ADD 36491 f 249
John Man – Geo
Cumberland
About 1775/6
It is with the
utmost pleasure and satisfaction dear sir that I now set down to answer you last
obliging letter which I received a few day ago and would have answered soon had
I had the opportunity. Since my brother has referred you to me I shall enform
you of what I know concerning my father.
In December 1769 I went to him at (?Knighton?) and after that I received one letter
from him or I believe two but cannot say for certain at this distance of time. But whether it
was one or more I can safely assert I never received any from him or have heard
of him by any other means since Easter 1760. I am very certain of the time
because in the last that I received I was ordered to go to him for the rent of
the houses there and I think it was 1st of May that I went however I
am very sure it was sometime before I came to Reading and I came hear in June
that year. This is all I know of the affair and I am pretty certain none of the
family have heard of him since.
If I can be of any service to your mother I beg she acquaint me in what manner and be assured I
shall exert myself to the utmost to delight her. I am very glad to hear that
your brother is going to Driffielde because you give me reason to hope that the
road through Reading will not be much out of the way. I flatter myself I should
be welcome else should not presume to offer to attend you. We are naturally fond
of pleasure so it is no wonder if I catch at every opportunity that offers to
gratify a passion which I inherit from my nature, if I can conveniently
accommodate the journey to the beginning of our Whit Sun Holidays I shall be
very happy to join you on the journey at Reading. I can then accommodate you
with a bed which though none of the finest I can promise you shall be wholesome
and better than travellers usually meet with at Inns. And we set off with the
Sun and get to the vicarage by the time a fine little pig will be put to the
spit. Since you say the west has attractive powers as well as the North I think
I may be certain of seeing you in summer whether we go the journey or no
therefore I shall use no arguments to persuade you to favour one with a visit
which I think you have favoured on these 6 years but never yet fulfilled. But
now I expect you in good earnest so take care you don’t disappoint me. When
your brother was here I engaged to write to him but alas! Never thought to ask
for his address whence it comes. I have not fulfilled my promise. Do you make m
compliments to him and beg him to use the power of the keys (which in spite of
the Pope I believe was given to him) in behalf of a poor persistent sinner who
like other (?pxrittents?) is determined to transgress again – until the next
time. You and I George are now laymen and have nothing to do with religions
dispute. We believed before Gibbons attacked our faith and I dare say were not
staggered with his objections so stood in no need of Dr Watsons vindication’s.
One of the Fathers [no matter which] said he believed in the Trinity because it
was impossible but I believe in Christianity because it was founded by a divine
power grew up and flourished in opposition to principalities and powers and by
its own internal evidence has withstood the attacks of (?Deistoltsheists?) and
unbelievers. Compliments to your mother & brother & C
from your
affectionate cousin
Jno Man
Addressed to
Mr Cumberland
Secretary’s Office at the Exchange Assurance Office
London.
ADD 336492 f107
Dear Sir,
The ill success of
your negotiation is no reason why I should not return you my hearty thanks for
the trouble you have taken in it. I should have been very happy to have had it
but must do as well as I can without it. I know that the little concerns of this
life will in a few years pass away like a dream but like most men I could wish
to make it a Golden one. Your account of your brother is so very flattering that
I confess I envy him his employments, his amusements, his studies, his
everything. His is a situation for wise men to emulate for Philosophers to
enjoy.
I beg my love to him
when you write and assure yourself of the sincere regard of your affectionate
humble servant
John Man.
ADD 36497 f 67
John Man – Geo
Cumberland
12th November 1791
Dear Sir,
After so longer
silence I had given up all hopes of hearing from you when I received yours for
which favour I find I am indebted to my old friend Bardello. But from whatever
motive it proceeded I am equally gratified in the pleasure of hearing from you
and renewing correspondence which ought never to have been interrupted had I not
been bound by the leg like a bear. I had certainly made a pilgrimage to
Lyndhurst in the summer but my chains are of such a nature that much fear of
travelling even on foot was not invented for me. Yet if God in a reasonable time
should set me on horseback my first scamper should be to your house. I long for
that tête a tête you speak of for an opportunity to talk with you of things
past and present and to come I am impatient to take a view over your management
now you are become a family man. I should expect to see the beaten paths of
unthinking men give way to the less trodden tracks of Philosophy but different
from that of the proud peevish delectable Jean Jacques – singularly of conduct
seemed to be his Prose Star which alone he pointed his way. Drogenes roll’d
himself in snow when men less wise (in his idea) were sitting comfortably by
their fireside and in the same spirit of Rousseau parted with his children to
the hospital never to see them more and why! Because nature has all men to
cherish their off spring – may such Philosophy be damned I say. I know no use
of philosophy but to make us better or happier and it is of that sort I expect
to find at Lyndhurst if I am ever so happy as to see you there in the meantime
as the Mountain will not come to Mohamet cannot he come to the mountain. Upon a
moderate computation, Reading cannot be more than 10 miles out of your way to
London where you must go sometimes and I hope to have always a bed at your
service and 10 months in the year you will find me at home. So come away and let
me at least improve by the history of your travels. The book will I fear be of
no use to you because several leaves are lost at the end. But as I cannot
understand how many you want I have sent it as you desire to Mr Shelly’s with
the 2 last volumes of the Tableau which are all I have of yours. If I hear
anything likely to write you will give you a line but everything of this kind
sells immensely dear. Your best way will be to write to Kimberley Auctioneer at
Windsor. I am not acquainted with him but to judge by his advertisements in our
paper he has all the Estates in the County to sell.
You mention your
brother in your letter else I should not have known he was still on this side of
the river Styry. Not having heard of him for near two years no doubt he too is
become a domestic man and perhaps may think rocking the cradle as much a
diversion as travelling. However it is, I am almost coninvulated and my
connections confined to my own little family. That you and yours may enjoy every
blessing this side of eternity is the hearty wish of your affectionate
Jno Man
Nov 12 1791
Addressed to:
Geo Cumberland
Lyndhurst
New Forest
Hampshire.
ADD 36497 f 75
Eliz Cumberland –
Geo Cumberland
24th November 1791
My dear child,
I received yours of
11th I am glad the parcel came safe I hope they will prove good my
eyes are to bad to depend on my own judgement. I desired they should go by the
wagon but there is no depending on tradesmen. I am vext with you for sending the
draft so I beg you not, as I assure you I am in no want of money and I think it
hard I can’t give a trifle to my children.
Thank you for the
Turkey it was very good indeed, my landlords dine of it with me a Sunday and we
drank your health. We have had so much rain for three weeks that I have not been
able to stir out till yesterday when I went to town to tell Mr Man about the
Rum. He told me he had sent it by the wagon above a week ago. They have lost Mr
Roberts his wife’s father, last Sunday morning suddenly in perfect health. He
was a good man and that must be a comfort to them. I have sent by the Wagon a
parcel the contents are sum (?Tox?) for Mrs and sum fruit for puddings at
Christmas which I beg you will except if. I will set down the contents of
------------------------------------------------------------------------ Recipe
for Xmas Puddings ----------------------------------------.
Let me have a line
as soon as you receive them as I wish to know the complaint in your chest. I
think figs are v. good for you. I should have sent more but the new ones are not
come in yet. As you are fixt for the winter I would not think of building as yet
and you may ligh of a house ready built which will save you a deal of trouble.
I have not had a
letter from Driffield this three weeks but I hope they are all well. The
greatest of pleasure I have in this world is to hear from my children. I am sure
I never grudge postage. I hope you will write to me as often as convey my love
to the little babes and pray give them some lines for me that God may send you a
cheerful and happy Christmas is the wish of dear George.
Your affectionate
mother
Eliz Cumberland
Addressed to
George Cumberland
Lyndhurst
Near Southampton.
ADD 36497 f 80
Richard Cumberland
– Geo Cumberland
10th December 1791
From 17 Albion Place
Dear Brother,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------.
Next day I dined
with John Man who has got into a very good house and is fitting up a cottage on
Pigs Green a mile distant for his brother James. Next morning I visited Taplow
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I now perceive you were right in refusing to trust your money out of the Bank of
England. Had you thought otherwise it might now be in the hands of the
assigneers to the (?Newport?) Bank. Here am I writing between I, my aunt Man and
our mother who talking over family matters. Harry has lately fallen down in the
street and broken a leg but is doing well. Mr Jn Man miscarried today for the 16th
time -----------------------------------------------------------------.
ADD 36497 f 85
Geo Cumberland -
Richard Cumberland
12th December 1791
From Lindhurst
Dear Brother,
Your letter from
Albion Place
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
it contains much news, Harry having broke his leg. You should call on him and
tho I have reason to think he behaved unfriendly to me, tell him I am sorry for
his accident. His sisters 16 miscarriages I don’t understand there must be
some great negligence somewhere. The Rum did not miscarry and is excellent. How
many children has the breeding wife bred?? I know little of him since my last
tour we met in a coffee house and he did not seem too glad to see me as I
thought he should so I affected to be less glad to see him than I really was for
I can soon forget people who are more attracted to my affairs than myself. A
thousand more or less I hope makes no impression on himself so I shall suspect
his (?Pythagorean?) System to be all hypocricy.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------.
How did Tapp leave
his affairs you ought to read his will and call on the girl if you have time. It
might not be amiss to ask Mr T if Mrs T left behind you any papers of our
fathers.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------.
Addressed to Mr R D
Cumberland
Cross Street
Newington Butts
London.
ADD 36497 f 91
Geo Cumberland -
Richard Cumberland
20th December 1791
Dear Brother,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------.
James Man is
(?building?) a cottage, Harry building a house, J Humphrey almost finished one
on Clapham Common that will stand him in 200 a year. These men get money a
little faster than they can get out of it and never think of easing days.
My mother is well
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------.
ADD 36497 f 221
John Man - Richard
Cumberland
November 22nd 1792
Dear Sir
your letter
has relieved us from some anxiety on account of Maria who we were fearful was
ill as it seems really was the case but hope as it is only an eruption on the
skin it will go off soon. We do not remember her being so before but as the
scurvy is hereditary in the family it may possibly be it in which case I think
nothing can be done except as alternatives which I have no occasion to point out
to you should she be worse you would be kind enough to favour me with a line or
should you not have occasion to come this way before Xmas perhaps she may be
trusted by the coach to Henley where I could meet her with a Chaise. I hope your
family are all well - my little relation I have not seen yet since she has done
us the honour of coming in to the family. I suppose she begins now to be good
company for you and I hope will make you both happy for a century to come you
see I am very countiful in my wishes but having nothing better to give you I
would really bestow that and more too was it in the power of your affectionate
cousin Jno Man.
My best thanks to
Mrs C for her goodness to my Dear Girl.
This in same letter
in Centre fold.
My dear girl,
After waiting so
long with anxious expectation of seeing you we are greatly disappointed in
hearing you have been ill. Be careful and I dare say you will soon be well again
and then give me a letter and be sure let me know when you return again. Your
mother and myself are both well and so are your brothers which is the best news
I have to send you. You will find some alterations among us when you return. Mrs
H is married to the (?old?) bricklayer so you have lost a friend. We have
(?-----?) every room in the house and were at last obliged to put your cousins
in to your bed but you shall have it again. Besides filling the house your
mother has filled the yard with Fowls so you will have some amusement among us
if it is only the noise of the boys and the squeaking of the chickens.
God bless you. I don’t
tell you to be good and grateful to your friends for their indulgence to you
because I know you have too much sense to be otherwise. Write soon and believe
me your most affectionate father.
John Man
Novr 22. 92
Addressed to
Rev Mr Cumberland
Driffield
Nr Cirencester
Gloucestershire
ADD 36498 f 92
John Man - George
Cumberland
June 1st 1796
Dear George,
I have just received
your bills which meet my own ideas. Tis thus we judge at all times and on all
occasion but I trust I do not flatter you on this. Those to Mr Page are sent
off, the rest I have given to the committee to be distributed. I am glad you
printed them for our committee is so small and so busy looking after and sending
off voters they have no time to this of the (?tress?). I shall be very happy to
go with you on Monday but I am so anxious in the cause that had rather you bring
the freeholder from your park where perhaps they cannot procure carriages so
well as here. At all events unless sent for I shall not go till I see you. If I
can procure a return of the Poll this evening will send it.
Yrs
John Man
June 1st
1796
ADD 36498 f 127
John Man - George
Cumberland
September 18th 1796
Dear George,
Enclosed you have
the books you desire to be sent back by which you will see how few Artists of
Men of Taste are among us. I have sent over one copy of the Advertisements to
each of the Library. After seeing how you catalogue of your works and well I am
no longer wondering that I have not seen you here. I wish you could give me a
little of that rage for writing you seem to possess for good I faith I hardly
know how to pass the day after day in idleness without that enwe so destructive
of Englishmen. I hate the coach, have no horse and your house is too far to walk
which is the reason I have not eat fruit with you this summer. But if you cannot
possibly spare the time to come here and are inclined to meet me half way I am
your man. But then it must be not at Oakingham if you wish to enquire of any
anecdotes of Pope. Perhaps the Stag and Hounds at Binfield will be the best
rendezvous though it adds two miles to my walk because within 2 –300 yards
from the house is a clump of Beech Trees called Popes Wood – in the midst of
which was a tree with a seat where he perhaps wrote his Windsor Forest it
being a favourite spot where he spent many hours. The tree is decayed but on the
nearest to it is cut "By order of the Lady HERE POE SUNG". I was there
lately and found the wood so far decay’d that like time they will soon be no
more. I have frequently enquired with the inhabitants for anecdotes but could
get none. The rich families of his time are dead or left the place and the poor
ones would not have known such a man once lived amongst them but for the
enquiries of strangers about him. I met a few days ago by accident a very old
man who said he knew him well but could give no more information about him more
than is known already except that he was very reserved in company and spoke
little. Here are two of his relations who had mourning rings left them but
whether they can give any information about him I don’t know. We’ll enquire
when you come. Fix a day / or our meeting and let it be a fine one. Harry has
completed your order quick in stile of a tradesman you’ll say by exceeding it
the truth is we dare not have a 1 gallon keg in the house and to send 4 gills in
a five gallon cask would be the sure means of spoiling it and there are no sizes
between 2 & 5 gallon so you have 7 gallon in all.
I beg my best
respects to Mrs Cumberland & family in from your sincerely affectionate
friend
John Man
Sept 18th
1796
ADD 36494 f 278
James Man - George
Cumberland
2nd March 1782
Dear Sir,
I consider myself
obliged by your favour of 16th ultimo and agreeable to your desire
you will receive by masters waggon which left town from the George Inn on
Saturday last 2 hampers containing 2 dozen sherry 3 gallons Brandy as also in a
case cask the 10½ gallons Rum fil’d for your brother in August last. Not
having the mans charge for the iron bound base and being particularly hurried in
business must beg you to excuse my not enclosing your bill of parcels of the
same which shall be forwarded by another opportunity. These goods I wish safe to
hand, that they will prove good in quality I have no doubts.
My mother and wife
join in love to you and my aunt, believe me Yours affectionately in haste
James
Man.
ADD 36496 f 195/6
James Man - George
Cumberland
London 7th September 1790
In some time since
received a letter from Mr Panton of Leghorn enclosing Bill Lading on your
account of 6 package conss. Sundries Shipped in the Sisters
----------------------------------------------------------------- bound for this
port effects of late Aunt were seized as India prohibited goods.
I am sir yours
James Man
ADD 36496 f 203/4
George Cumberland -
Rev Mr Cumberland
10th October 1790
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have wrote to Mr Mann to explain how it happened that I forgot to leave my
precise address when leaving town but it is mortifying to be obliged to explain
to such a mere merchant so trivial a neglect!
ADD 36508 f 91 / 2
James Man - George
Cumberland
[This a rough transcription - a revised version will be forthcoming]
Replying to an
enquiry, James is chasing a bankrupt merchant in Bristol named Harris. He speaks
of "attacks" on his health at Driffield – dreadfully severe caused
big problem. This is a long letter which goes on & on & on
James is staying at:
Walter Morrice Esq
Eling Near Southampton. It ends
"I am sir
yours most faithfully
James Man"
Addressed to
Geo Cumberland
Culver Street
Bristol.
ADD 36510 f 78
William Man to
George Cumberland.
Reading – April 10th1824
Dear Sir
I am sure you will be much grieved to learn of the death of my poor father, who this morning
expired after a protracted illness, in great measure occasioned by that most
distressing of maladies, the stone, and which he was able to bear up against
with a tolerable degree of fortitude to the last moments of his life. The asthma
which so much affected him in an early stage of the illness, and which you will
recollect, so distressed him when you were last with us, had for some
considerable time left him and his general good state of health did not seem to
have been in the least impaired by it. Indeed his constitution was so strong as
to let him exist a whole fortnight without taking the least sustenance except
his medicines, which I understand are soporifics and of which during the last
few days of his life he was deprived, not being able to swallow them. My sister
who is almost worn out by her increasing attentions to him, and for whose health
I have much anxiety joins with me in kind love to yourself and family.
I remain dear sir,
Yours,
Wm. Man.
Add 36510 f 87
Richard Cumberland to George Cumberland
May 3rd 1824
This letter is
mostly Cumberland chit chat but Richard talks of,
"Going to
Reading to see poor Maria after the loss of father …….. and to do something
for his poor blind sister as you suggested I may once more see her …."
Add 36516 f 190
John Man to George Cumberland
Thursday morning
Dear George,
You were in such a
hurry to set off that I only wonder you had not left more behind than your
razors. Your brother however did not come on Tuesday as expected so that had you
delayed your departure that day you would not have seen him. Yesterday, when no
longer expected they came on us by surprise, both fatigued with the journey but
this morning they are very well. I wish anything I say could be of service to
Sidney. I had before your note came spoke highly of him and shall do all I can
while I can while they stay to promote your wishes.
Believe me my dear
George, in haste
Your affectionate
cousin
John Man
Add 36516 f 192
John Man to George Cumberland
Dear George,
Though I am most
sorry for the accident you met with and the disappointment I met with in not
seeing you on Sunday, yet for the soul of me I could not help laughing at the
description you give of such a succession of accidents had Lovedon bricked up
your house to prevent your coming it could not have been done more effectively.
However we had our revenge for he gave it up yesterday and expresses are sent
round to prevent further expense.
Mr Dundas is
expected here today or tomorrow when I will give him your letter at present we
know not where to find him.
Give my duty to your
Mother & c & c the coach is going and I must conclude in haste yours
& c
John Man
Tuesday morning
Add 36516 f 193
John Man to George Cumberland
Dear George,
My friend Williams
going by your door gives me the opportunity of returning your book without
charge. I thank you for the use of them as I shall for any others you can send
me. In these times of distress we want something to keep the mind from despair.
What a blessed state the emperors (sic) in and what a blessed state this country
is like to be in soon. I think the world is turned upside down if so the heaven
born minister is in his right place.
I shall be glad to
hear how you all are and what you do with yourself and what you do with your
Chaise. If repaired I shall expect to see you soon that is to say during the
little warm weather we are likely to have this summer. I wonder does not the
great expenditure on gun powder at this time in Germany in some measure amount
for the coldness of the season.
My love and best
wishes attend you all
Yours sincerely and
affectionately
John Man
Saturday morning
ADD 36504 f 24
Henry
Man to George Cumberland
London 1 March 1813
Dear Cousin,
It is long since we had the pleasure of hearing from you. Your last letter of November date brought
to town by your daughter Georgiana came safely to hand but she did not favour us
with a call and not knowing where to find her in London we had not the pleasure
of seeing her.
The Spring now
advancing well again make it necessary that one or two other of them will again
visit this metropolis do pray remember us kindly to them and say that we shall
be extremely happy to see them when they come and have a spare bed well aired
and very much at their service it would give both Mrs M and myself great
satisfaction to see them with us and make them as comfortable as we can and
trust they will never again come to London without affording us the pleasure. It
is long since we have heard anything from our young friends George and Sydney.
They must already have seen a great variety of service and I hope will continue
to do so well. I suppose Sydney saw Madrid but that was all. Your conjecture
that we should not be driven out till the spring was wrong as to know for we
were not allowed to remain there so long I wish the British were all safe home
again.
Pray say to Mrs
Cumberland that if she would accompany her daughters to London when they next
come and make our home her house it would give us great pleasure. Our best
endeavours should be exerted to make her comfortable and welcome. I suppose
Sydney’s note was irrevocably lost and the rascal who stole it makes it his
own. The public papers furnish you with all the political news of the day but
such a winter as the past assure Bonaparte and his army never experienced
before. The late election campaign at Weymouth proved rather unfortunate in its
results to your friend Long. That is according to their ??? report of the
examination of the evidence but while the present state of representation
prevails such things must be a matter of course . Harriet unites with me in kind
remembrances to your family and I remain dear cousin
Yours affectionately
Henry Man
Add 34509 f 215
James Man to George Cumberland
Woodville
28th May 1823
My dear Sir,
It is time I replied
to your favour of 7th inst. yet I cannot bring my mind to coincide
with my inclination as to the propriety of being more explicit by letter
than I have been not for a moment however doubting your honour or secrecy yet
prudence does not seem to warrant it. On the whole it will be not long while ere
I return Eastward when making Bristol in my way I will take my chance once more
for a private interview. In the meantime let us hope that nothing serious as to
the health of our friend will occur at Driffield. You must have mistaken me in
supposing I called on you to induce your brother to make his will instead of
persuading you to the measure I only asked the question what is to be done? in
the hope you would help me to an argument putting the need in another
shape (and no man more equal to it) new to me which I might use in a letter to
him with a possibility of accomplishing the desired result.
I should not
hesitate a moment in making use of it and should rejoice if it lended to your
interest and his peace of mind. One of his objections is the lawyers. He will
have nothing to do with them. To contest this I have recommended he spreads
before him the will of Robt. Timbrell following the routine of this
he could make his own in privacy. But all hitherto to no avail.
In the private
conversation you mention as having had with Mrs Cumberland pardon me for saying
you must have mistook her meaning you are labouring under a false impression as
regards this lady. A more amicable woman does not live nor one so friendly
towards you. I know her sentiments and her object in application to you what
sordid motive could she have for self she does not possess in her own right an
income of more than £2,000 and this for life besides her marriage settlement?
But on your declining to act and answering NO she then said, "a certain
person would have all". True, this she wishes not to be the fact but
wanting nothing herself her wish was and is that you alone should share in the
much wished for measure. Allow me to add, you have been wrong throughout in the
conceptions hitherto and I wish I could induce you to think more favourably of
Mrs C. She is entitled to your love and affection.
This is a charming
place, views delightful pleasant walks yet town like hills do not quite suit the
limbs of three score and ten. I take your advice and decline going to sea but I
have spent a pleasant on board Capt. Lockyer’s yacht in the harbour.
My friends are kind,
very kind but they keep too much company for me and this neither suits my age,
health or inclination so that I must cut and run or die as will I fear your
brother of sepletion.
I beg my comp to Mrs
C and believe me ever
Yours Truly and
faithfully
James Man
ADD 34509 f 203/4
James Man – George Cumberland
Woodville 5th
May 1823
My Dear Cousin,
I am very much
disappointed in not having the pleasure of meeting with you when at Bristol. I
came hence that road on purpose to have a private and close conversation. I
apprehend that there may be a mischief in a correspondence by letter and this
fear makes our ill luck in not meeting the greater. The confidence that has been
placed in one by your brother and his wife has so identified me with their
concerns and so devoted me to their interests that in gratitude have been
induced to act to the best of my ability in arranging such concerns this has led
me to the perfect knowledge of the properties of both but this is not the
immediate object of this address to you. Guided by these discoveries and alarmed
at passing events around me I saw it was of the utmost importance that your
brother should make his will and I did not leave him without pointing out in as
strong language as I was master of the immediate need of doing so and the
serious consequences of delay, but all without avail. He is far; very far from
well and to you I need not add the lamentable result of his dying intestate. I
am in possession of his intense confidence know all, know too his intentions. A
honourable feeling precludes me from saying all I wish yet after mature
deliberations I have decided on writing to you, for alas seeing nothing but
danger I had almost said ??? in prospect it is time to appraise you and to ask
what is to be done. A better more worthy man does not exist but his
eccentricities, his singular habits and years precludes the approach of his
friends on this now most vital subject once more, then what is to be
done.
I have no personal
interest in this measure, nothing wanting of him by one in a pecuniary sense and
so I have told him but I am anxious that a deed should be done so that his
intentions may be placed without the possibility of risk. I cannot be more
explicit in this way your judgement must supply the rest all indeed that attach
to the subject. Did you receive my note from the Bush? Did you go to Driffield?
Or are you now there? How did you find / if so and how did you leave your
brother? Do favour me by a reply to this and tell me what you think of his
disease and I am alarmed for him in every way the prospect is serious. I beg my
comp. To Mrs C with thanks for her kind invitation to one the short time I
stayed in Bristol I was unwell and obliged to get on RDC. Keep one a month
beyond the time I had promised and expected by my friends here. This is a
delightful and I do think I may safely challenge all England to produce any
situation equal to the two here Woodville v The Moate.
God preserve you.
I am my dear sir
yours most faithfully
James Man
At James Yates Esq.
Woodville
Kingsbridge
Devon
This must be
considered a confidential letter, better you burn it.
ADD 34516 f 188
John
Man to George Cumberland
Dear Cousin,
I have stolen an
hour from my bed this morning, it being my only leisure time. I have to write a
few lines by way of answer to your last kind letter the modesty of which I
cannot but greatly admire. That we are both equally guilty I grant and therefore
shall offer no excuses for a fault my heart stand self condemned off.
You my dear cousin
first found the means to break this silence which has long reigned between us. I
thank you and hope I never be behind in acknowledging the honour you have
thereby done me by answering whatever letters you may favour me with in future
with the first opportunity I would say something more substantial but know not
what. Now I have none, nor anything worth entertaining you with at present and I
am not fond of writing to my friend at the sole expense of a weak head the sole
productions of which will never find credit with the sensible part of mankind
and this among others may be one reason I did not write before. I wish you were
here to dictate a few lines for me for really I am ashamed for what I have
already written and between friends it has been twice under condemnation
already. But I being a merciful man like certain great persons at St James’
have given it a reprieve.
You wonder that you
have not seen my mother yet, so do I, yet cannot account for it for I have not
heard from her since Whitsuntide. If you hear any news of her be kind enough to
let me know, and send me all the news you can of our Right Honourable Aunt Nancy
dear creature. How good she is how mild, so courteous she is the very life and
soul of all company, and at kicking up a riot there’s not a fellow in all St
Giles’s at Whitechapel. Mr Tapp no doubt is very proud of the honour she does
him now and then, to be sure as she once said everybody loves her. I’m not
sure you and I do, but enough of this, I wish as I said before I had anything
better to write about but at present you will excuse it.
We have had so far a
fine a harvest in these parts that the farmers themselves complain; nay I verily
believe if their skin was not so very thick they blush when they tell us bread
will be no cheaper.
The dog you sent me
was yesterday drowned, Mrs Baker took it in her head because the dog was not
well, she must be going mad so I gave my consent that I might not disturb the
happening of the best of Mistresses. You see what trifles I write about but it’s
for want of something better so I hope you will excuse it. Oh, here’s Martha
(The Goddess) who reigns over our pots and saucepans she has brought me my half
pint of milk so I’ll drink your health and then conclude with duty to my Aunt
and love to Cousin.
Your affectionate
cousin, I’m ashamed to say,
John Man
I’ll not read it
over but if you have patience to read it thus far let me desire you commit it
adflammas.
ADD 36516 f 186
James Man to George Cumberland
I wanted you to have
gone with one Dr Cross.
My dear Coz
Make my best
respects to Mrs Cumberland with thanks for the invitation to tea and offer of a
bed. The first I was taking when the note arrived the second I have ordered, I
am an invalid and must be off early in the morning or would have done myself the
pleasure of calling at you house.
I regret much my
disappointment at not seeing you, a close private communication is lost but we
must submit to our fate. Your brother set out with me for Bristol and sundries
for that journey provided you were to return with him to Driffield. On our way
we called on the Jones’s there he changed his mind and returned home you and I
know him and I should think little of this but he is really unwell. I have now
stated the fact and you will act as you see best but I really submit the wisdom
of your going over there. I am not the bearer of more than his love to you and
to state that ill health alone induced to give up the journey yet a visit
I think he will take kind.
God Bless you ever
faithfully
James Man
Bush 7 o’clock
ADD 36516 f 184
James Man to George Cumberland
53 Bush Inn
12 Street 4 o’clock
My dear sir
I have made this in
my way to Devon on purpose that I might have half an hour’s private chat with
you.
I trust this will
reach you in health and at home and that you will follow this bearer to my Dr
Sir
James Man
I left Driffield
yesterday, Ealing Green this morning I must see you it is not
possible to see you this trip bad ????? excellent there Culver Steet.
ADD 36502 f 262
London
8th
August 1810
Dear Cousin
Your parcel which
should have reached me on Sunday has but this moment come to hand 5 o’clock
owing to it being improperly addressed to Botolph Lane instead of St Mary’s
Hill. Lest you should think me inattentive I wrote by this evening’s post and
will in my way home call at Sydney’s lodgings whom I make little doubt has
gone on an excursion with his friend Stothard as when I last saw him he told me
he should. We expected to have seen him on Sunday last to dinner but the weather
proving so unfavourable – or perhaps he was not returned is the reason why he
did not come. However I hope before you receive this all your apprehensions will
be at rest by a letter from him. If you hear not from me by tomorrow’s post
you may conclude that my enquiries this evening have proved satisfactory and
that he is well.
Mrs M I am sorry to
say is again confined for the sixth time with a miscarriage but is going on as
well as we can reasonably expect.
Pray remember me
kindly to Mrs Cumberland and believe me to be dear cousin ever yours most
faithfully
Henry Man
1 St Mary Hill
not 39 Botolph Lane
which I left seven years ago.
On the back of the
original manuscript is quite a bit of text, which I can make no sense of. SM
28.12.00
ADD 36502 f 246
Henry Man to George Cumberland
London
26th July
1810
Dear Cousin,
Yours of the 10th
and 18th are just before me and in reply I have the pleasure to add
that Sydney was with us last night and I went with him to a Widow lady’s in
our neighbourhood with whom we have agreed and keeping your instruction in view
I hope the terms will meet with your approval. To have a good bedroom to himself
ready furnished but his own furniture is to be taken in and left in the room
till otherwise disposed of. To breakfast at eight, dine at five, drink tea and
sup with the family consisting of a widow and her daughter, in a good plain but
comfortable family way, to pay for washing of towels and bed linen extra but for
the board and lodging twenty five shillings per week without any other charge
tea and sugar to be provided for him.
The lady herself as
far as one can judge from first sight seems to be a respectable, good sort of
person about 50 years of age and rather inclined to the ??????? and give most
reputable references as to character and connections. Her daughter I did not
see. Sydney seems to be a very well disposed and good lad and both Mrs Man and
myself will be always happy to have him to dine with us every Sunday when he is
not better engaged and we will endeavour to make his Winter evenings as
comfortable as we can while he continues in our neighbourhood.
Today he is to meet
with his present landlady about leaving to lodgings and if she will let him go
immediately he intends taking up his new residence at Kennington Lane on
Saturday night.
My father has been
with me in town for a few days and unites with Mrs Man and myself in kind
remembrance to all your house. He does not expect to visit Gloucestershire this
summer. I wish your letter had arrived a few days sooner as I went to Maidstone
last week and could have enquired about the books you speak of, however I will
bear them in mind.
My Mrs Man is very
unwell nor do see much prospect of her enjoying better health for some time.
In haste believe me
dear cousin yours most truly
Henry Man
Add 36502 f198
London
23rd
March 1810
Dear Cousin
It is long since
your son delivered to me your very kind letter of 15th December last
which I am ashamed to add has remained so long unanswered which would have not
have been the case would he have favoured us with his company a little more
frequently. Indeed we do not see him half so often as both Mrs M and myself
wish. He was coming over to dine with us last Sunday but meeting Mr E Man near
Westminster Bridge who informed him of my wife’s unfortunate miscarriage the
preceding evening deterred him from coming over. I however should have been very
happy to have seen him, and with the opportunity of forwarding him this for you.
I have written to invite him for Sunday week when I hope Mrs Man will be able to
be again below stairs. She is yet very weak but I think her as well as I have a
right to expect.
Your brother when he
was lately in town paid me for the Brandy I sent to Bristol and I gave him a
receipt for it as you requested. I hope your family continue to enjoy the same
good state of health as when you wrote, to all of whom we beg to be kindly
remembered. My father family at Reading, on your conjecture, go on much as
usual. He is again at present engaged with bricks and mortar building himself a
small house in Castle Street to retire to and calculates on getting it
sufficiently forward to be inhabited at Michaelmas, where I am sure he would be
extremely happy to see you when you next travel this way.
It will I am sure
give you pleasure to hear, if you have not already heard, that a complete
reconciliation has taken place between my wife and her relations. We all dined
with them on New Years Day and I am happy in adding that we continue our best
possible feelings with them by interchanging of visits and antics.
The fine weather
coming on with long days and your son being settled in town will, I hope be an
inducement to you to turn your thoughts this way. We shall be very happy to see
you and Mrs Man can give you a spare bed.
I remain dear cousin
yours most truly
Henry Man
ADD 36501 f 203
Henry Man to George Cumberland
London
8th April
1808
My Dear Cousin
I have long been a
letter in your debt for your very kind and polite congratulations on my recent
marriage, which I should have replied to in course but waited the opportunity of
a friend going to Bristol to send it by. In circumstances having occurred to
make his journey unnecessary I shall call on my friend Mr Lefevre for a frank if
he is in town which will answer the purpose full as well and I hope you will
receive it safe.
I thank both you and
Mrs Cumberland for her kind wishes towards us and I have pleasure in adding that
I enjoy all the happiness you promised in a former letter. I am as comfortable a
heart can wish. My dear Harriet begs me to say that she would be exceeding happy
to see you and Mrs Cumberland at No 20 Chester Place Kennington where she has a
spare bed always at your service, I need not add how much pleasure it would give
me.
Your brother Mr R
Cumberland gave us his company one-day when he was last in town. I think he
looked remarkably well. If you see him pray remember me kindly to him and also
to all your family in which Mrs Man begs to join.
I am my dear cousin
ever yours most truly
Henry Man
1 St Mary Hill
ADD 36499 f 265
Henry Man to George Cumberland
London
5th
October 1803
Dear Cousin,
I should have
replied to your favour earlier, but being obliged to write to Reading for the
particulars of the account you mention I waited for my brother’s reply and
send you the bill annexed. It does not belong to me but is a claim of my brother
William’s who succeeded me in business, but as we have an account open with
each other if you remit me the amount it shall be regularly be passed to his and
to your credit. With pleasure I shall execute for you any commissions you may
have in London whether now or at any future day and if you will favour me with
the particulars of those little accounts which wish settled here you may rely on
their being regularly attended to as soon as I receive it
I entirely agree
with you in your remarks on my late uncle’s works and the only circumstance to
be urged in justification of the intrusion of so many of his most trifling
pieces is a very great want of matter to complete the volumes. The generosity of
readers you know are not judges for their subscription something was expected
and if we had not had recourses to their trifling materials which we found
scattered in a variety of places we should not have been able to make up two
volumes as we did. At all events it was a means of stopping one plan of
complaint.
My brother says your
books shall be immediately packed and forwarded as you direct and James’s
desire to return my fathers thanks for the perusal of them which offered him
much pleasure. He begs his kind remembrances to Mrs C, yourself and family of
all ours and in which request I must beg leave to join.
Our commerce here
most completely at a stand this cursed war dreadfully unhinges us and little
else is talked of but invasion and stoppages. How it is to end God only knows.
Last week one of the first houses in the city failed and this day rumour says
another is gone.
I heard from your
brother yesterday and I am happy to hear his family are all well.
With respectful
compliments I remain dear cousin yours most truly
Henry Man
P.S. I am removed
from Botolph Lane to Harp Lane Tower Street where I must thank you to address me
in future.
ADD 36499 f 255
John
Man to George Cumberland
Dear George
I received an
anonymous note by a bargeman requesting to inform you when your packages would
be at Bristol. I have enquired at the wharf bur as the proprietor of the boats
lives at Newbury they cannot here inform me when you would receive them. I saw
one large packing case, one long box, a chair and bookbinder cutting machine and
understood they sailed for Newbury as today and that you might expect them by
the end of next week. If any further delay is made you will apply to Moss
Barnard & White barge owners Newbury in whose care they now are.
A friend of yours
called on me some time ago and left word he should breakfast at the Crown
whether as soon as I could write a note and enclose it in the diversions I
dispatched both by my servant, who on returning said the gentleman had been gone
some time. The book shall be taken care of till I can deliver it to you safe.
I hope your little
family are all well and that little Noah’s Ark you may at length become
steadfast, there are no mountains in England high enough to reach you but in
Wales wither I suppose you are going you may find one to suit you. My direction
is so imperfect that I am doubtful whether this will ever reach you. The only
way for one to know that will be you writing me when, where and how you intend
to settle and make your residence but perhaps you will first see London and if
so I think you ought to at least pass one night with me in your way.
Think of that George
I have not seen the Parson heaven bless him for an age but in my minds eye I can
fancy him full of business plowing, sowing, reaping, lithing, cramming Capons
and culling shore pigs the fruits of all this will be care. Distrust any rely
– trouble and perplexity were to bestow his gains, in the country there are
rogues, in the town thieves, public funds totter and banks are not to be
trusted, better, far better dear Richard would you be if your canvas bag like
mine was just sufficient for the wants of the year and no more.
You promised to send
me some of your actual and intended publications but behold I have received
neither and being too modest to put you in mind of it I suppose I must forego
the pleasure they would afford me till you recollect the circumstance.
I am Dear George
your affectionate friend
John Man.
Sept 22nd
1803
Addressed to
George Cumberland
Esq
Mr Bonnings
High St
Bristol.
ADD 36498 f 368
John Man to George Cumberland
Dear George
I return you your
good wished to myself and my family three times fold because not withstanding
your rebellious spirit I know you deserve them and would do the same by your
caring nature but that it has been done long ago. That was sent you with the
other books and if you have not lent it again to somebody and forgot it (no very
wonderful thing you know) it must be in your possession. I assure you I only
borrow books to read and when that is done I return them as I hope you will find
when the next day gives you leisure to search for it.
Harry cannot send
you the Brandy for the best of all reasons – he has none. Some has been lying
at the Wharf in London for him ever since November and not a barge has been able
to stir since for either flood or frost and the present rain seems to threaten a
further delay. If he receives it within the course of the next week it shall be
sent to you immediately. I hope your wine will be able to brook this delay but
should it be in danger of spoiling before that time don’t wait for him a day.
I would not have your best beverage spoiled for a compliment. If he does not
send it next week you may conclude it had not arrived and act accordingly.
Dr. Breedon tells me
your brother was in town before the holidays but did not call on him nor me. Did
he on you? And how is he? My loss you know though I wonder you do not mention it
indeed it was a severe one to the family but as having a sufficiency often
reconciles us to the loss of our friends so I hope Nellie and the children will
soon find them selves in a happier position than they have been.
In regard to
politics the general apathy that possesses the nation at large has laid hold of
me and as the war is to be carried on in perpetuity I am very careless about it.
I have been looking out for a little cottage in the country that will just hold
a little man, a little woman, and a little friend and when I have obtained it Mr
Bill may tax and be damned – he shall not reach me. When the season arrives
when asparagus is in fashion and hanging the order of the day I shall expect you
here for I begin to suspect nothing but a Sheriff’s mandate will bring you so
far from your happy home.
My best respects
attend all your family. I hope they are increased since I last saw you. Some men
build barns for their grain and stalls for their cattle but god will you to be
content to add a new wing to your house and in a year or two to accommodate the
addition which as a good subject and true mussel man (for I believe you too wise
for a Christian) you are bound to make your household.
I am yours
John Man
January 9th
1800
ADD 36503 f 223
Henry Man – George Cumberland
London
21st July
1812
Dear Cousin
The letter I
received from you yesterday gave me considerable pain on finding Sydney had so
likely incurred your displeasure and in consequence I immediately sent for him
to meet me at Chester Place last night.
The results of my
enquiries I am happy in saying fully satisfied my mind and acquits him of having
performed any improper or vicious connections and I trust upon your arrival in
town you will be equally satisfied with myself on this lead. I really do believe
the very utmost of his misconduct is what is but too common the attendant our
youth is a want of sufficiently appreciating the value of money and too profuse
an expenditure of it in trifles. The loss of the £20 note is an act of
abominable carelessness but I hope it will ultimately be recovered as the number
is known and it is stopped at the bank. Why Sydney took up his salary at the
office before it was due I know not but he got the money of his friend Mr Swann
at Cox and Greenwoods for his receipt dated on the quarter day and I am equally
satisfied that the young man at the Bricklayers Arms Public House has actually
got the note which Sydney gave him by mistake. The very looks of the fellow
speak guilt and I hope it will ultimately be recovered. It had not been paid in
to the bank on Saturday last when I enquired and it is stopped. Notice will be
sent to me immediately on it being presented. You may rely on it and I hope you
will believe that though your son may be imprudent he is not vicious and I
really do believe him to be a good and worthy young man. He has from both Mrs
Man and myself a general invitation to spend as much of his leisure at our home
as is agreeable to himself.
He dined with us on
Sunday last and if we dine at home ourselves we expect him the next and I am
sure if we had not so good an opinion of him we should act otherwise.
I hope we shall soon
see you in town when I doubt of being able to satisfy you on this lead and in
the meanwhile pray present my kind compliments to Mrs C and assure her from me
she may dissipate her alarms on Sydney’s account. I shall use my best exertion
towards recovering the money lost but I am informed that Sydney cannot proceed
against the fellow by service for the debts in the present stage of the
business.
I remain dear sir
your most faithfully
Henry Man
ADD 36503 f 247
Henry Man – George Cumberland
London
24th
August 1812
Dear Cousin
The annexed letter I
received on Saturday from Bridgewater which you perhaps will be able to follow
up. Should you want any assistance in London you will not hesitate to employ me
and I shall with pleasure follow your instructions. I hope yourself and my
friend Sydney arrived safe and well and found all your family so too. Pray
remember us kindly to Mrs C and your daughters and should it be in my powers to
leave London for a week or ten days together, Mrs M and myself will pay you a
visit there.
In haste I remain
dear cousin yours most faithfully
Henry Man
HC from Mrs Beavan
Attached letter re
note in previous letter recovered in Dunster
Addressed to Mr
Henry Man St Mary Hill in London
ADD 36503 f 226
John
Man to George Cumberland
Dear George
I should have
answered your letter sooner if I could have given you any useful advice with
respect to the best method of disposing of your estate. To advertise seems to be
the easiest way though attended with expense but this I suppose will not be very
great if it is only done in the country papers. If you wish it to be more
universally known I would recommend it to de done by means of periodical
publications and the assistance you have so frequently given to the monthly
magazine will I should conceive induce the editor to give room for a puff such
as you are capable of drawing up in his publication.
We have lately had
an enclosure in a neighbouring parish where a part was sold to pay for the
expense of the Act. It consisted of a large common over grown with fir and was
divided in to lots of 10 acres each. Horace attended the sale for a friend and
bought 15 lots at around £ 80 - £90 per acre. Now as you are in the
neighbourhood of Axbridge where many people may wish to be accommodated with
small quantities, would not this method be the best to be adopted in the shape
of the larger ground according to your plan, seems very well adapted such a
measure. Fences drawn across it will be all that is required to form the
divisions. To prevent impositions from the Auctioneers you might bargain with me
by the lump pay your own advertisement yourself and set the lawyers defiance.
Some say this is not a time to purchase Estates because stocks are too low to be
sold out with advantage, others that it is the best ever offered because people
who have money are afraid to place it in funds. Both may be right and both wrong
but I have never heard of late years that anyone who had a good thing for sale
wanted of a purchaser. Your son Sydney is so modest (I wonder where the devil he
got that same modesty) that prevail with him to stop even to dine with us but I
hope he has now found his way through Reading. He will never pass my door
without calling nor any of my Bath and Bristol cousins who I shall always be
happy to see and have a bed at their service.
Whether it is
decided by fate that I shall ever again see Bristol is more than I know but I
think of it and often talk of it but like most old men have not resolution to
gratify my own wishes at the expense of a little resolution but whatever may
happen I know you cannot get to the great city without passing my door I flatter
myself we may still see you.
With my good wishes
to yourself and family I remain yours affectionately
John Man
July 22nd
1812
ADD 36506 f 148
John
Man to George Cumberland
Dear George
I should have
noticed your kind consolatory letter sooner if the afflicted state of my mind
would have permitted it and even now it is with pain that I revert to a subject
that I could wish to keep from my recollections. To be plunged in an instant
into the greatest of calamities that could almost be inflicted by heaven or
supported by a parent is more than I am able to bear. His loss is too deeply
impressed on my mind ever to be forgot and though I may vegetate (not live) for
a few weeks, months or years longer my whole existence must be spent in mournful
recollections of the past. I have exhausted Pandora’s box but hope likewise
was fled from it may you never experience such an affliction the severity of
which can only be felt by those who like me have been a victim.
For the last two
years I have been harassed by an unfortunate business that had previously to
this robbed me of a great part of my former felicity. Some years back myself and
my dear boy so serve one of the family entered in to a joint bond for the
security of the payment of £1000.00 borrowed for his use. This money was called
in about this time but the principal not being able to pay more than £250.00 of
it the remainder with interest fell upon us, which we have been paying by
instalments but the whole is not yet cleared. The result has been that from
being before in comfortable circumstances I have been reduced to the greatest
privations. This has obliged me to continue in a fatiguing office above my
strengths for the sake of a small pecuniary salary. Judge then if I can under
these circumstances accept your brother’s kind invitation now especially as I
am not allowed to leave home a week at a time. These things prevent me giving
you a meeting at Driffield, which of all things I should wish and my daughter Is
very desirous of. God only knows if it can ever take place but this ought not to
prevent your calling on me on your way to town. I expected you last time on your
way back as you promised, but I need not tell you I was disappointed however I
hope you will now call more frequently as I am now almost estranged from human
society and your company would give me pleasure.
I think you are
right respecting the character of the lady you mention, excepting her vulgarity
but perhaps as I am not much acquainted with persons in genteel life I may have
mistaken it for ease of manners. Her other characteristicks (sic) are too strong
not to be mistaken and her designs pretty apparent, but unless you can undeceive
in respect to her artful ways and the hold she has on Susan’s affections I
fear mischief may ensue to the family. To talk of undermining a lady may be
thought too indelicate and to blow her up as bad but the terms are very
significant and may be practised with success.
I am dear George
your very affectionate cousin
John Man
October 17th
1817
ADD 36506 f 65
Henry
Man to George Cumberland
London
5th April
1817
Dear Cousin
Knowing your
readiness to serve anyone when it pays in your favour I hesitate not to trouble
you on the present occasion. The case is simply this, I have just heard that the
Governor of the penitentiary is about to resign his situation, in short he
cannot hold it any longer and my friend Mr Lefevre (who is one of the committee)
has advised me to become a candidate for it considering me a fit and proper
person for the appointment. It is scarcely necessary to add that he will render
me all the assistance in his power both by his vote and ??? but there a four
gentlemen of the committee, mostly Members of Parliament. He wishes me to make
all the possible interest I can with my other friends. In this view I look to
you as one of the foremost of the members and though I am sensible I ought not
to trouble on the subject yet as I have no other channel through which I can
possibly get at one gentleman of the committee. I trust the necessity of the
case will plead my excuse. That gentleman is Mr Long; he takes an active and
leading part and could that obtain his interest alone would be a host to me.
Lord Sidmouth in the former appointment claimed the nomination but he leaves it
wholly to the committee in this instance either directly or indirectly. I should
therefore feel particularly obliged if you could write to that gentleman in my
favour. The qualifications are I understand that the party must be a married man
and a member of the C of E and otherwise qualified in accounts, diligence in
attendance to business, regular habits of living, and in all these I flatter
myself I should not be found deficient.
Sydney tells me you
are expected in town very soon and I should have waited your arrival but that
promptness of measures are very requisite as I have heard of other candidates
having started and it is always in these cases that the foremost have the best
chances. The situation is good and will be better. Trade is very bad and if I
could but get the situation I could enter on it at three days notice. My friends
in town will do all for me they can but without your interest we cannot get at
Mr Long. I regret extremely to obliged to trouble you on this occasion but
without your assistance I shall be foiled in that quarter.
With kind
remembrances to Mrs Cumberland and my cousins I am dear Sir in haste yours very
truly
Henry Man
Addressed to George Cumberland Culver Street Bristol Post Script illegible.
