1856:03:14 Grace Webster to Eliza Webster

1856:03:14 Grace Webster to Eliza Webster

On being committed to Morningside lunatic asylum for the second time.

Grace Webster upbraids her sister Eliza for tricking her into being admitted to the Morningside lunatic asylum and demands to be freed. (The hospital records show she remained there until July 16, 1856, her second admission of five.) She laments the death of her aunt, discusses various friends and acquaintances and denies having drunk the whisky her sister accuses her of taking (!).

Grace Webster

Y-Wilson

1856:03:14 (17)

Y-Wilson

JPG rights reserved. Text in public domain.

Envelope letter (penny red)

English

Personal correspondence

GW

FROM: Royal Lunatic Asylum, Morningside
TO: 29 Buccleuch Place

My dear Eliza

I learn from Miss MacDougall that Catherine is anxious that you shouldn't go to Whitburn - I wish to know what is your objection to remaining at home. I have done what I could for your good and all connected with me, and if I have been severely punished, for these two months, by intense bodily suffering in consequence of the brutal treatment I have received at the hands of the Attendants [underlined twice] as well as at the hands // of the Ladies whom they are paid for attending, I could not wish my greatest enemies, if I durst wish an ill wish with here or hereafter.

Our beloved Aunt the only object of my heart's affections is now safe in the bosom of her father and my father, of your God and her God. God forgive Mrs. Mitchell and you for your ignorance. Love to Susana. If you allow me to remain here another day I will speak out my mind and affront both you and Catherine [in fact, the hospital records show she remained there for a further four months].

I see by the papers // that our William's Jenny has twins and one of them is dead. I hope Mrs. Donaldson and Mrs Alexr. Donaldson are well. I have not forgotten the Kit.. If any ill comes over him I never will forgive it. I think I like[?] him sitting like a sixpenny tray on the mantel-piece. I cannot be amused, you are aware of that, with trifles.

Dr. Young says that you were intirely the cause of his decoying me out to this den of deadly sin - I repeat, if you allow me to be left another day I shall make you repent it. //

I thought Auntie's death would have softened your heart. It has petrified mine to stone. The Cottons with the exception of the old man are base hypocrites. Mrs. Parker wrote // me a long letter which I gave to Dr. S Rae. Dr. Young in his note said he was a respectable man. Miss MacDonald is not looking well. I mentioned to her yesterday her changing the old green lantern 4/6 for making. She said it was the House did it. I am your[s] affly Grace Webster.

[Continued in margins:] Has Kingcaldrum ever called with the shilling? I gave Mrs. Parker her jelly cup before I left town. I hope Grace Green's letter was carefully laid by. It was in the drawing room on the top of the books. //

I regret your giving me the credit of drinking all your whisky and wine as well as all the ale and porter. Temple Bar has a tongue in her head, as well as some of your other comrades. You know my Aunt was my example and pattern as well as she is now my Guardian Angel.//

Dr. Stewart[?] called the other day. I spoke of  Miss McIntosh to him. The exceptional[?] mortification was [text ends mid-sentence]

Holograph letter