7 February 1826

MY BIRTHDAY!

I am FOURTEEN years old today and my prospects in life have not improved one whit since my last birthday. [NB. what is a whit?]

My presents were:

A penknife with an ivory handle (from Ma and Pa). I think it is Papa’s old penknife, as the blade is quite blunt and there is a distinct smell of gin and snuff about the handle. 

A shaving brush (from Fanny), ‘which may come in useful, one day’ (!).

A knitted sock (from Letty). She made this herself but, ‘found it quite hard and have not had the courage to attempt a second, but here it is Charley, and I hope you might like it.’

We had pancakes for breakfast.

Tried on the sock. It does not fit.