Single Letter

HAM/1/2/17

Journal-letter from John Dickenson to Mary Hamilton

Diplomatic Text


                                                         3.
                             June 25 -- 89 -- No. 18 Queen's Parade      
      This day my dearest Love I have sent off a Letter[1] to
you -- The Earles are gone this morning into Hampse.
for a fortnight & then return here -- Mrs. Ford left
Bath about 6 Weeks ago -- I hear Mr. Brownlow was
so well satisfied with Mrs. Brownlow's conduct that
he has given his son 400£ Pr. An. addition to his In-
come
-- I am glad of it, as I fancy they were distreʃsed --
Wed. Drank the Waters -- This morning I was made
happy by receiving a Letter from my dear dear Wife
of the |20| -- I approve very much of yr- Letter to Mr. Fred.k
the busineʃs he writes about is curious -- and I am of
opinion that he cannot make a title sufft. for a
morgage without your relinquishing all claims (wch.
I think is a convincing proof that you have claims)
upon that Estate -- otherwise the deed we signed was
sufft. release -- however every thing that is proper
shall be done -- with this salvo[2] -- that I will shew as much
attention to this busineʃs at my return to you
as was shewn by that family to us in Town as& I
will be at equally as much expence & no more --
Yr. Lr. to him is exactly what I could have wished and if
he ever had the happineʃs of poʃseʃsing finer feelings
it is calculated to rouse them & make him blush --
at the same time there is a spirit of independence wh.
gratifies me -- Dont fancy that you live in a
region of Clouds -- I dare say if there are any Somersetshire
people now at Buxton, that they will have the im
pertinence
to exclaim against Buxton Weather now
I aʃsure you that it is very seldom fair here, and for the
last 24 hours it has rained more than 15 & exceʃsively
hard -- yesterday & today every body complained of Cold
and longed for a fire -- Thursday -- This morning Capt Cox
left us -- I regret his absence as he was a modest sensible
man, has seen a good deal of service & is very fond of his pro-
feʃsion
when our Madcaps return from Bristol I know not, but
it will be too soon -- they live at the rate of at least 3 guineas
a day -- drink constantly 2 & sometimes 3 Bottles of Claret



after dinner -- one of them, who comes from Barbados & there
saw a great deal of the D—— of C——[3] told me that he is a complete
Blackguard in nature -- I hear he talks to women in Sea
phrases -- since I have read a pamphlet called the Royal Interview
which is a supposed conversation that paʃsed between the K & the P——
it is ye- best written of any publication of that kind that I have
seen for a long time; in strong nervous language without any
party violence -- The King then points out the Opporty. that the
P.
had of making himself idolized by His Nation -- respected by
all parties, admired by all the World -- & his Name & conduct handed
down to posterity as a Model for future Princes -- he
then points out what he did -- & what would probably be
the consequence of his Conduct[4] -- Ct Cox lent it to me -- he has
taken it to Ireland to shew to his Countrymen -- who's conduct
he cannot speak of with patience -- You will expect me to say
something about my self as I have now been here a Week -- this
day I find myself perfectly well -- the Waters agree with me
& to day I am in excellent Spirits & health -- the Sun has shone
for 3 hours, between the Showers, which enlivened every body
& I recd. so much pleasure from the great improvement I
make in playing upon the violincello which I feel -- that I shall
be able to do for yr- amusement in time -- that I am really
delighted at the thoughts of it -- the greatest earthly bliʃs is
to have it in one's power to please & make those happy who
are most dear to us -- & surely no man can love a Woman more
than your Husband loves you my very dear friend -- I
never set about any thing with ------so calm a determination
of conquering every difficulty than In this instance -- My
master
, who is no flatterer, gives me great encouragement, by
aʃsuring me that no person can improve faster than I do -- the
great difficulty in this instrument, is to obtain at first a proper
position of the left hand, without which there cannot be great
execution -- the cramp in my right thumb reduces me too often
to a stand still -- but I am resolved to conquer all impediments.
      What will you say to me when I inform you that I am
learning Italian -- there is a very good Master here, and I
could not let paʃs so good an opportunity of acquiring a know-
ledge
of that delicate language -- my master is a Tuscan, and
seems to have a thorough knowledge of Languages -- he resided 20
years in Paris & now teaches that language; -- Now you shall
know how I paʃs my time -- I rise the moment I wake wch.
was this morning 20 minutes before 4 -- as soon as I was dreʃsd
I made myself perfect in yesterdays Italian leʃson & then read
in Ganganelle's Letters (in Italian) till 6 when I went to ye- bath



and returned by 7 -- & till 9 lay in bed -- when I dont bathe, that
time is employed in drinking the Waters & exercise -- at 9 I had
my hair dreʃsed (which is done twice a day by an excellent Friʃseur
for 5/ a week) then breakfasted en famille with Madam Davies
read till half past ten, when I go every morning to Signior
Borzacchini
& stay with him an hour -- from him I go to Mr.
Herschell
, where I stay till one -- then to Bull's library for
half an hour to read the papers -- return home to transcribe
my Italian Leʃson, (as I learn from a manuscript grammar)[5]
which generally occupies two hours, part of which I steal
to make a visit -- reading, dinner, tea, & supper employ
the rest of the day -- / I called this morning Thursday for a few minutes
between my two leʃsons upon Mrs. Hocker -- afterwards left
my Name at Dr. Fothergill's & was again unsucceʃful at Mrs.
Holroyd's
-- at 6 went to drink tea wth- S. Nicolls, but as she
      was going out I stayed only ½ hour --
      ------------ I have jumbled this letter abominably -- for this is the day
      ------------ have bathed -- this morning has been fair thō cold & I wear
      ------------ greatcoat -- at my return from my leʃsons I found that
      [Dr Fo]thergill had called & was surprised to find that a Lady had
ans[wered it pr]oved to be Mrs. Holroyd -- I am just returned from an agreeable vi---
to ------------ an hour -- She had understood that you was in Bath & was just gog --
------------ to you, as She had called 3 times -- She informed me that Mrs. Ord
------------ [B]ath, who's mother now lies dead & who's son I believe is dying, that
------ ---ord's -- I shall send a note this afternoon & an offer of waiting upon
[her to]morrow -- Mrs. H—— desired me to come to her often, wch. I shall be
------ to do -- on monday I go to the Milnes's to a small party -- I called
[for a] few minutes on Mrs. Rundel this morning -- Pray let Mrs. Morrison
[kno]w how highly obliged I am by her kind remembrance & that I most aʃsuredly
[wi]ll not fail in making good the loʃs she deplores at my return, as I feel a
particular obligation for the care She took in fitting me out with a set of
smickets[6] adorned with demi rouffles -- You delight me with your
account of our dear Child -- She will be a very engaging little creature
in a few Months -- yesterday I saw a girl of 3 years old at ye- pump
room wh. is very like Louisa only taller than she will be at that age
I flirted with the young Lady for a considerable time -- her Father
who is unlike any other Father that you know, I have since heard
takes the child there to be admired -- do you know any body that wd. be
foolish enough to do so? he told me that the Child could repeat
200 lines of Gay's fables &c &c -- all those early acquisitions depend
upon the ripening of the understanding & is no proof of ye- strength
of it -- our child who is very backward now, may know ten times
as much as the other, at 12 Years old --
Saturday -- desire Louisa
to kiʃs this place [7] 20 times where I have sent her as many
kiʃses -- how I long to have you with me & our little Darling -- it is a
pity our finances are so limited, as I'm sure you wd. make such an
excellent use of a good fortune -- but we should be too happy perhaps
in this world if we were rich or even independant -- this subject
distreʃses therefore will take another -- when I had breakfasted &
was settg out to Mrs Ord, I recd. two Notes one from Mrs. R. to in[vite]



to invite me to join her party in a country tea drinking this aftern[oon]
as it is right to shew her every civility, I consented -- the other no[te]
came from Mrs. Holroyd -- yesterday she asked me if I was acquainted
with Mrs. Hartley -- I ansd. no & that I had only seen her fine drawgs
which was in her company -- Mrs. H. said “O She is infinitely
better than her drawings” -- and her Note, but I will transcribe
it, after telling you that She paid me a compliment yesterday wch. I shall
keep to myself -- & in the afternoon sent me a political pamphlet --
      “Mrs. Holroyd presents her compts to Mr. D—— She had the pleasure of naming
      him yesterday to Mrs. Hartley who desired her to say, that if he wd. favor
      her wth- his company tomorrow Evg at 7 to meet Mrs. Orde She shd. be
much obliged to him. -- It requires some apology to have sent a pamphlet
made so very dirty by the numbers it was lent to -- Mrs. Hartley is
too much opposition to have been one of its readers” -- What a delicate manner of
telling me that I must not talk politicks -- I have seen Mrs. Orde
She was in excellent Spirits, very pleasant & seemed glad to see me --
You will be happy to hear that “She saw the King very lately, that he
is in the most perfect health -- there is no truth in the report of



his Legs swelling -- that he is fat enou[gh] -- and some people say, his
understanding is actually clearer than ever it appeared to be, wch.
may arise from his having in some degree left off his unkingly tricks --
Mrs. O. told me many Anecdotes for which I have not room -- I am going to
leave my Name at Mrs. Hartleys & will put this into the post office my
self, as Mr. D.'s servant, tho often called to, will not answer -- I hope to
hear that my Sisters are at Matlock -- Adieu my ever dear Wife
God bleʃs & preserve You & our lovely Girl -- I am most affy
                                                         and faithfully
                                                         Yr.. J. D.
Say everything that is kind to my
Father
& Sisters for me -- [8]

[9]Mrs. Dickenson
Taxal
Chapel le frith
Derbyshire
X post[10]
[11]
[12]

(hover over blue text or annotations for clarification;
red text is normalised and/or unformatted in other panel)


Notes


 1. Presumably HAM/1/2/16.
 2. ‘A saving clause [...] a reservation’ (OED s.v. salvo n. 1, 1.a. Accessed 13-10-2020).
 3. The blanked name is a title recently acquired by Prince William, created Duke of Clarence and St Andrews on 19 May 1789 (see The London Gazette, issue 13097). The identification is confirmed by William's reputation as a rake, the salty language (he was later known as ‘the Sailor King’) and a period spent in the West Indies. Note too that Dickenson's train of thought leads straight on to William's older brother, George, Prince of Wales.
 4. The pamphlet was mentioned already in the previous journal-letter (HAM/1/2/16 p.2).
 5. Probably what was published that autumn as The Tuscan master or a new and easy method of acquiring a perfect knowledge of the Italian language in a short time. An entry in the Bath Chronicle of 5 November 1789 reads: 'Publications: Dr Borzacchini, teacher of French & Italian in Bath has produced a book of grammar. Printed R Cruttwell. [no date, price]' (Georgian Newspaper Project, Bath Record Office).
 6. ‘A woman's smock or chemise; a small smock’ (OED s.v. smicket n.).
 7. John Dickenson has inked a dotted circle here to indicate where his daughter should kiss.
 8. The postscript appears to the left of the signature.
 9. The address has been moved here from the centre of the page and is written vertically.
 10. This instruction appears to the left of 'Derbyshire'.
 11. The address is crossed to indicate postage paid, and there is a postmark 'BATH'.
 12. Evidence of a red wax seal, torn away, below the address (i.e. on the left-hand side of the page).

Normalised Text


                                                        
                             June 25 -- 1789 -- No. 18 Queen's Parade      
      This day my dearest Love I have sent off a Letter to
you -- The Earles are gone this morning into Hampshire
for a fortnight & then return here -- Mrs. Ford left
Bath about 6 Weeks ago -- I hear Mr. Brownlow was
so well satisfied with Mrs. Brownlow's conduct that
he has given his son 400£ Per Annum addition to his Income
-- I am glad of it, as I fancy they were distressed --
Wednesday. Drank the Waters -- This morning I was made
happy by receiving a Letter from my dear dear Wife
of the |20| -- I approve very much of your Letter to Mr. Frederick
the business he writes about is curious -- and I am of
opinion that he cannot make a title sufficient for a
mortgage without your relinquishing all claims (which
I think is a convincing proof that you have claims)
upon that Estate -- otherwise the deed we signed was
sufficient release -- however every thing that is proper
shall be done -- with this salvo -- that I will show as much
attention to this business at my return to you
as was shown by that family to us in Town & I
will be at equally as much expense & no more --
your Letter to him is exactly what I could have wished and if
he ever had the happiness of possessing finer feelings
it is calculated to rouse them & make him blush --
at the same time there is a spirit of independence which
gratifies me -- Don't fancy that you live in a
region of Clouds -- I dare say if there are any Somersetshire
people now at Buxton, that they will have the impertinence
to exclaim against Buxton Weather now
I assure you that it is very seldom fair here, and for the
last 24 hours it has rained more than 15 & excessively
hard -- yesterday & today every body complained of Cold
and longed for a fire -- Thursday -- This morning Captain Cox
left us -- I regret his absence as he was a modest sensible
man, has seen a good deal of service & is very fond of his profession
when our Madcaps return from Bristol I know not, but
it will be too soon -- they live at the rate of at least 3 guineas
a day -- drink constantly 2 & sometimes 3 Bottles of Claret



after dinner -- one of them, who comes from Barbados & there
saw a great deal of the Duke of Clarence told me that he is a complete
Blackguard in nature -- I hear he talks to women in Sea
phrases -- I have read a pamphlet called the Royal Interview
which is a supposed conversation that passed between the King & the Prince
it is the best written of any publication of that kind that I have
seen for a long time; in strong nervous language without any
party violence -- The King then points out the Opportunity that the
Prince had of making himself idolized by His Nation -- respected by
all parties, admired by all the World -- & his Name & conduct handed
down to posterity as a Model for future Princes -- he
then points out what he did -- & what would probably be
the consequence of his Conduct -- Captain Cox lent it to me -- he has
taken it to Ireland to show to his Countrymen -- who's conduct
he cannot speak of with patience -- You will expect me to say
something about my self as I have now been here a Week -- this
day I find myself perfectly well -- the Waters agree with me
& to day I am in excellent Spirits & health -- the Sun has shone
for 3 hours, between the Showers, which enlivened every body
& I received so much pleasure from the great improvement I
make in playing upon the violoncello which I feel -- I shall
be able to do for your amusement in time -- that I am really
delighted at the thoughts of it -- the greatest earthly bliss is
to have it in one's power to please & make those happy who
are most dear to us -- & surely no man can love a Woman more
than your Husband loves you my very dear friend -- I
never set about any thing with so calm a determination
of conquering every difficulty than In this instance -- My
master, who is no flatterer, gives me great encouragement, by
assuring me that no person can improve faster than I do -- the
great difficulty in this instrument, is to obtain at first a proper
position of the left hand, without which there cannot be great
execution -- the cramp in my right thumb reduces me too often
to a stand still -- but I am resolved to conquer all impediments.
      What will you say to me when I inform you that I am
learning Italian -- there is a very good Master here, and I
could not let pass so good an opportunity of acquiring a knowledge
of that delicate language -- my master is a Tuscan, and
seems to have a thorough knowledge of Languages -- he resided 20
years in Paris & now teaches that language; -- Now you shall
know how I pass my time -- I rise the moment I wake which
was this morning 20 minutes before 4 -- as soon as I was dressed
I made myself perfect in yesterdays Italian lesson & then read
in Ganganelle's Letters (in Italian) till 6 when I went to the bath



and returned by 7 -- & till 9 lay in bed -- when I don't bathe, that
time is employed in drinking the Waters & exercise -- at 9 I had
my hair dressed (which is done twice a day by an excellent Frisseur
for 5/ a week) then breakfasted en famille with Madam Davies
read till half past ten, when I go every morning to Signior
Borzacchini & stay with him an hour -- from him I go to Mr.
Herschell, where I stay till one -- then to Bull's library for
half an hour to read the papers -- return home to transcribe
my Italian Lesson, (as I learn from a manuscript grammar)
which generally occupies two hours, part of which I steal
to make a visit -- reading, dinner, tea, & supper employ
the rest of the day -- / I called this morning Thursday for a few minutes
between my two lessons upon Mrs. Hocker -- afterwards left
my Name at Dr. Fothergill's & was again unsuccessful at Mrs.
Holroyd's -- at 6 went to drink tea with Sarah Nicolls, but as she
      was going out I stayed only ½ hour --
      ------------ I have jumbled this letter abominably -- for this is the day
      ------------ have bathed -- this morning has been fair though cold & I wear
      ------------ greatcoat -- at my return from my lessons I found that
      Dr Fothergill had called & was surprised to find that a Lady had
answered it proved to be Mrs. Holroyd -- I am just returned from an agreeable vi---
to ------------ an hour -- She had understood that you was in Bath & was just going --
------------ to you, as She had called 3 times -- She informed me that Mrs. Ord
------------ Bath, who's mother now lies dead & who's son I believe is dying, that
------ ---ord's -- I shall send a note this afternoon & an offer of waiting upon
her tomorrow -- Mrs. Holroyd desired me to come to her often, which I shall be
------ to do -- on monday I go to the Milnes's to a small party -- I called
for a few minutes on Mrs. Rundel this morning -- Pray let Mrs. Morrison
know how highly obliged I am by her kind remembrance & that I most assuredly
will not fail in making good the loss she deplores at my return, as I feel a
particular obligation for the care She took in fitting me out with a set of
smickets adorned with demi ruffles -- You delight me with your
account of our dear Child -- She will be a very engaging little creature
in a few Months -- yesterday I saw a girl of 3 years old at the pump
room which is very like Louisa only taller than she will be at that age
I flirted with the young Lady for a considerable time -- her Father
who is unlike any other Father that you know, I have since heard
takes the child there to be admired -- do you know any body that would be
foolish enough to do so? he told me that the Child could repeat
200 lines of Gay's fables &c &c -- all those early acquisitions depend
upon the ripening of the understanding & is no proof of the strength
of it -- our child who is very backward now, may know ten times
as much as the other, at 12 Years old --
Saturday -- desire Louisa
to kiss this place 20 times where I have sent her as many
kisses -- how I long to have you with me & our little Darling -- it is a
pity our finances are so limited, as I'm sure you would make such an
excellent use of a good fortune -- but we should be too happy perhaps
in this world if we were rich or even independent -- this subject
distresses therefore will take another -- when I had breakfasted &
was setting out to Mrs Ord, I received two Notes one from Mrs. Rundell to invite



me to join her party in a country tea drinking this afternoon
as it is right to show her every civility, I consented -- the other note
came from Mrs. Holroyd -- yesterday she asked me if I was acquainted
with Mrs. Hartley -- I answered no & that I had only seen her fine drawings
which was in her company -- Mrs. Holroyd said “O She is infinitely
better than her drawings” -- and her Note, but I will transcribe
it, after telling you that She paid me a compliment yesterday which I shall
keep to myself -- & in the afternoon sent me a political pamphlet --
      “Mrs. Holroyd presents her compliments to Mr. Dickenson She had the pleasure of naming
      him yesterday to Mrs. Hartley who desired her to say, that if he would favour
      her with his company tomorrow Evening at 7 to meet Mrs. Orde She should be
much obliged to him. -- It requires some apology to have sent a pamphlet
made so very dirty by the numbers it was lent to -- Mrs. Hartley is
too much opposition to have been one of its readers” -- What a delicate manner of
telling me that I must not talk politics -- I have seen Mrs. Orde
She was in excellent Spirits, very pleasant & seemed glad to see me --
You will be happy to hear that “She saw the King very lately, that he
is in the most perfect health -- there is no truth in the report of



his Legs swelling -- that he is fat enough -- and some people say, his
understanding is actually clearer than ever it appeared to be, which
may arise from his having in some degree left off his unkingly tricks --
Mrs. Ord told me many Anecdotes for which I have not room -- I am going to
leave my Name at Mrs. Hartleys & will put this into the post office my
self, as Mr. Davies's servant, though often called to, will not answer -- I hope to
hear that my Sisters are at Matlock -- Adieu my ever dear Wife
God bless & preserve You & our lovely Girl -- I am most affectionately
                                                         and faithfully
                                                         Your. John Dickenson
Say everything that is kind to my
Father & Sisters for me --

Mrs. Dickenson
Taxal
Chapel le frith
Derbyshire
X post

(consult diplomatic text or XML for annotations, deletions, clarifications, persons,
quotations,
spellings, uncorrected forms, split words, abbreviations, formatting)



 1. Presumably HAM/1/2/16.
 2. ‘A saving clause [...] a reservation’ (OED s.v. salvo n. 1, 1.a. Accessed 13-10-2020).
 3. The blanked name is a title recently acquired by Prince William, created Duke of Clarence and St Andrews on 19 May 1789 (see The London Gazette, issue 13097). The identification is confirmed by William's reputation as a rake, the salty language (he was later known as ‘the Sailor King’) and a period spent in the West Indies. Note too that Dickenson's train of thought leads straight on to William's older brother, George, Prince of Wales.
 4. The pamphlet was mentioned already in the previous journal-letter (HAM/1/2/16 p.2).
 5. Probably what was published that autumn as The Tuscan master or a new and easy method of acquiring a perfect knowledge of the Italian language in a short time. An entry in the Bath Chronicle of 5 November 1789 reads: 'Publications: Dr Borzacchini, teacher of French & Italian in Bath has produced a book of grammar. Printed R Cruttwell. [no date, price]' (Georgian Newspaper Project, Bath Record Office).
 6. ‘A woman's smock or chemise; a small smock’ (OED s.v. smicket n.).
 7. John Dickenson has inked a dotted circle here to indicate where his daughter should kiss.
 8. The postscript appears to the left of the signature.
 9. The address has been moved here from the centre of the page and is written vertically.
 10. This instruction appears to the left of 'Derbyshire'.
 11. The address is crossed to indicate postage paid, and there is a postmark 'BATH'.
 12. Evidence of a red wax seal, torn away, below the address (i.e. on the left-hand side of the page).

Metadata

Library References

Repository: John Rylands Research Institute and Library, University of Manchester

Archive: Mary Hamilton Papers

Item title: Journal-letter from John Dickenson to Mary Hamilton

Shelfmark: HAM/1/2/17

Correspondence Details

Sender: John Dickenson

Place sent: Bath

Addressee: Mary Hamilton

Place received: Taxal, near Chapel-en-le-Frith

Date sent: 27 June 1789

Letter Description

Summary: Journal-letter from John Dickenson to his wife Mary née Hamilton. The letter relates to Dickenson's time at Bath, his daily routines and his social life whilst in the city. It is also concerned with business relating to Hamilton and her uncle Frederick Hamilton [possibly regarding her heritable bond. See HAM/1/4/1-HAM/1/4/2], which he describes as 'curious'.
    Dickenson also notes speaking with a Mrs Orde [Ord] who had seen the King recently and who informed him that there is no truth in 'the report of his Legs swelling [...] [and that] 'some people say, his understanding is actually clearer than ever it appeared to be'.
    Dated at Queen's Parade.
    Original reference No. 3.
   

Length: 1 sheet, 1929 words

Transliteration Information

Editorial declaration: First edited in the project 'Unlocking the Mary Hamilton Papers' (Hannah Barker, Sophie Coulombeau, David Denison, Tino Oudesluijs, Cassandra Ulph, Christine Wallis & Nuria Yáñez-Bouza, 2019-2023).

All quotation marks are retained in the text and are represented by appropriate Unicode characters. Words split across two lines may have a hyphen on the first, the second or both fragments (reco-|ver, imperfect|-ly, satisfacti-|-on); or a double hyphen (pur=|port, dan|=ger, qua=|=litys); or none (respect|ing). Any point in abbreviations with superscripted letter(s) is placed last, regardless of relative left-right orientation in the original. Thus, Mrs. or Mrs may occur, but M.rs or Mr.s do not.

Acknowledgements: Transcription and XML version created as part of project 'Unlocking the Mary Hamilton Papers', funded by the Arts & Humanities Research Council under grant AH/S007121/1.

Transliterator: Cassandra Ulph, editorial team (completed 2 July 2020)

Cataloguer: Lisa Crawley, Archivist, The John Rylands Library

Cataloguer: John Hodgson, Head of Special Collections, John Rylands Research Institute and Library

Copyright: Transcriptions, notes and TEI/XML © the editors

Revision date: 2 November 2021

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