as I was not able to procure a copy of the letters in time for the group read so I have not been able to participate. However, I have been reading the posts with great enthusiasm and curiosity and I must say that this thread about Cassandra Austen has fascinated me. I always thought it was a bit odd for her to want to burn the letters from her sister in order to preserve her reputation. IMHO, that would be as if she was ashamed of who JA really was and I just don't see her feeling that way about her beloved sister. It is interesting to learn that in all probability, it was the younger Victorian generation of the Austen family that preferred to destroy some of her writings. I am so happy to see Cassandra vindicated at last! :-P