1811 November 2

Eliza Fenwick, [at Charles Lamb's], to Mary Hays, [Wandsworth], Saturday evening, 9 o’clock [2 November 1811].¹

Saturday evening

9 oClock

Eliza has suddenly received notice of sailing on Thursday. Some armed ships are going towards Madeira & the Capⁿ has resolved on taking their protection & not waiting for the fleet. This has overset us almost. ^Only^ yesterday she heard she had no need of being ready till the 18^th.

Fortunately I was under the necessity of coming to town for medicines this afternoon & having some business for M^rs Mocatta c^d not get an evening stage & was forced to stay all night I had not been in ^at M^r Lambs^ above ½ an hour when M^r Dyke came with this intelligence Eliza is sunk into the deepest dejection I support myself wonderfully & will you may depend on me.

I send this by the Coach that you may have the earliest notice of enquiring for the letters you kindly name. Sh^d it be impossible to get them in time we must send them after her by the next Packet but to take them w^d be pleasanter.

Be so good as to request M^r W. will send Lanno to Town on the first stage on Wednesday ^morn^ when he will be expected at M^r Lambs.

Eliza sends every kind greeting to you & begs you will thank M^r & M^rs Hays in her name for their very kind attentions, which she will ever remember with gratitude. She offers her sincere wishes for the health & happiness of the whole family.

Sh^d Lanno’s funds be inadequate to the stage hire pray lend him what is necessary & when he returns he shall pay you.

I go home at 8 oClock tomorrow morning & the confusion of the family in removing militates terribly against my aiding or being with Eliza in this trying hour. I must get my liberty on Wednesday if possible.

If you send the letters direct them to Eliza at M^r Lambs 4 Inner Temple Lane Fleet Street.

She has every thing to pack here & at Limehouse & many things still to get.

God bless you think of us & pray for us

y^rs ever

E F.

Address: Miss Hays

Postmark: none

¹ Fenwick Family Papers, Correspondence, 1798-1855, New York Historical Library; Wedd, Fate of the Fenwicks 48; not in Brooks, Correspondence.