Title
Ann May to Priscilla May n.d. c.Jan.1823
Ampthill 5th Day Evg
My dear Priscilla
Thy last, far from not being worth reading, was very acceptable, as proof of my dear children's affectionate remembrance is at all times; I may tell thee we praise thy free, easy style, so be encourag'd, my dear to cultivate it - I had been longing to hear of you all when the budget arriv'd in F.'s parcel which, tho' small was highly prized, one piece of information could not fail of giving me some uneasiness, that of the increase of disease in thy head, which I hoped was quite cured, I am sorry to learn that it is likely to prove an exercise of patience a little longer, trust it is not painful to thee - but am sure it must be very troublesome, it often occurs to me how busy you are with it below stairs after breakfast, gladly would I lend a helping hand, but doubt not thy being as independent as the case admits - what a favor it is to be so kindly cared for in every way, to have a Tutoress in a sister, & a medical attendant in a brother; in reflecting on this, I think thou art, with me, desirous of feeling thankful to kind Providence who condescends thus bountifully to provide for all thy wants, endeavour to cherish this grateful feeling, and it will tend to check the rising of impatience or envy at the situation of other young people, who have no such inconvenient malady. be assured my dear that nothing in thy conduct calls forth this remark, on the contrary, I hear thy behaviour very agreeably spoken of, and I am sure thy statement of routine of daily employment leaves no doubt of thy time being both profitably & agreeably spent, am afraid the snow has deprived you of some pleasant walks, it also seems likely to prevent thy Father's intended visit to dear Sammy, how I wish thou could'st have prepared a letter to him, but there will not be time.
Am obliged for thy kindly proposing to copy my scraps of Poetry into a book, have sent a few only, having lent most of mine to Eliza Foster, who will soon return them I should think.
It pleases me to find that thou art getting a little notion of drawing I should not wish thee to spend much time at it, only to serve as a little amusement.
The muffettees [i.e. wristlets] were very acceptable to James, how pretty a little pair for dear Samuel would have been -
I have not got a new pocket book yet, shall request thy father to furnish me with one of the Friends' - perhaps he will also get one of some sort for thee -
I have just given Lewis to Sarah that this may be finished before Coach time, he is looking very sweet, and walks with taking one hand, but wilt thou tell dear E. that he too has a little humour about the head owing to teething no doubt, but as it begins to spread in little spots I think a little medicine is necessary, will E. say what, he has scarcely ever yet taken any, but perhaps about twice, 1/2 grain Calomel, which has succeeded well, can we improve on it? This part should have been addressed to E.as I want next to mention the state of James' nose, which is quite pitiable, sometimes I talk of sending E. a drawing of it, hope however he will be able to find a remedy in alterative [sic] pills, it has now been so for some months, Charles applies cooling, mollifying things in vain, sometimes it is swelled to the lip, and the passage appears closed, he has a cough but is in pretty good health.
I hope thy poor pocket will get replenished - Whether I write or am silent believe me always - Thy truly affectionate Mother
C. & J. desire thee their dear love
6th day Morning
Priscilla May Tottenham High Cross