McCRUM, J.Stafford. Manuscript letter signed to Miss Sabina Gillott. Folded, with original envelope. McCrum has enlisted an acquaintance, Mr Holden, to affect a meeting with Miss Gillot as McCrum's mother has expressed a wish to see him settled, and he wishes to promote her happiness while furthering his own. His habits are retiring, he has but few acquaintances, little company and his walks are quiet country ones. Some four or five young ladies have been recommended by Mr Holden, but one was singled out - "yourself". "I gather-that you are accomplished, properly genteel, that is without its pride, in other words, - it's folly; that you have a due idea of domestic management; and more than all, you are amicable (for the heart and disposition are the chief)". He suggests walking to Sheffield or home, and because he is "too much a stranger ...to visit your house" he leaves the matter therefore in her hands. I would love to be able to say "reader I married him" but alas, I have been unable to find out what happened between J.Stafford McCrum and Miss Gillott- if anything. A good example of how some men perceived women and the extraordinary (to us at least) manners employed in an attempt to approach them in Victorian times. There would seem to be possibilities for the researcher here...