GE to Martha Jackson, Griff, 4 April 1850
Title
GE to Martha Jackson, Griff, 4 April 1850
Title
GE to Martha Jackson, Griff, 4 April 1850
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
Martha Jackson
Date(s)
- 1850-04-04
Place
GRIFF
Letter Content
GE to Martha Jackson, Griff, 4 April 1850
MS: British Museum. Extracts published: Bookman, 3 (1893), 120.
Griffe, 895 April 4th / 50
My dear Patty
It is now nearly ten months since your letter was written, and yet I only received it the other day, for I see by the date of it that it was written the very day on which I set out for the Continent. My sister took charge of all the letters which came for me during my absence, and when she gave them to me, I immediately recognized the hand of that dear little friend who lives as vividly in my recollection as if I had only parted from her yesterday. You would perhaps think my present ideas somewhat changed, but you would find my affections much the same, dear Martha, as when you were in danger of ruining my clean collar with your embraces. For two months after my departure from England I was travelling from place to place -- through France to Marseilles -- from Marseilles to Genoa -- then to Milan -- then across the Simplon into Switzerland. At last I settled at Geneva and remained there eight months, the last six of them in a charming family to which I am become warmly attached.
I set out on my return home on the 18th of March and reached Coventry on the 25th. I am paying visits to my relatives at present. I am not yet decided as to my future plans -- whether I shall remain in England or return to Geneva. If the former, I shall probably spend many months of the year in London. In that case I shall see you sometimes, shall I not? Ah! dear Patty, I have seen much trial since we met, and so have you. My return to England is anything but joyous to me, for old associations are rather painful than otherwise to me. We are apt to complain of the weight of duty, but when it is taken from us, and we are left at liberty to choose for ourselves, we find that the old life was the easier one.
When you write to Jessie 896 assure her of my constant affection. I suppose she is quite a grave mamma now. I should hardly recognize her. As for you I fancy you much the same as the dear Patty whom I loved and caressed of old. You must be infinitely precious to your dear Mamma now. I hope her health is good. Your sister Sarah, does she write poetry still? I suppose your brother is married, and that you are living only with your Mamma and sister, but as I have never seen your whereabouts I can make no picture of you in my mind. A thousand thanks dear Martha that you should have thought of me and written to me so kindly. I hope you heard from Miss Franklin that I was out of England, that you might not suppose me utterly insensible to friendship. All blessing attend you dear. So earnestly wishes
Your affectionate
Mary Ann Evans.
MS: British Museum. Extracts published: Bookman, 3 (1893), 120.
Griffe, 895 April 4th / 50
My dear Patty
It is now nearly ten months since your letter was written, and yet I only received it the other day, for I see by the date of it that it was written the very day on which I set out for the Continent. My sister took charge of all the letters which came for me during my absence, and when she gave them to me, I immediately recognized the hand of that dear little friend who lives as vividly in my recollection as if I had only parted from her yesterday. You would perhaps think my present ideas somewhat changed, but you would find my affections much the same, dear Martha, as when you were in danger of ruining my clean collar with your embraces. For two months after my departure from England I was travelling from place to place -- through France to Marseilles -- from Marseilles to Genoa -- then to Milan -- then across the Simplon into Switzerland. At last I settled at Geneva and remained there eight months, the last six of them in a charming family to which I am become warmly attached.
I set out on my return home on the 18th of March and reached Coventry on the 25th. I am paying visits to my relatives at present. I am not yet decided as to my future plans -- whether I shall remain in England or return to Geneva. If the former, I shall probably spend many months of the year in London. In that case I shall see you sometimes, shall I not? Ah! dear Patty, I have seen much trial since we met, and so have you. My return to England is anything but joyous to me, for old associations are rather painful than otherwise to me. We are apt to complain of the weight of duty, but when it is taken from us, and we are left at liberty to choose for ourselves, we find that the old life was the easier one.
When you write to Jessie 896 assure her of my constant affection. I suppose she is quite a grave mamma now. I should hardly recognize her. As for you I fancy you much the same as the dear Patty whom I loved and caressed of old. You must be infinitely precious to your dear Mamma now. I hope her health is good. Your sister Sarah, does she write poetry still? I suppose your brother is married, and that you are living only with your Mamma and sister, but as I have never seen your whereabouts I can make no picture of you in my mind. A thousand thanks dear Martha that you should have thought of me and written to me so kindly. I hope you heard from Miss Franklin that I was out of England, that you might not suppose me utterly insensible to friendship. All blessing attend you dear. So earnestly wishes
Your affectionate
Mary Ann Evans.
Signature
Mary Ann Evans.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to Martha Jackson, Griff, 4 April 1850, Complete George Eliot Letters(2026), George Eliot Archive, edited by Beverley Park Rilett. https://GeorgeEliotArchive.org, Accessed September 7, 2026. https://www.georgeeliotarchive.org/items/show/92937