Annuity for Charlotte Gamon

HEH STG Correspondence Box 7 (21). Letter from  Richard Temple to Anna Eliza Brydges. 12 April 1818. Full transcript. 

Stowe April 12 1818

My dearest Love

I cannot conceal my disgust at the D. of Athols cold blooded brutal behaviour, not to be justified or palliated. Nothing but my affection for you prevents me from refusing to have any thing further to do with the business, and thus either forcing this hard hearted Scotchman to do justice by his own Sister’s Child, or shaming him by showing to the world that he has deserted her when left an orphan. You know my circumstances and how difficult it is for me to do any think more than I had offered. But under the circumstances of the case, and from feelings due to you, I will commit to give Miss Gamon £400 p^r ann^m so long as she remains unmarried. I have ascertained that she will have £400 p^r ann^m at least so says M^r [?], and if a different story is told you now [sic] it is for the purpose of fixing a heavier weight upon you, and imposing on your tenderness of heart. With my addition she will have £800 per annum or a future of £16000, greater than most Peers daughters, and greater than you yourself said the other day you thought would be offered with whoever was to marry Temple. Upon reflection I am sure therefore you will consider this proposition as the utmost extent to which I can go or ought to go, under the circumstances of the brutal conduct of Miss Gamon’s relation, but for your feelings and your sake. Pray tell Brown therefore that this allowance of £400 p^r ann^m may begin in half yearly payments from the day of S^r Richard’s decease.

I trust that as little time as possible may be lost in putting Miss Gamon into her residence wherever it may be. If she cannot have the asylum to which you refer, she then may remain with Miss Williamson at Minchenden until a proper place be found for her. I rejoice to hear you have not suffered from your going. Get down to Hampshire as soon as you can, and I shall be most anxious to be enabled either to join you there or get you up to London in good health. I am not very well today. Rosy however is in full prosperity & sends her love.

God bless you my dearest love

Your^s ever affectionat^ely

Ch.B