1818:02:12 Mrs A. Gillespie [?] to Isabella Webster and William Graham

1818:02:12 Mrs A. Gillespie [?] to Isabella Webster and William Graham

Visit from "Tanty"

"Tanty" may well be Grace Webster, as she is addressed as Tanty in a number of letters to her, or it may be a general name for an aunt. Tanty has paid a surprise visit to the Gillespies. Mr. Gillespie is away but wil return soon. The letter appears to be signed "Matchie", but is followed by "M. A Gillespie"; the former a familiar or maiden name and the latter her formal name perhaps? Some passages crossed out in pencil.

Mrs. A. Gillespie [?]

Y-Wilson

1818:02:12 Date from postmark

Y-Wilson

JPG rights reserved. Text public domain.

Envelope letter

English

Personal correspondence

GW

TO: Orchill, Dunblane

My Loved Bairns to my astonishment our dear Tanty arrived here very tired but I trust will be no the worse at her journey – be sure and send to Muthill on Saturday as I have sent a large packet & Rob Roy[.] had you but seen my reception of my Dear Tanty you would have taken a hearty laugh. I literally did not know her and stared as if I had seen a Tanty Bogle – Mama and Papa were little better – and I sent for Eliza // not to add to her fatigue by going to Mrs Campbells – Eliza gave her nearly as kind a reception as we did and constantly insisted to know what had brought her[.] Xthis my dear Bairns your [decision?] rests entirely with you[.]X Thank you for the feathers I shall make little Edwards Chair to whom I [leg??] my Love – Yours most affectionately – Matchie M. A Gillespie – My Dear Tanty is to dine with us but will not sleep – Gillespie is not at home // but returns tomorrow – I think he will be agreeably surprised as both he and I wished much to have a Conversation with Tanty

 

Thursday

Holograph letter