GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, [London, 29 June 1852]
Title
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, [London, 29 June 1852]
Title
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, [London, 29 June 1852]
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
Sara Sophia Hennell
Date(s)
- 1852-06-29
Place
[London]
Letter Content
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, [London, 29 June 1852]
MS: Yale. Endorsed: June. Brief extracts published: Cross, 1, 284; George Eliot and John Chapman, p. 48.
Tuesday Morning.
My dear Sara
Mrs. S. Smith 130 had called on me before she received your letter of introduction, and Miss Florence Nightingale with her. I like them both, especially Mrs. S. Smith, who has more freedom and simplicity than any undistinguished woman of her age I ever saw. By freedom and simplicity, I mean non-subjection to "formulas." They came again last night with Miss Carter, 131 your Hilary -- and Madame Mohl, 132 whose make-up was certainly extraordinary, but I suppose she is a superior woman. We had quite a constellation, a beautiful American authoress, Miss Sara Clarke, alias Grace Greenwood, 133 being the greatest star.
I went to Kew yesterday on a scientific expedition with Herbert Spencer, who has all sorts of theories about plants -- I should have said a proof-hunting expedition. Of course, if the flowers didn't correspond to the theories, we said, [tant pis pour les fleurs.] 134
Mr. Chapman begged me to accept a dozen catalogues that I might present them to you and Mr. Bray, and I did not refuse, so you must do me the honour etc. Miss Parkes has introduced me to Barbara Smith, 135 whose expression I like exceedingly. I hope to know more of her.
Can you send me Miss Field's 136 address at Ramsgate? but don't say that I asked for it, as I should like to be free either to see her or not.
I go to Broadstairs on Saturday. I am sadly in want of the change, and would much rather present myself to you all when I can do you more credit as a friend.
Ever your loving
Pollian.
Write, some of you.
I wrote Miss Julia Smith etc. on the Catalogue as you desired.
MS: Yale. Endorsed: June. Brief extracts published: Cross, 1, 284; George Eliot and John Chapman, p. 48.
Tuesday Morning.
My dear Sara
Mrs. S. Smith 130 had called on me before she received your letter of introduction, and Miss Florence Nightingale with her. I like them both, especially Mrs. S. Smith, who has more freedom and simplicity than any undistinguished woman of her age I ever saw. By freedom and simplicity, I mean non-subjection to "formulas." They came again last night with Miss Carter, 131 your Hilary -- and Madame Mohl, 132 whose make-up was certainly extraordinary, but I suppose she is a superior woman. We had quite a constellation, a beautiful American authoress, Miss Sara Clarke, alias Grace Greenwood, 133 being the greatest star.
I went to Kew yesterday on a scientific expedition with Herbert Spencer, who has all sorts of theories about plants -- I should have said a proof-hunting expedition. Of course, if the flowers didn't correspond to the theories, we said, [tant pis pour les fleurs.] 134
Mr. Chapman begged me to accept a dozen catalogues that I might present them to you and Mr. Bray, and I did not refuse, so you must do me the honour etc. Miss Parkes has introduced me to Barbara Smith, 135 whose expression I like exceedingly. I hope to know more of her.
Can you send me Miss Field's 136 address at Ramsgate? but don't say that I asked for it, as I should like to be free either to see her or not.
I go to Broadstairs on Saturday. I am sadly in want of the change, and would much rather present myself to you all when I can do you more credit as a friend.
Ever your loving
Pollian.
Write, some of you.
I wrote Miss Julia Smith etc. on the Catalogue as you desired.
Signature
Pollian.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, [London, 29 June 1852], Complete George Eliot Letters(2026), George Eliot Archive, edited by Beverley Park Rilett. https://GeorgeEliotArchive.org, Accessed September 7, 2026. https://georgeeliotarchive.org/items/show/93861