Autograph letter from Jane Austen to her sister Cassandra Austen

Title

Autograph letter from Jane Austen to her sister Cassandra Austen

Shelfmark

MS. 21838, fols.3-6

Summary

Written from Henrietta Street [London] and addressed to 'Miss Austen, Chawton, By favour of Mr Gray'.

Jane refers to her visit to London, including an account of the journey there, and trips to the theatre, shopping, and to the dentist. Jane also mentions family and acquaintances, fashion, favourable opinions of Pride and Prejudice by Lady Robert [Kerr] and [Warren] Hastings, and (briefly) Sense and Sensibility.

Four leaves quarto [about six lines and signature cut away from top of fourth leaf], black wafer seal (fol.6). No postmark. Some pencil markings, including note 'Autograph letter of Jane Austen/ Signature cut off./ M./ Bought at Sothebeys [sic]'.

Date

[15-16 Sep 1813]

Language

English

Physical facet

Laid post writing paper made on a single faced mould. Extent: 4 leaves, two half sheets. Sold as: half sheet quarto letter paper with all edges commercially cut, leaf size 228-230 x 185-187 mm. Probable sheet size: 480 x 384 mm, post, 102 gsm. Watermark: Post-horn in a crowned shield over '1810'. Twin 1 (fols. 3-4): Reads from the felt side of the paper, centred on the half sheet. 122 x 54 mm, chain line spacing recorded at the widest part of the watermark, with the watermark in square brackets: 6 | 23.5 | 23 | 25 | 9 [14 | 24.5 | 15.5] 7 | 24.5 | 23 | 23 | 8 mm. Twin 2 (fols. 5-6): Reads from the felt side of the paper, centred on the half sheet. 123 x 53 mm, chain line spacing recorded at the widest part of the watermark, with the watermark in square brackets: 5 | 24 | 23 | 23.5 | 9 [14.5 | 24 | 14.5] 10 | 23.5 | 23.5 | 23 | 10 mm.

Physical extent

4 Leaves