The two following letters are from Mrs. Hoole, Dr. Burney’s favourite, Miss Bessy, to her father:—
To Arthur Young, Esq.
‘Sidmouth: Feb. 22, 1794.
‘Dear Sir,—We came hither from Lynn near three weeks since, as Mr. Hoole informed you. We are in very warm and comfortable lodgings, and the woman of the house is very attentive and obliging. The air of this place is very mild and very moist, but they tell us the healthiest of any upon the coast. Mr. Hoole has been on to Exmouth, which, upon the whole, he does not like so well. We do not find that Devonshire is cheaper the further you go, but the contrary, at least on the coast.
‘With regard to myself, I do not find I am any better for this journey, indeed I have had more fever and cough since I came here than ever I had. I am at present better, but I know that is owing to a very strict regimen which I have lately taken to. The weather has been very unfavourable, for though it has not been cold we have had almost constantly either rain or wind. We have been absent from home near nine weeks, and Mr. H. must very soon return to his curacy; he will either take me with him or leave me here, and we wish very much to know what you advise, considering all circumstances.
‘This place is certainly warmer than Surrey, but we have heard here, as at Lynn, that it sometimes proves unfavourable in consumptive cases. I do not think Abinger at all in fault; I have been well or better there than anywhere. But I am not unwilling to be left here, if it should still be thought advisable. Will you have the goodness to write as soon as you can, as we shall not determine till we hear? Mr. Hoole has had but one letter from you about a month ago. This I mention lest you should have sent any which may have miscarried.
‘Believe me, dear Sir,
‘Your affectionate Daughter,
‘Elizabeth Hoole.
‘Perhaps you may like to know something of the price of provisions: Meat 4½d. per lb.; poultry is reasonable; chickens from 2s. to 2s. 6d. a couple; milk 2d. a quart; butter 10d. per lb.’