Supporting Documents

SD1115.1.  Mary Russell Mitford to Miss Yates

Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 4, 364 (in part).

Three Mile Cross–

Monday night– [17 February 1840]

I send the Athenæum with Miss Barrett’s fine verses my dear Miss Yates, & wont trouble you to return it when your family party have read them because it is just possible that that very copy may go to Miss Skerret to be put into her Majesty’s or Prince Albert’s hands by the Baroness Lehzen— It certainly shall, unless Miss Barrett tells me that it has been shewn to them by Miss Cocks whose Aunt Lady Barbara [sic, for Margaret] is her correspondent & friend. I am quite sure that Mr Yates & Miss Lorton will like these stanzas as well as yourself—although it is possible that my love for the writer may a little influence my estimate of their merit.

The larkspur seed should be sown in pots & planted out—the better I think if in a bed—Mr Yates will perhaps remember seeing one specimen—but I believe that the two more beautiful colours were not in blossom when I had the pleasure of seeing you at Three Mile Cross.

With my father’s kindest Compts as well as my own to Mr Yates & Miss Lorton, as well as most cordial love to your flower-loving little Sister believe me ever dearest Miss Yates

Very faithfully yours

M R Mitford

When you write to Fairlawn save a corner to say all that is truest & kindest most grateful & most respectful from our cottage

Address, on integral page: Miss Yates.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Duke University.

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