| Description | 1. 7 Mar 1717 inviting Henry to visit and giving an account of soldiers among them and signs in the air presaging war. She urges Henry to advise the King about whether it is safe to pardon the "Pretender" (a reference to James Stuart claiming the throne of William and Mary during the Jacobite rebellion).
2. 21 May 1716 enclosing "convulsion cakes" and reporting on family health generally, including that her son is "breeding his teeth".
3. 1 Oct 1716 congratulating Henry and his wife on the birth of a son; her son, Henry's godchild, was put into britches the previous week.
4. 8 Jan 1718 saying she has been very ill with a pain in her head; she is concerned her son will catch smallpox and family news. She also expresses concern that there might be Civil War.
5. 5 Oct 1717 asking Henry to assist her husband Dr Hallifax in a preferment and discussing family health matters, including that Lucy has needed a surgeon. Her sister receives benefit by Bath.
6. 29 Dec 1718 saying she has been ill for the last two years; God is pleased to visit her to exorcise her passions. She is sending some convulsion cakes "to help Harry breed his teeth". Asks Henry to get her three lottery tickets as the Parliament men are taking them for themselves.
7. 11 Feb 1721 Copy letter from Henry Davenport to Mary, answering charges of financial irregularity on his part in administering Mary's estate and saying it is now in the hands of judges. Saying this might be their last correspondence. 14 Feb 1721 to Hallifax regarding payments to his wife for the rest of her life.
8. 10 Mar 1725 offering to have Sharington to stay with her as he is recovering from an illness.
9. 22 Mar 1725 about Harry's aversion to be inoculated and family news. Asking to have daughter Betty come to her.
10. 10 Jan 1730 expressing disappointment at not having Henry arrive at Bredon. Leaving for Worcester as soon as they can.
11. Undated letter expressing unhappiness that she is being neglected by her wider family (Henry's wife, his brother Talbot), because Dr Hallifax cannot entertain as well as some others. Also to thank Henry for his endeavours with the Prebendary in seeking a preferment for Dr Hallifax. Sending him puddings. Lucy handsomest child ever seen. Her son has nothing to recommend him but does not seem to fear anything.
12. Undated letter describing her husband's recovery from a serious illness and delaying a visit from Henry on that account.
13. Undated letter concerning a disagreement with her brother about the expenses of having Lucy to stay with her.
14. 6 Mar 1725 and 9 March 1725 enquiring about the health of Sharington who she has heard is ill. Inside a reply from Henry saying that his sons have had inoculations and are now well.
15. 27 Feb 1725 expressing her fears that Henry has decided his son should be inoculated and prays all will be well. Also that she has arranged for Mr Talbot to pay her money through her lawyer as Henry will be too preoccupied. |