Z699/25

Ann May to Priscilla May 17 Feb 1825 Ampthill 2nd/17th first day night. My dear P. I have just laid down my work which is part of Edward's stuff bed to scribble a few hasty lines to go by thy F. early tomorrow morning thinking it just possible he may scarcely get sight of thee as it is his intention to spend next first day at Rochester - believing that however deeply thy mind may be engaged in the necessary attention to school duties thou wilt take a lively interest in passing events here and even in little every day occurrences wherein our darling Lewis is the most conspicuous person but I cannot tell thee half how entertaining he is and a very mournful subject must take precedence - thou must know my dear that the Pumphrey family are dispersed not one being left as a residue here last first day week probably thou heard poor Thomas died awfully sudden he had kept his chamber two days only & thought himself better but alas! without any warning apparently he fell on the floor lifeless little Edwin & Sarah were in the room & Maria the first to go up & make the shocking discovery she could hardly regain her composure all the day but her near relatives soon gathered about her which was very soothing & helpful her aunt Sally Brown came from Luton that evening soon afterwards Mary & Rebecca Pumphrey also Stanley a great deal has been done in a short time which indeed has engaged much of our attention as well as their's - the funeral was held last first day & the meeting crowded to excess with friends & others Samuel Allen E.Beck & many others from Hitchin & numbers also from Luton - The goods were sold last 4th yesterday by auction, when S.Brown with Maria and the two children dined here, then went by post chaise to Luton, the latter to board with a friend, and Maria on a visit until a place at service of some sort can be found - it seemed affecting to see such a tender little orphan as Sarah but I trust they will be providentially be cared for - Perhaps thou hast heard we have parted with Ann. Sarah & Mary do their respective parts so well that we do not miss her the latter will most likely accompany me to town to remain a while if it should appear suitable as the repairs of this old house are pretty much concluded on as a proof of it I may tell thee thy F. agreed yesterday to take this hither house of J. Roger's for a year for our grocery shop but as it is likely thy F. will see thee I need not enlarge; to tell thee the truth I have been on the point of putting this very hasty scrawl in the fire yet on second thoughts preferr'd giving proof that I thought of thee - thou hast perhaps heard of thy F.'s accident which prevented his taking this on 6th day.- We have been spending the evening with Stanley Pumfrey at Charles's very pleasantly, Lewis made one - all are now retired to bed. Must only remind thee of sending thy dirty caps - & that I shall depend on receiving a long epistle telling how it has fared with thee of late as it really seems {long} since we heard - Nancy is quite well. On 7th day received a pleasant letter from William at Edinburgh - with dear love to M. & J. and much of the same to thyself.- I am Thy ever affectionate Mother (To be put in fire) Susanna Corder Stoke Newington. P.May near London

17 Feb 1825

From: 1825 To: 1825

No. of pieces: 1

paper

item

May, Ann,
May, Priscilla,
May, Edward Curtis,
May, Samuel,
May, Lewis,
Pumphrey, Thomas,
Pumphrey, Maria,
Pumphrey, Edwin,
Pumphrey, Sarah,
Brown, Sally,
Pumphrey, Mary,
Pumphrey, Rebecca,
Pumphrey, Stanley,
Allen, Samuel,
Beck, E,
May, Charles,
Corder, Susannah

DEATH, disease, funerals, post, household personnel, servants, grocers, Rochester, LUTON, Hitchin, Edinburgh, Stoke Newington