Title
Ann May to Priscilla May 11 Nov 1822
Ampthill 11th Mo 11th
My dearest P.
Thy last with the addition kindly made by dear Edward was doubly acceptable, and altogether satisfactory and relieving, as I was suffering more than usual in sympathy with thee on account of thy troublesome maladies; it gives me therefore unspeakable comfort to hear of their being so much mitigated, and still more to find thou behaves agreeably in the family, which I mention for thy encouragement my dear, hoping thou wilt always behave not only becomingly to thy Bro. & Sisr, but with affection & gratitude, it is so kind of them to take charge of thee under present circumstances - as we are so very full of work, such as bed-ticks & furniture, cloaks, shirts, etc.
I have deferred sending thy caps till next time, those small runnings tear the muslin so in drawing, that I think it will be best to make them of l ins with such pipes as will take large cotton, to be taken out when washed. I am sorry I cannot find just such a remnant of satin as thou wants, any little thing of that kind thou hads't better mention to thy father.
I hope to remember thy aprons etc. quite approve of thy learning to make pies etc, when thou art very clever in the cooking department I shall be very glad of such a housekeeper - intend sending materials for little scent bags for dear Caroline's drawers, which doubtless thou wilt like to make under her direction.
We lately had such a nice letter from our precious Sammy that I must enclose it for your perusal, don't forget to return it, as it is unanswered, indeed he has not been written to this long time, I want to send the half crown, but never find a suitable opportunity - wilt thou my dear get a letter written to him, and give to Francis to forward when I send a parcel, he will like to hear from thee.
As thou wast hoping for an improv'd account of my health, may tell thee that I am favoured to be pretty well just now, the rheumatism having nearly quitted it's hold on my right hand today; I have tried to starve it out, by refraining from meat almost ever since my return from Tottenham, it has been nearly confined to the hand, sometimes so as to disqualify me for work, which thou mayst be sure was no small mortification - last week I was so teaz'd with toothache as induced me to submit to the pain of extraction, as it was an old offender, & had been forgiven various times; thy Brother will not be sorry to hear it was the same that I endured so much suffering with at Ingm Court, J.Chapman operated so skilfully as to get it out with one pull, wrench, or something; it was done last 4th day -
Now after saying so much about myself I would tell thee a little about Lewis, only that thy father cannot well help telling how very sweet & fat, and engaging he is, as to his cough we forget it, in a general way, thou could'st not wish to see a happier babe. I often tell him how fond his sister would be of nursing him, but he would soon make her arm ache.
Don't forget to send thy love to Cousins Nancy & Maria etc. The former took her station at the other shop last 5th day, she makes the parlour look like a different room, quite neat & comfortable.
M.Bennell is so altered with her womanly dress viz. gowns & caps, that Charles did not know her when he went there to tea, Eliza & her are such fine tall girls and so upright, that I long to see my dear P. hold up her head so, and improve her appearance equally.
Thou can'st scarcely mention a subject more interesting to me than my dearest Edward's practice, it is encouraging to hear of it's progress. I suppose my Croydon Sister H. has nearly finished her visit to Tottenham - do give my love to her.
Lucy Beck was at her father's here lately, she is likely to pass through T. in the course of the week. I believe, & talked of tarrying one night with you, with her very fat baby.
I called at M.Pumphrey's last evening who has her hands full truly, as they now keep no servant, Ann is a notable little creature, & almost supplies the place of one, how should we muddle on together, dost think? nursing baby between us, but poorly no doubt.
I have a great deal of love for thee, some from S.Street & Elizth.- Cousin Nancy is just come in and desires her's may be united to mine, which flows most cordially towards dear C. E. & thyself.
I must not forget to say we thought the watch cases very smart, they must not be put on thy bed untill thou comes. H.Tuckett sleeps there at present -
I shall have many questions to ask thy father about thee but perhaps thou wilt spare me some by sending a long letter, giving an account of how thou art spending thy time now thy eyes admit of reading etc. but am far from wishing thee to study at the expense of health; or so as to be troublesome to thy sister.
I am Thy very affectionate Mother
P.S. Since putting up the scent & silk thy F. tells me Caroline does not like it so thou may'st amuse thyself with making them for thyself or me.
It just occurs to me that probably a black silk apron would be suitable for thee - if C. thinks so do name it to thy father
No postmark.
Priscilla May Tottenham High Cross.