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Archive Reference / Library Class No.D8760/F/FEG/1/24/2
Former ReferenceD3311/122/28
TitleLetter from Sophia Cracroft to her cousin Eleanor Isabella Gell
Date[Nov 1850]
DescriptionSophia did not have the remotest intention of implying in her remark to her uncle that Eleanor lacked the conscientiousness of her father; Eleanor's decision rests mainly on the the feelings of others, irrespective of the altered circumstances in which John Gell has been placed; her uncle's consent would be given in consequence of those circumstances. No implication was intended by Sophia, who was only speaking openly and nothing more; she would not forestall Eleanor on the subject in question. Dr Rae's report has been published in the newspaper; she feared Aunt would feel the return of her wedding day; she is sure Sir John would feel anxiety felt for him and she has given the idea of seeing him that year.
Only dated Saturday; at the top "1848 or 9" has been added in pencil. Reference to Dr Rae's report probably relates to his letter published in "The Times" on 11 Nov 1850, which ties in with the reference to the anniversary of the Franklins' wedding day [5 Nov 1828].
Extent1 sheet
LevelItem
RepositoryDerbyshire Record Office
SenderSophia Cracroft
Sender LocationAlverstoke
RecipientEleanor Isabella Gell
Recipient LocationNo address
Archive CreatorEleanor Isabella Franklin, later Eleanor Gell (1824-1860)
Gell family of Hopton Hall, Wirksworth
Transcript or IndexAlverstoke
Saturday
My dearest Eleanor
I have this minute had your letter, and must answer it immediately for I certainly cannot bear you should even for one moment think I implied or had even the remotest idea of implying by the remark I made about my Uncle that you were wanting in that conscientiousness which my Uncle possesses in so very remarkable degree – nor do I think the observation could naturally be so applied. Your decision rests mainly upon the feelings of others, irrespective in a great degree of the altered circumstances in which John Gell is placed. My Uncle’s consent if given would be given in consequence of those circumstances.
However, dear Eleanor we need not multiply words and I will only say that you do me but justice in believing that no implication of any kind was intended by me – what I meant I said openly and implied nothing more. I will add one thing, that your request to be allowed to speak upon the subject to your father, before others did so, is uneccessary so far as I am concerned. I should never have thought of forestalling you upon a matter of such moment and of such a nature.
Dr Rae’s report has been published in the newspapers and I have it. I suppose you have read it. I feared my Aunt would feel the return of her wedding day. I am sure dearest Uncle is feeling for us in the anxiety he must know we are now feeling for him. I have quite given up the idea of seeing him this year. God give us all strength and hopeful hearts.
I am very glad you like the collars. The pocket handkerchief we had better talk about when we meet. We cannot bear you to have anything you do not really want – at the same time I must in honesty tell you that we have no use for it. It is not quite finished. Mary Anne’s love. Ever dearest Eleanor your affectionate Sophia Cracroft.
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