DANIELL, Miss Sophia. A wonderful archive of 64 letters written by a mother to her daughter who was away at boarding school. All the letters are in the form of 4 pages folded. Most (but not all) have been cross written, as was common at a time when paper was costly. Some of the cross writing is to the first page only but some is to all pages. All are addressed to ‘my dearest Sophia’ and signed ‘your affectionate M. Daniell.’ Provenance: The letters were written by Mary Smith Daniell (1787-1846), and were sent to her daughter Sophia Loiusa Daniell (1825-1907). Mary married Thomas Daniell in 1811, and at the time of their marriage, Thomas was said to be "of the parish of St Marylebone" and Mary "of this parish" (St George Hanover Square). The letters were sent between 1840 and 1843 whilst Sophia was away at boarding school – when she was between 15 and 18 years old. Sophia was born in Little Berkhamsted, and later married Reverend George Ridout in 1848 and had 9 children. She died in Cranbrook, Kent in 1907. These letters came by descent from the Ridout family, who were fastidious about family history and some letters have years added (Mary did not write the years on her letters). The letters were sent from various places including Hertford Street, Wood Hall, Little Berkhamstead, Broxbourn Bury, Cadogan Place, Burton, Branston Hall, Marden, Durnford. Contents relate to family life, social visits, news about local people and servants etc. Many people are mentioned including Lady Bingham, Sir Minto, a brother of Lord Clonmel (‘Edward and John remember him from Eton'), Lady Caroline, Sir G and Lady Palmer. Below are a few extracts from the letters: Aunt Abel is confined but your Uncle forgot to tell me whether it is a boy or a girl. Miss Grey is going to be married to Mr Vivian, a gentleman of large fortune with a nice place near Bath. He is 17 years older. John tried to get Sir Thomas Wild to take him as his butler but I fear he will not. Nettles time is come and I am going to have her stuffed by a clever man. The French girl's health is bad and Brown does not like her. She is not willing and detests English habits. She is to go back to her own country. If there is any illness or infection in the house (Sophie's school?) I depend upon you telling me. (After Italian lessons have been arranged for Sophie) I hope my darling you will exert yourself particularly this last half year in every way and gain Miss Steven's affection and good opinion. I pray be cheerful and agreeable. Anne moving to Howe Green, and might like new chair covers, or “is there any bed furniture or anything else that she might cut out & make at leisure.” / Miss Stevens / Charlie (servant or coachman) - goes to Dublin, then Moyle... a new position. / Miss Fox / Charlotte / Miss Evan / Mrs Carey - Charlotte and I dine with her / Mrs Childers