Title
Ann May to Priscilla May 1 Dec 1822
Ampthill 12th Mo 1st
My dearest P.
I was getting very anxious to hear of you all when thy acceptable letter arrived, for truly Edward observes we have had but little communication of late - thy being in such good hands makes us feel tolerably easy, especially as I hope thy troublesome malady is not attended with much suffering, am sorry to find it has been worse lately, as we cannot now depend on the improvement observable since it is, and will be, an exercise of patience which it is to be hoped will not fail - as it is uncertain when thy father will go to Town, am glad of the present opportunity to send thee a line that thou may'st not think thyself quite forgotten. H.Waterhouse goes to town tomorrow on a visit to Josh Fry's son John, he is to take this.
With the exception of a slight cold or two we are favoured to be in usual health, Lewis was vaccinated last third day week, was feverish the tenth day, but is nearly got over it, I believe would be quite, but for his teeth, he cut one of the front upper ones a few days since, and the other is very near; yesterday was our Fair when he was treated with a box of bells, and some leather shoes, as Sarah thinks he will soon go alone; she says he will make thy arm ache finely, but I tell her thou wilt enjoy nursing him, he is such a sweet happy little creature.
If dear Francis has visited you today he will get sadly wet in returning I fear, as the weather is very rough this evening, first days must be rather dull to thee my dear if thou dost not go to meeting, it does indeed seem needless to try to conceal thy being at Tottenham, but that we must leave entirely to thy dear Bror & sister, to whose kind care of thee we are so much indebted; if thou should'st go to meeting, I fear thy Pelisse would be too shabby, perhaps thy bonnets are, if so I could send thee a good silk one that would be just the thing, one thy Aunt T left here for me, it would be a pity to purchase such a durable one as a beaver before thy head is cured - I shall quite approve of thy having a black silk apron, but not knowing the length, must request thee to tell thy father on his first going that he may purchase and take it next evening .
Nancy Morris in making scent bags found the cotton would not confine the powder, so uses wadding which should be twice double.
Thy stockings thou art knitting must be clumsy enough, yet perhaps may be worth finishing for thyself or one of thy brothers, as being too large is not the worst fault -
James's love to thee, he will be glad of one of thy bread seals, and so shall I, having a set of shirts cut out for him perhaps thou wilt like to make one if thy eyes continue well, am glad they admit of thy attention to learning again, thy taste for reading also pleases me, as this is the time for getting thy mind well stored with instructions from that source, how would'st thou like to read a book we have in 3 vol. viz. Rome in the 19th Century.
You doubtless heard what a dreadful fire there was lately at Hertford, it was near thy Cousin Joseph's who was out to watch its' progress but the family did not rise from their beds.
Perhaps Francis has told thee of the death of poor little Maria Pearman thy father & James attended the funeral last 4th day, she had been ill with Typhus fever six weeks I should think Daniel was very much affected Betsy bore it better they had the comfort of her mother's company - James Pearman's arrival in America had been announced; we have also heard the Smart family have reached New York in safety, but Thomas's sister who was left behind is in great affliction from the loss of her husband John Mason who died from home at Scarborough. Naming this place reminds me of Jane Stickney it seems she is about leaving Ackworth to take to a school there I thought she might have succeeded E.A. at Doncaster - as we hear she is wishing to dispose of the concern there.
Tomorrow we are expecting dear Cousin M.Foster to come & spend a few days. Edmund is to be her driver, we think he will like best {to} dine with Charles as he was his schoolfellow -
I {have} been favoured greatly in receiving two kind letters from my brother Hooper since the birth of his youngest son, hope thy dear Aunt continues improving.-
I believe we are to have Frederick for the vacation, Charles received a kind letter from Philip this morning it seems pretty much concluded for Henry [Tuckett] to be bound, he behaves very agreeably hitherto -
I hope we shall recollect dear Caroline's order for Shop cloths etc.
2nd Day. Supper time prevented my finishing this last evening, and we have had a most disturbed night - just as we all got to bed, here was the terrible cry of fire, it proved a most terrific one at John Bennel's at Flitwick & evidently the work of an incendiary, as three ricks burst out in flames at once, four were burn't, some very large so that the body of fire was awful the people were assembl'd in great numbers & by their exertions saved the dwelling house all hands turned out from here except H.Tuckett who was requested to stay, Chas & James from the other house went too they returned about four so I think they will be tired enough tonight the property was insured in our Office - I intend sending thee something to make thy caps if we do not find time for it fear thou art sadly off -
Tell my dear E. I was very glad of his letter especially as it brought a favourable account of his practice we rejoice with thankfulness at his success.
Thy F. has thoughts of going to see our dear Sammy boy some time this month does not know whether he shall see you next 2nd day or when -
Tell Edward that the Exton Trustees made two short visits here to no purpose, or rather that they name an exorbitant sum & say they will have it. W.E. could not join them so another meeting is requested soon.
The darling had a good night & all seem as well as can be expected after our alarm - With our united dearest love to you all three I remain thy ever affect - Mother
I should tell thee a little of the rheumatism only remains & that confined to my right hand still -
Postmark : BISHOPSGATE 3.12.1822 7 o'Clock also: T.{E}
. DE.3 .BISHOPSGATE 1822 N P
E.C.May Surgeon &c-P.M. Tottenham High Cross