authority as the Allenbys will be got, as to Winsby. Slash Lane promises very well. From the Allenbys let us be content to reap Winsby field only: as it seems they once farmed it, and let us get as good an account as possible of the look of the field, Slash Lane, the records and traditions of the place, and what remains were dug up, and exactly where; for that generally shows where the stress of the battle was. It is best to keep people to one point: else they wander off into generalities: as for instance what the Lady tells of War Scythes hung up in Horncastle Church: which, cruel as Oliver was, we must refer back to an earlier warfare than his, I doubt. Pray thank Miss Charlesworth: and believe me yours ever,
E. FitzGerald.
Boulge, March 5/44.
Dear Mrs. Charlesworth,
I have heard again from Carlyle who has sent me, a letter from Dr. Cookson, which I am to burn or send, as I think best. Before I do so, I should be glad to speak to Miss Charlesworth on the matter again: and as my brother is going off on one of his comet excursions to-morrow (at least so he purposed an hour ago) I shall go with him to Ipswich, unless it snows, etc., and shall walk to Bramford. My humble request therefore is nothing more than that you will be so good as to lock up Miss C. till I have come and consulted as to what is best to be done:
and how best to address this Doctor: whom I conclude she knows.
However, I only mean that if the day is pretty fair I may hope to find some of you at home: and Mr. Charlesworth well again.
Yours very truly,
E. FitzGerald.
[19 Charlotte Street,
Rathbone Place,]
London, April 11/44.