steventon, friday (december 28).

my dear cassandra,—frank is made. he was yesterday raised to the rank of commander, and appointed to the "petterel" sloop, now at gibraltar. a letter from daysh has just announced this, and as it is confirmed by a very friendly one from mr. mathew to the same effect, transcribing one from admiral gambier to the general, we have no reason to suspect the truth of it.

as soon as you have cried a little for joy, you may go on, and learn further that the india house have taken captain austen's petition into consideration,—this comes from daysh,—and likewise that lieutenant charles john austen is removed to the "tamar" frigate,—this comes from the admiral. we cannot find out where the "tamar" is, but i hope we shall now see charles here at all events.

this letter is to be dedicated entirely to good news. if you will send my father an account of your washing and letter expenses, etc., he will send you a draft for the amount of it, as well as for your next quarter, and for edward's rent. if you don't buy a muslin gown now on the strength of this money and frank's promotion, i shall never forgive you.

[45]

mrs. lefroy has just sent me word that lady dorchester meant to invite me to her ball on january 8, which, though an humble blessing compared with what the last page records, i do not consider as any calamity.

i cannot write any more now, but i have written enough to make you very happy, and therefore may safely conclude.

yours affectionately, jane.

miss austen, godmersham park.