| Description | Isabella Taylor was the sister of Elizabeth's father John Taylor. Her letter indicates that she was considerably advanced in years, particularly where she refers to herself as 'aged'. However, the letter also suggests that Isabella maintained a keen interest in her young relations and a close relationship with her niece Elizabeth Taylor.
In this letter Isabella Taylor expresses her love and 'admiration' for Elizabeth, sending her 'heart-felt wishes for a happy birth-day', and for 'many happy useful days to follow.' Isabella remarks on the family gathering being held to celebrate Elizabeth's birthday and writes how she had enjoyed her recent time spent with Elizabeth and her siblings, described in her letter as the 'Sunbury children'.
Isabella remarks on the 'busy useful lives' of Elizabeth and her brothers and sisters, adding that they ought to remember their grandmother Taylor's saying 'be prompt to do - but not to over do'. She refers to enjoying hearing about Elizabeth's recent travels abroad, and asks if she may peruse her holiday journals. |