A portion of a letter from Robert Hall, [Leicester], to a Mr. Alexander, Esq., Blackheath, near London, undated (c. 1810).

. . . With respect to Mr Don, it would gratify me much to have him for a time in our neighbourhood.  Were it not for the distraction of a young family I would be most happy in offering him any Room under my roof.  But the noise of children would not suit.  If you will [illegible word] him upon the proposal & hear information whether he is willingly disposed to come into Leicestershire, I will make all the enquiry in my town for a suitable situation.  But I know not well how to set about it untill I have some assurance of his readiness to accept it.  Those to whom I might find it proper to reply would probably feel themselves to be [illegible word] unless I could make them a more specific proposal, I’m sorry that [illegible word] of Mr Fosters resignation.  He is a wonderfull man, but not at all [illegible word] to the common people.  I am yours most sincerely

                                       Robert Hall

Text: MAM PLP 48.25.3, John Rylands University Library of Manchester.   This letter can be dated c. 1810, not long after the birth of Hall’s daughter and about three years after John Foster’s resignation at Frome.