Dover,
March 9. 1826 – or rather, March 10th
My Dear Mother,
I am just arrived here; it’s nearly half past one – they say the Packet sails at ten – I stopped at Canterbury three quarters of an hour to drink tea, besides a long time at Rochester to grease the wheels – So you see my journey began very auspiciously for Greece. The carriage is comfortable. The night was very mild & starlight. I had a good view of London from Shooter’s Hill, and the Thames looked noble, quite covered with vessels: I am sure the newspapers are misinformed when they say there is a total stagnation of commerce – The Thames looks remarkably well from the 19th milestone – The spring is begun in some places. I shall buy a Lantern to be able to read after dark in the carriage. – I am sipping Negus <1> just now, it being 1h 47’· 42 Astronomical Time, which is being as exact as the invitation I received today.
I often wondered what was the derivation of the word Dover, I now perceive that it is merely an abbreviation for No’t over
Your affte Son
W.H.F.T.
Friday Morning
This is one of the finest days I ever saw, without a cloud – I am writing with your écritoire. <2>
[address panel:]
Lady E. Feilding
31 Sackville St
London
Notes:
1. A drink of port or sherry mixed with hot water, sweetened and spiced.
2. Writing desk.