BARBAULD, Anna Letitia (1743-1825). Poet and essayist.
Long Autograph Letter Signed to Hannah More, 4 pages 4to with address ('Mrs H More') and remains of seal, small piece removed from foot of first leaf, Palgrave, 22 May no year. A rather sycophantic epistle, expressing regret that the two did not correspond, praising Hannah More's 'Sacred Dramas' [1782], and discursing at length on the essays of Mr Soame Jennings [sic Jenyns (1704-1787).

'If any one were to ask me whether Miss More & Mrs Barbauld correspond I should say, We correspond I hope in sentiments, in inclinations, in affection, but with the pen I really cannot say we do. ...
 'These sentiments have received a fresh accession of strength by the sight of your sacred Dramas, a work I have expected with impatience ever since you favoured me with a peep at Moses. it is too late my dear Miss More to compliment you on the execution of your pleasing plan, but you must give me leave to mention how sensibly I was touched with pleasure on seeing the tribute you have paid to Friendship in the obliging lines which soon caught my eye in the sweet poem annexed to the Dramas. ...
 'We have lately been reading Mr Soame Jennings' Essays ... many of them very ingenious & very whimsical. What for instance do you think of the idea of coming into this world to be punished for old offences. ...'

A note at the head of the letter in another hand reads 'This Church Woman was alas! a Socinian!!', which would appear to be a reference to Hannah More.
Provenance: from a collection formed by A.M. Broadley in 1903.
[No: 24685]