Jane Carlyle and Craigenputtoch
Jane Carlyle, wife of the famous Thomas, wrote the following letter to Eliza Stoddart 185 years ago this week:
Craigenputtoch 28 July 1828
My dear dear Angel Bessy!!!
What a world of trouble is in these words announced to you! In fact my tea is done, and my coffee is done, and my sugar white and brown; and without a fresh supply of these articles my Husband would soon be done also: it might be got at Dumfries – but bad; and so I have bethought myself of your kind offer to do my commissions as of old, and find it come more natural for me to employ you in this way than another.
By this writing you will know that I have survived my astonishing change – and the talk about tea &c will show you that I even look hopefully into life. Indeed Craigenputtoch is no such frightful place as the people call it: till lately indeed our existence here has been made black with smoke; and confusion unspeakable was nearly turning our heads. But we are beginning to get a settlement made at last; and see a distinct prospect of being more than tolerably comfortable. The solitude is not so irksome as one might think. If we are cut off from good society, we are also delivered from bad; the roads are less pleasant to walk on than the pavement of Princes Street but we have horses to ride; and instead of shopping and making calls I have bread to bake and chickens to hatch. I read, and work & talk with my Husband and never weary.
You will write and tell me how all is going on at 22 and in Edinburgh generally. dear Edinburgh I was very happy there; and shall always love it; and hope to see it again often and often before I die – Will you give my kind regards to Mr Simpson when you see him and tell him I was wellpleased to hear of his success. Remember us also to Mr Aitken and most affectionately to your Uncle.
Do you know of any good Habit maker in Edinburgh (not very expensive)? I have got fine cloth for a habit and am almost afraid to risk the making of it in Dumfries. Perhaps you could make inquiry for me and let me know the charge, and whether a habit could be made from a pattern gown or pelisse.
Grace Macdonald is turning out a most excellent servant and seems the carefullest honestest creature living. She broke her arm soon after we came hither but is now almost quite strong again. I never miss a drop of ‘broth’. And my linens are all entire.
My best wishes for Maggy and her new child and ‘I hope Mr Dudgeon is quite well’. Letters from Germany and all parts of the earth reach us here just as before. It is so strange to see Craigenputtoch written in Goethe’s hand – But my paper is done. Every Truly your friend.
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