Characterisation, especially by Letters 451 



to live near Birmingham as I could not help hoping that she might live near here; we could see 

 her so much oftener and there are such a many pretty houses of all sizes and descriptions ; however 

 wherever she may be I do hope we may often be able to be with her for I do love her most 

 affectionately. From your letter I fear Aunt Booth has suffered much, will you give my love 

 to her as well as to my Aunt Sophia. Lucy conies to us to-morrow, we shall as you may suppose 

 be delighted to see her and James. Only think sweet Francis sets off from Boulogne to-day 

 week. Dearest Child, bow rejoiced we shall be to kiss again his dear freckled face. A card was 

 left at our door to say that a Mr White from Cambridge is anxious to give lessons to private 

 pupils in Greek, Latin and Mathematics. I have kept the card asjt may hereafter be useful 

 either to Francis or myself — Good live dear Bessy. 



Ever believe me your very affectionate Sister, Adele Galton. 



[1832.] 



My dear Bessy, I wish vou would tell Aunt Sophia and Aunt Adele how much I feel for 

 them, and 1 should have written to tell them so, but knowing how much they have to do and 

 think about, felt that it would only be a trouble to them. Tell Aunt Sophia I wish I could have 

 made myself useful to her, but Papa requires so much attention that I really think it is quite 

 necessary I should be here, as Mama and Adele are neither of them strong enough to walk up 

 and down stairs much. It will give us such pleasure to see Aunt Sophia here, and I am sure 

 nothing shall be wanting on my part to make her as comfortable as I can, for I can never 

 forget how very kind she and Aunt Adele have always been to us, indeed they have been more 

 like sisters than aunts. Tell Aunt Booth she has promised to come and see us soon and that 

 1 am looking forward with such pleasure at the thought of seeing her, and that I think she 

 will be pleased with the pretty views about this place. What a consolation it must be to Aunt 

 Sophia, to consider how materially she has conduced to my poor Grandfather's comfort during 

 his lib; time and how she has given up the enjoyments of her friends' society that she might 

 be always with him. I am so glad you have been at Dudson, for I think you may be useful to 

 Aunt Sophia. Believe me ever, Your very affectionate Sister, E. S. Galton. 



At Dr Jeune's School*. 



[February 12, 1838.] 



My dear Bessy, T would have written before, only 1 have had so little time and that time 

 was spent in writing Valentines as 1 have; bought a Valentine Book and T also am so happy 

 at thinking that the Glorious Conquest of St Vincent was fought on the 11th, and by the 

 by please send me a list of the days of the month that the principle [sic] battles were fought, like 

 your card. To-day we had a poor fellow handcuffed in my presence; for trying to commit a 



grievous assault by means of his fist on the person of whereby the said was put in B3 



treme bodily fear for he would have been hurt without the said had luckily sprung back 



and avoided the blow (this is his indictment only the worst is 1 cannot put in — for I have 



forgotten them) well the fellow kicked at and knocked off another boy ; we and the 



person who was with us chased, when he veering to the larboard up Bonnet's [fill with about 

 two hundred small craft nearly all Free School boys after in chase; till at last we came alongside 

 and captured the prise [tie] and then towed him aloft in the Free School when; he was ordered to 

 until the petty sessions. I am very happy indeed and am glad I am come here I have only 

 seen P. once and have hardly got time to do anything. X. is a radical, says he hates Wellington 

 and, as hi; says, his country, and likes the French and Italians more; he does not know what 

 ship Nelson was in when he fought Trafalgar nor that he lost an arm. Is it not shameful? 

 Xow [ wash from top to toe every morning, head and all. I feel as if I know a great deal more 

 than when I first came here. We fag a great deal, for instance we have to learn 50 lines of 

 Homer and to pane any word and also the derivations in 2 hours only, which is very hard 

 work, but now I begin really to like stewing. I would write a longer letter only I have been 



* King Edward's Grammar Scliool, Birmingham. This letter is very difficult to decipher, and 

 the spelling and grammar sufficient to send Dr Jeune, had he seen them, into hysterics! 



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