the experience of reading in Britain, from 1450 to 1945...

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Mrs Montagu : Letter

'I have had a letter from Mrs Montague and, (which is still more extraordinary) I have answered it. What on earth did you say, to make her so good to me? She could not have written more frankly and affectionately if I had been her own child. I have never met with any thing like this from Woman before- I purpose loving Mrs Montague all my life; if I find her always the same as she has introduced herself to me.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Jane Baillie Welsh      Manuscript: Letter

Mrs Montagu : Letter dated 13 June

'I am very curious to see Mrs Montagu's catalogue of duties: so take care that you do not light your pipe with the letter. I have heard from the "noble Lady" again, and written again - She will surely be satisfied that there is no worm of disappointment preying on my damask cheek; for I have told her in luminous EngLIsh that my heart is not in England but in Annandale!'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Jane Baillie Welsh      Manuscript: Letter

Mrs Montagu : Letter dated 3 July

I had two sheets from Mrs Montagu the other day trying to prove to me that I knew nothing at all of my own heart (Mercy how romantic she is[.)] write presently to Templand.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Jane Baillie Welsh      Manuscript: Letter

Mrs Montagu : Letter dated 20 July

'My dearest I thought to write to you from this place with joy; I write with shame and tears. The enclosed letter, which I found lying for me, has distracted my thoughts from the prospect of our meeting-the brightest in my mind for many months, and fixed them on a part of my own conduct which makes me unworthy ever to see you, or be clasped to your true heart again. I cannot come to you cannot be at peace with myself:... I loved [Edward Irving]'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Jane Baillie Welsh      Manuscript: Letter

Mrs Montagu : letter

'I have had an answer from Mrs Montagu full of rhetoric, and kindness; but no matter for the rhetoric! She is good to me; and charity covereth a multitude of sins- She says "Mr Carlyle ought not to have stept in between you and your kind intention; nay more, he ought himself to have seen my boy"-'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Jane Baillie Welsh      Manuscript: Letter

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