Steventon, Friday (December 28).

My dear Cassandra,—Frank is made. He was yesterday raised to the rank of Commander, and appointed to the "Petterel" sloop¹, 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, transcribing² 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 Lieutenant³ 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 dedicated⁴ entirely⁵ 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 promotion⁶, I shall never forgive you.

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Mrs. Lefroy has just sent me word that Lady Dorchester meant to invite me to her ball on January 8, which, though an humble⁷ blessing⁸ compared with what the last page records, I do not consider as any calamity⁹.

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.

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