ABSTRACT
The members of the household at Charles Street were Margaret Chinnery and Viotti, George Chinnery, Matilda Chinnery and little Margaret Chinnery. Viotti's 1812 letters to William Chinnery in Gothenburg are mostly concerned with the death of Caroline Chinnery. They also deal with his attempts to seek royal protection in helping both William and George find diplomatic posts. It is obvious from the letters that he was not short of invitations into Gothenburg society, where he continued to make the acquaintance of musicians, and where he desired to continue his cello playing. In Gothenburg William has offered the services of Viotti to two of his fellow countrymen, to obtain advantageous terms from Viotti's friend the pianoforte maker John Broadwood. During 1812 and 1813 Margaret maintained her reclusive life-style, refusing all invitations, and receiving guests in her own home only in the second half of 1813. Viotti continued to accept invitations, albeit reluctantly, to perform at private concerts.
