" We
have long wished to express to some of her family the sentiments of
gratitude and affection she has inspired, and request more information
relative to her life than is given in the brief memoir prefixed to her
works.
'Having accidentally heard that a brother of Jane Austen held a high
rank in the British Navy, we have obtained his address from our friend
Admiral Wormley, now resident in Boston, and we trust this expression
of our feeling will be received by her relations with the kindness and
urbanity characteristic of Admirals of _her creation_. Sir Francis
Austen, or one of his family, would confer a great favour by complying
with our request. The autograph of his sister, or a few lines in her
handwriting, would be placed among our chief treasures.
'The family who delight in the companionship of Jane Austen, and who
present this petition, are of English origin. Their ancestor held a
high rank among the first emigrants to New England, and his name and
character have been ably represented by his descendants in various
public stations of trust and responsibility to the present time in the
colony and state of Massachusetts.
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