From a Gentleman soliciting a Nobleman to open a Bazaar

I got my sewing machine! I am not a sewer. I had a pattern, cut the fabric, ironed it, all ready to go. And it was SO. SMALL. I mean, somehow my hips were a lot bigger than the pattern, even though I took measurements and painstakingly drafted it. I made some adjustments, and well, now I have a bunch of scraps of fabric sewn together in a strange way, with a zipper on one side, and a leg shorter than the other. I don't know how that last one happened, since I didn't cut the pant legs any shorter. In the end, my legs did fit in, at least.

Last night, in my optimism, I ordered more fabric. I am pretty discouraged at the initial result of my sewing, but I am sure that I will get the hang of it eventually. For now, let's stick to knitting.

The last letter was from a Lady requesting assistance with a bazaar. This one is from a Gentleman. I have decided, from here on out, if the letters go together (like this one and yesterdays, or the two banking ones), I will put them on one post. There are so many letters in this book, it could take me a year to post each one individually 5 days a week. Once my regular school schedule kicks back in in a few months, I don't expect I'll be able to keep that up AND post knitting patterns.

From a Gentleman soliciting a Nobleman to open a Bazaar

Down Grange, Canterbury.           

January 17th.     

         The Earl of Bicester.

                 My Lord,

                       May I solicit the honor of your Lordship's presence at a bazaar to be held for the benefit of the Cottage Hospital Fund at our Town Hall on July 23rd? The ladies of the neighbourhood have taken the greatest interest in promoting this bazaar, and they are very desirous that it should be opened by your Lordship. I therefore venture to make the request, as your support and countenance would, I feel sure, prove of great service to the undertaking.

                                                                     I beg to remain, my Lord,

                                                                                        Yours faithfully,

                                                                                                    Alfred Armstrong.

He sure gave a lot of notice! January 17th for an event in July! The world could be different place in that amount of time....