English: "Mary Fane, in St. James', London, to her husband Charles Fane, (Viscount Fane from 1718), in Lower Basildon, Berkshire, reporting the birth of the future Philip, 2nd Earl Stanhope in August 1714.

Mary Fane was daughter of Hon. Alexander Stanhope, FRS. Her brother James Stanhope was the father of the boy just born. Where she says sister she means her sister-in-law, Lucy Pitt (1692–1723), at the time Mrs. Stanhope. Stanhope was ennobled in 1717 and 1718."

Original spelling and punctuation uncorrected. Portions in brackets are obscured by tearing or blotting of the letter.

I am almost dead having

bin up all night with my

sister who is this minute

brought to bed of a son &

daughter, I hope she is like

to do well but has had a

very tedious labour & is at

present very weak, I am

hartily glad it is over bot[h]

for her sake & ours. [for]

I do very sincerly wish to be

at Basseldon, I desire if you

do not intend coming soon

you will write to me, I

have y^e head ac[he] so much

I can say no more only to

subscribe my selfe

yrs most Faithfully

M. Fane

August y^e 14

My duty to yr mother

Rodolph 02:04, 22 January 2007 (UTC)