[Rev. Thomas Chalmers.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Grace Chalmers') from Grace Pratt Chalmers to her mother Grace Chalmers, wife of Rev. Thomas Chalmers, asking for control over her clothing allowance, to show that she is 'not altogether the Hottentot

3pp., 4to. Bifolium. 62 lines of text. In good condition, lightly-aged, with short unobtrusive closed tears along crease lines and '(Grace Pratt)' in a later hand at head of first page. On the reverse of the second leaf is the address, with remains of red wax seal: 'Mrs. Chalmers. | Inverleith Row - | Edinburgh.' Docketted: 'G. P. Chalmers | 1838'. Closes 'Yr. ever affectionate daughter | Grace Chalmers'. A remarkably forthright letter for a Victorian daughter to send to her mother, the writer making three requests: first, asking in determined terms to be trusted with her own clothing allowance ('to shew you that I am not altogether the Hottentot you consider me'); second, to be given 'the entire charge' of her father's clothes; and third, asking her mother to take care of her health, and 'not let parties of pleasure politics Puseyism pugilism provokingly perturbate' her. The letter begins: 'My dearest mama | I dont think that any communication has passed between Edinh. & Stirling since the new year. If not I wish every one a happy new year, & proceed to business intimately connected with it. I would like very much this year being 19 years old to have the entire charge of my own clothes both after I have got them & in the selection of them. Not only so but to have the money in my own hand, & to buy what & when I like for indeed I have a very decided taste in dress which has never yet been gratified. If you would give me three months after my return in March - I would not have time to run into any great extravagance or shabbiness. However I think the money shd. date from January & I am going to put down all I spend here to this years account. I think now I ought to have 15 pounds for Eliza had as much when she was far younger but if you think it better I shall try to do upon 12 - | Pray agree to this my dear mama. I shall try to shew you that I am not altogether the Hottentot you consider me. Hitherto my laziness has considered asking you for the money'. She has 'got my green <?> frocks very well made up thereby go two shillings - the red was such a hideous failure that even Anne says I can't wear it & it must go to the children. [...] Eliza may either take my blue silk or not as she pleases - provided I have not to pay for it.' She adds 'another request [...] with a proviso': that she may 'take charge of papa's clothes - provided you will not be angry at my stupidity at first & will shew me how to mend them.' She is 'making a beautiful pair of slippers for Mr. ' and is going to 'make a pair for papa as evening work when I come to town'. She has 'a very nice pattern for them a canvass full of pretty patterns'. She wants to 'try to do something for you & papa when I come in - & if you will give me the entire charge of his clothes only looking over them once a month it will be so useful for me too'. Her 'Third request' is that her mother should 'take care of your health, & not let parties of pleasure politics Puseyism pugilism provokingly perturbate you', as 'All our happiness depends upon your health'. She is 'extremely happy' in Stirling: 'Mr. Hanna [her brother-in-law William Hanna, husband of her sister Anne] is so very kind to me.' She ends by stating that she is 'not quite so idles' as she was, reading 'history & French every day'.