceD3287/32/2/9
TitleLetter from Mary Louisa Dixon to her cousin Eleanor Isabella Gell, on their not meeting up due to the terrifying journey which she was unable to complete
Date8 Feb [1854]
DescriptionApology for not coming to hers, but the journey was so terrifying with the complete darkness along the Bayswater Road and shouts and screams of the people that they were forced to turn back; hope that the Gurneys were able to make their journey without accident; her disappointment at not being able to make it; thankful for safe return home, with the coachman confessing he did not know where he was, going on the pavement twice.
Only dated Wednesday evening, but 8 Feb 1854 has been added in pencil at top.
Paper black-edged.
Extent1 sheet
LevelItem
RepositoryDerbyshire Record Office
SenderMary Louisa Dixon
Sender LocationGreen Street
RecipientEleanor Isabella Gell
Recipient LocationNo address
Archive CreatorEleanor Isabella Franklin, later Eleanor Gell (1824-1860)
Gell family of Hopton Hall, Wirksworth
Transcript or IndexLouisa Dixon to Eleanor, February 8th 1854 [in pencil at top]
Green Street, Wednesday evening
My dear Eleanor
We are so really and truly sorry to give up coming to you, but after wandering at a snail’s pace along the Bayswater Road, we came at last to such intense darkness, thru which no trace of lamps could be seen that we were obliged to turn back. I was terrified and the old Abel was evidently so too, that I quite thought we should have been holed and smashed. Even the lights of the tinker boys could hardly be distinguished and the screaming and shouting of all the people was quite horrid. If the Gurneys have ventured on I trust they will meet with no accident, perhaps they may have gone the Upper Road, but we could not get into that to try it.
There seems to be a spell against our coming to you, but I hope we shall be more fortunate the next time you ask us. I can only again assure you how very much disappointed I am about it now, only I am very thankful we got home safe, for the coachman confesses he did not know where he was only he knows he got twice on the pavement. I hope the baby continues to go very well. Dora’s boy is better altho’ still very far from well.
Your affectionate cousin
M.L. Dixon
AcknowledgementsSusan Piredda
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