Z699/14

Ann May to Priscilla May n.d. c.Jan. 1823 Ampthill 1st Day Eveng My dearest P. I am afraid to trust to the morning for writing, or would not employ such a short time as I have before me this evening, especially to acknowledge the receipt of such unlooked for treasure as came by dear Francis's parcel accompanied by a kind letter from him which altogether was a high treat & I felt a degree of true thankfulness in being blessed with such dear & affectionate children, hope to answer dearest Edward's very acceptable letter before very long; with this thou art to receive a piece of bombazeen for a gown, if there is enough to make an apron too, so much the better, I cannot expect to trouble thy dear sister with it farther than to put it into good hands to be made, if there is no one at Tottenham perhaps Sophie King would do, I have no other directions to give than that it should be made high, but not quite to the neck; as it will be necessary then to make the dark poplin the same have sent the remaining piece of it for a loose waist body, if it can be like a frock, buttoned behind, should prefer, but as I care little about it beyond use & decency, perhaps dear C. will order it - the dark poplin must now come in for every day wear, & the shabby old one either be given away, or be washed & made into a skirt. I intend to send thee another of James's shirts, which is the last of the set; not having received the other I cannot tell what alterations to point out, have no doubt it will do very well, if the button holes in the wristbands are placed right, as thou art so short of night shifts think I had need cut out some before long. We are making a common cotton bed for the garret, & have another cut out for a customer, then comes Charles' Blue moreen & a common one for Thomasin, whom we expect in about two weeks. Nancy Morris is convalescent, but very weak still - we are expecting Eliza Tatham tomorrow to stay a few days. The weather is very unfavourable to such as want exercise & {fresh} air, but I do not feel it materially. have been twice at meeting to-day, you are no doubt often made prisoner by the rain, and dirty streets - am glad to hear a rather more favourable account of thy health head- Lewis 's is better, the medicine seems to suit him thanks to dear Edward, his advice has also been of use to James, his nose is improving, I think it will not be very long before thy Father sees you again - he did not take cold on his last journey, as Edward suppos'd, and & left dear Samuel quite well. As it is bed time must conclude with dearest love to all three & remain - Thy ever affectionate Mother. P.S. Thy Cousin E.Pearman gave birth to another son last 6th day week. [Pencil] P.May

Jan. 1823

From: 1823 To: 1823

No. of pieces: 1

paper

item

May, Francis,
May, Ann,
May, Priscilla,
May, Edward Curtis,
King, Sophie,
May, Charles,
May, James,
Morris, Nancy,
Tatham, Eliza,
May, Lewis,
May, Samuel,
Pearman, E

clothing, weather, health, general medicine, Tottenham