Reference
Z699/34
Title
Ann May to Priscilla May 3 Nov 1825
Ampthill 11th Mo 3rd 25
My dearest P.
Thy nimble pen has set me a good example truly yet it is not in my power to repay thee otherwise than by one of my hasty shabby notes probably only a few little better than that sent by thy cousin Harry as it is near supper time I regret it the less because thy F. can tell thee how it fares with us all he expects to make a longer stay than usual having many purchases to make.
Before I proceed let me tell thee my dear how gratifying it is to me to receive such an affectionate epistle from thee then thou wast not mistaken in believing such proof of regard are always acceptable it is truly endearing to know we are so much the companions of each other's thoughts & trust our short separation instead of estranging us will prove a cement to that affection which under the Divine blessing will I trust prove the solace of our lives.
Am glad thou wrote to dear Samuel I have indeed neglected the poor fellow but now having heard from him intend writing soon.
I conclude tho' thou dost not mention that Harry made a visit to M. & J. last 2nd day evening & put thee in receipt of a small parcel from me it seemed affecting to part with the dear youth after such a long tarriance here am sure I shall miss his obliging services.
The account of S.Peacock's death must have been impressive especially to the young profitably so I trust we have a similar instance of the awful necessity of early preparation for that solemn change in the extreme illness of poor Betsy Cook whose release is hourly expected & even longed for by herself altho' no longer ago than since my return from town she was so much better as to be walking out as usual - yesterday she express'd a wish to see me so I went but she was too weak to speak but quite sensible & always appears calm & resigned she is constantly panting for want of breath & is in great pain I trust her afflicted spirit is preparing for a mansion of rest.
Poor John C. is still a great sufferer both in body & in mind he is not at all likely to be restored to health & unhappily doubts the possibility of obtaining Divine forgiveness of sins, his disorder probably disposes him to melancholy & the Enemy of our peace takes advantage of it but I trust he will prove that there is a Power above all.
Thy aunt D is invited to spend next week with cousin M.Forster as Eliza & Marianne are going to Luton.
Nancy dined here yesterday & called this morning has not quite lost her cough but is looking remarkably well - I am pleased to find our dear Jane is already feeling so much at home as to Francis I am disappointed at his looking so pale still as he cannot be well -
My mind is so often straying to Tottenham give my dearest love at both houses think I must send it on paper soon.
I am shamed to say thy shoes are not yet begun J.Smith having been ill nor supposing thou would'st like white lamb's wool stockings I had not prepared them but have now done so only cannot run them in time to send & have ordered the shoes to be made a little larger to receive them & with two ties in order to hide more of the instep -
As to the skirt it would perhaps be impossible to match it with sleeves but try if thou likes & tell me if I should send a new dimity skirt, I have two reasons for sending the paper loose having no bookbinding tools & the supposition that thou can'st use it best so.
I am oblig'd for all thy care about my health I am favoured to escape hitherto.
The best staircase will be usable in a few days when our dwelling will be comfortable.
My love to S.C. heartily wish her cold well am obliged for the prospectus -am ready to think Eliza will be turned from her [unfinished, from Ann May]
Date free text
3 Nov 1825
Production date
From: 1825 To: 1825
Exent
No. of pieces: 1
Format
paper
Level of description
item