I'm spending more tine looking at old letters and documents in the interest of turning up quite singular and special ones--like this one, which is many things at once, and provokes a range of empathies, too.
It is a note from a grandfather to his grandson describing his expenses (rent, coals, "my society", washing...and "you will see what I have to find myself in meat, shoes and cloath [sic"]. Which "leaves me about six pence three farthing a day to leave [sic] on. In conclusion, "I hope you will answer to me know if you able to healp [sic] me." But then, on reverse, our grandfather in need of aid offers some help of his own: "You will have to bee [sic] coming this way verry [sic] soon or you be put on the Bachelor's list." Followed by the description of two eligible young ladies, one eighteen and one twenty, the elder soon going away to a concert "to play on the piano or harmonium and there is to be a great ball there." Finally and most importantly, "Write soon. I am going to let them see your likeness." (Some things never change!)
5 13/16" x 3 1/8". Very good condition. British, c. mid 19th century, I believe.
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