11 May 1794: Edward James Eliot to Mrs. Stapleton

Liskeard May 11th 1794

My Dear Mrs Stapleton

I have little to add to my former two letters, except that I am very sorry the short one mist [sic] going the day it was dated, which was indeed a very near run thing; tho' the bags were made up, the postman was not gone off when my messages arrived at the office, but refused to take charge of the letter on any terms: said, if it miscarried he should come to blame about it, and rode off.

My time being for some days to come very much allotted as well as limited, I believe I must beg the favor of you to desire Mrs Capper [Elizabeth Capper, governess to Harriet Hester Eliot, the writer's daughter] to begin to prepare and pack up for our London Journey, which I can't defer longer than Friday morning; nor I believe any way, bring about sooner: as it will not be in my power to arrive at Burton before Wednesday morning. Please to tell her that the keys are in the Chairs seat in my Dressing Room, but that as I understand, there is nothing lock'd. I hope she won't think I give her too much notice, this year, tho' I think I said I must be in Town before the 18th: before I came down here. Ann will have to go in your Bath Coach, and may take such bundles of loose things as will easily tie together, with her. My Dear Little Girl [Harriet Hester Eliot] I suppose will be more busy than ever upon this occasion, tho' her visit to London will not be a very long one to begin with. I am glad you had a visit from Lord and Lady Kilmorey, and that his Lordship liked the Black mare. I hope Lady Chatham will continue the better for her recruiting service and am

My D]ea]r Madam,
your affectionate H[umble] Serv[an]t
Ed J Eliot

I have told Maybach that the seven or eight recruits that he has with him should either come to Taunton on Tuesday Evening to be ready to meet me, or return to Longport, but if there is tolerable accommodation for them at the Bell, for one night I think that would be better than either, which you will be so good to tell him, if in time.

*Original letter is part of the Eliot collection at the Cornwall Record Office.
Catalog reference: EL/B/4/3/11