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Jacob Gilbert van der Smissen (Altona) to Silena How. ... The few weeks [Tommy] stayed...

Catalogue reference: HW/87/307

What’s it about?

This record is a file about the Jacob Gilbert van der Smissen (Altona) to Silena How. ... The few weeks [Tommy] stayed... dating from 16 Jan 1770.

Is it available online?

Maybe, but not on The National Archives website. This record is held at Bedfordshire Archives & Records Service.

Can I see it in person?

Not at The National Archives, but you may be able to view it in person at Bedfordshire Archives & Records Service.

Full description and record details

Reference

HW/87/307

Date

16 Jan 1770

Description

Jacob Gilbert van der Smissen (Altona) to Silena How. ... The few weeks [Tommy] stayed at our house I must confess he behaved himself very well. You know he is of a lively temper & therefore a very watchful eye ought to be fixed upon him constantly, but he being tenderhearted too, he accepts reproof, tho' he has soon forgott and immediately committs the same fault again. But for all that I consider him to be a youth of great hopes & I love him for the sake of his honourable mother. As to my judgement, it is very good for him to be a while at Segeberg at such a good masters house, where he may not only make better progress in the German Language but also lose a little more of his childishness which hinder'd him much of being serviceable to himself and to us ... As to his proneness to the vice of lying & drinking ... as to the first, I am very carefull on his stories he tells whether they are as he relates them ...& as to drinking he has no opportunity at all at our house . Sister is engaged to cousin; & himself hopes to marry.

G. van der Smissen adds a note, that he has received a letter from Segeberg about Tommy's good behaviour & progress.

Held by
Bedfordshire Archives & Records Service
Language

English

Record URL
https://beta.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/id/1c35e2e1-8427-4c8d-98ae-ad99a2e31cfd/

Series information

HW/87

Letters & Papers of the How Family

See the series level description for more information about this record.

View series description

Catalogue hierarchy

196,087 records
1,194 records

Within the fonds: HW

How White Papers

576 records

Within the series: HW/87

Letters & Papers of the How Family

You are currently looking at the file: HW/87/307

Jacob Gilbert van der Smissen (Altona) to Silena How. ... The few weeks [Tommy] stayed...