Eliza Fenwick, Englefield Cottage, near Egham, Surrey, to Mary Hays, 22 Hatton Garden [early August 1800] [postmark not readable].1 Englefield Cottage, near Egham Surry
I have heard of you dear Mary by Mr F. & am delighted that you are going to Champion Hill2 at a season when London has no longer an all powerful attraction for ^you^ It seems to me that when the heart cannot gain the solace it seeks, change of scene produces a torpor that is comparatively desirable. Since I came to this place my time has been
completely engrossed by little but necessary avocations. We generally ride four
or five hours a day & having till within these few days been without female
servants If you make an excursion to Windsor, do not be satisfied with the common routine of travelling through the town but visit the park by all means, it abounds with fine situations & majestic <–> views. Write to me dear Mary You have in letter writing the happiest facility while I am without any power of clothing the impulses of my affection in appropriate language. It is the same with me in conversation I am always powerless but not insensible. Adieu, dear friend May you be happy Prays your sincere E Fenwick
The children are well & Orlando improves in strength & beauty daily. Have you seen Mrs Robinsons Address to him? Tis a charming little poem It was in the Morning post last Tuesday.3 Address: Miss Hays | 22 Hatton Garden Postmark: Illegible 1 Fenwick Family Papers, Correspondence, 1798-1855, NY Historical Library; Wedd, Fate of the Fenwicks 10-11; Brooks, Correspondence 320-21. Fenwick was staying for a time in the home of the writer Mary Robinson (1757-1800), who had met Hays c. 1795 during Hays movement within the Godwin circle. 2 Hays was going to visit her sister, Joanna Dunkin, and her large family at their spacious mansion at Champion Hill. 3 The MP Charles James Fox (1749-1806), who once had a brief affair with Robinson. 4 Robinson's poem to Fenwick’s son, Orlando, appeared in the Morning Post on 29 July 1800; the above letter would have been composed the following week, at the beginning of August 1800. |
MARY HAYS: LIFE, WRITINGS, AND CORRESPONDENCE > MARY HAYS CORRESPONDENCE > 1800-1809 > 1800 >