1806 LETTER KIRBY LONSDALE MILEAGE to BICKERSTETH VOLUNTEER CROWN INN PENRITH

Cover with entire long family letter from H. Bickersteth in Kirkby Lonsdale 11th June 1806 to his son Robert Bickersteth, Volunteer Crown Inn, Penrith, also including letter from his mother; KIRBY LONSDALE mileage handstamp + 1 handstamp.  Red wax grid seal on the back.  Letter: From Kirkby Lonsdale to Penrith (on Military Service).  

K Lonsdale June 11th  

My dear Robert I have just received your Letter by Mr. Wilson, & I am very glad that your time is so near expiring for military service. — I have just wrote to Mr. Harrison of Kendal to request that he will let you have a bed the two nights you are at Kendal or if he has no spare bed himself, to secure one for you — Mr. Baynes & Mr. Cumming are arrived to night but we do not hear any thing yet of the Spinning Wheel. Some of you will let us know what time on Sunday you will be at Kirkby & what road you come, that we may endeavour to meet you & set the Bells a ringing. Give my best respects to Mr. Wilson & tell him Mrs. Wilson & the little folks got very well home, they stopped a few minutes at the door as they passed. I think Wm Dodgson’s knee is better, the last time I saw it there did not appear to be more than half the quantity of fluid extravasated that there was. — I should like to come as far as Kendal to see your performance on Saturday but I fear I cannot make it convenient. — As we shall so soon see you at home it is unnecessary my saying more than that your Mother & Sisters join in love to you with My dear Robert Your Affectionate Father H Bickersteth Postscript: P.S. If you hear nothing further you will call on Mr. Harrison when you get to Kendal about the bed — If you hear of any Cow Pox Matter in Penrith, will you bring some From Elizabeth Bickersteth My dearest Robt Miss Jane Wheatley married a Mr Bell of Penrith, & I believe lives in Penrith, I could wish you to call upon her, with my best compts & make yourself known to her. Edward has sent some medals for Tho Addison, by Wm Moor; they were directed to your care but your Father opened them. The new dollar is very handsome. Though you complain of a soldiers life being idle, & tiresome, I hope you endeavour to go through it with spirit, & above all to set a good example to your brethren in Arms. You are called out on a great & awful occasion, & lukewarmness would be the death blow of old England. God bless you, we shall be glad of your return home & believe me ever your affect Mother E Bickersteth.