[192] In 1806, the small living of Hampstead Marshall became vacant by the death of old Mr. Fowle; and Lord Craven, the patron, looking round for an 'honest man' who would hold the living for his nominee, offered it to James Austen. He, however, felt scruples, grounded on the wording of the bond of resignation, and declined the preferment.
[193] Her second marriage to General H. T. Montresor.
[194] A joking suggestion that Sir Brook Bridges was about to propose to Cassandra.
[195] Sir John Moore's heroic twelve days' retreat to Corunna was now in progress, and the battle was fought there on January 16. It is mentioned again in the next two letters. The news on this occasion seems to have come very quickly. The St. Albans (under the command of Francis Austen) was at Spithead, and there took charge of the disembarkation of the remains of Sir John Moore's forces (Sailor Brothers, p. 203).
[196] Margiana; or Widdrington Tower, anon. 5 vols. 1808. For a description of this romance see a reply by M. H. Dodds in Notes and Queries, 11 S. vii. pp. 233-4.
[197] Women, or Ida of Athens, by Sydney Owenson (afterwards Lady Morgan), published in 1809.
[198] The Wild Irish Girl, published in 1806.
[199] Mrs. Charles Austen, whose daughter Cassandra was born on December 22, 1808.
[200] Eldest daughter of Jane's brother Edward.
[201] This proved to be Hannah More's Cœlebs in Search of a Wife, published in 1808. See next letter.