29 October 1797: Maitland, Penelope (1731-1805) to West, Charlotte (1769-1860)

Penelope comforts Charlotte that her baby Elizabeth's eye problems are likely to heal, recounting her own son's recovery from measles. She congratulates Captain West on his forthcoming publication. She recounts her pride in her newborn grandson's appearance and christening, and in her son's posting to Ireland to serve as secretary to Commander in Chief General Sir Ralph Abercromby. Penelope mourns the death of her older sister, praising her character, but is concerned that she is unable to weep. She is concerned about her niece's husband and that none of the family are in contact. Transcribed by students on the Bodleian Student Editions programme.