| Description | 1. Undated letter saying that he has arrived at his destination safely. Doll was sickly. It is impossible for him to be a night absent from her without letting her hear from him. Mr Calthorpe is ill.
2. Undated letter to tell her he is missing her and giving news of family and friends. Seven years since he saw her.
3. Undated letter expressing shock that on his arrival in London he found his sister alone because her husband "made an alopement". Aunt Talbot and Lady Mansell visiting them. Unfortunate without Barbara.
4. 17 Aug 1719 to say that he is returning home and his happiness at coming into possession of Worfield where he thinks she will be happy. Worfield by deed of sale to Talbots and confirmed by deed of settlement by his father, mother and brother Davenport is for ever.
5. 8 May 1722 concerning Worfield estate business and praising Barbara as a steward. He can bear anything with her. Also advises he has seen a physician about her complaints and that he advised riding and walking. Her aunt is much better. Should they have a civil war the town is quietest.
6. 12 May 1722 discussing arranging an allowance for the children and that he misses her. Twelve months since he saw her.
7. 26 Feb 1729 expressing concern about her illness and fears for her life; urges her to go in her day chair and walk around the new house. He has given Sharington Davenport money but will not give more. Describes plans for the new haw-haw.
8. 5 May 1722 addressing Barbara's grievances and querying her expenditure and a bill, and refusing to give her more powers. South Sea affair is her aunt's ill news.
9. 7 Oct 1721 saying he is tired to death of carrying out her commissions, but is doing so, and expresses concerns about money and her extravagance.
10. 23 Jul 1719 saying he is meeting John Ivory; gives instructions regarding the pigeon house and garden. He saw her this morning.
11. 8 Dec 1718 saying that he will deal with the nurse on his return and details travel plans.
12. 1 Oct 1717 concerning how pleased he is she is enjoying Bath and his hopes of a son, arrangements for her return and news from home. Stay of her sister.
13. 19 Dec 1716 expressing concern for his son who is ill and about the news from Lacock. He is arriving on Saturday.
14. 13 Oct 1716 with news that Shell has recovered and that Lucy was delighted to see him and asked where their mother was.
15. 13 Sep 1716 detailing his stay in London.
16. 10 Sep 1716 talking of his love for Barbara and his happiness at being her husband. He saw his brother Davenport in London.
17. 18 Aug 1716 with family news.
18. 16 Nov 1715 saying due to business matters he cannot return until Saturday and telling Barbara her health was drunk at the Bishop's the previous night. Tomorrow he dines with Governor Pitt.
19. 12 Mar 1726 saying he is glad she and Betty have walked to Haune (Hallon) and also to tell Betty he has written to the Lord Chancellor about her jewels and problems settling the children's estate with the French.
20. 15 Feb 1727 concerning the work he has to do on Madame Chardin's estate.
21. 16 Apr 1723 explaining his delay in writing and is concerned his son is in pain, and directions regarding the estate.
22. 15 May 1722 hoping she will start riding again. Saying that his petition for a living for Mr Adamson has been denied due to court intrigues. Colonel Garth is quitting town to live with his daughter in Surrey, having lost £10,000. Includes some general family news.
23. 14 Jul 1719 to say he has lost a key to a closet which means he can't get to shoes and other items for a journey abroad, so he had to send Tom for it. Letter from Mrs Groves telling him school breaks up for a week, so Shell must come home a Friday evening.
24. Undated partial letter describing packing up the London house and some business affairs as well as estate affairs. She resolved to follow him everywhere but too late for her to go abroad as he won't do that again, even to increase his children's inheritance. He thinks Mrs Finch will make an excellent servant, "not withstanding her handsome legs". Barbara promised him she will apply herself entirely to business.
25. Undated letter to say he is returning to be with Barbara who is ill. |