Reference
Z699/39
Title
Ann May to Priscilla May 2nd week Dec 1825 Ampthill 5th Day Evening
My dearest P.
I perceive thy very acceptable letter was penned before my last scribble had reached thee - it was sagacious enough of William to know it was not worth sending by coach - am now intending to send a few things by thy F. who perhaps may not get a sight of thee; therefore may say Nancy & the babe are favored to be getting on finely, & all the rest of us are in usual health; I did not expect the name of Margaret to be admired.
Thy F. had told me of the satire on your school, it is a pity dear S.C. should suffer a moment's uneasiness on account of such trash, probably the few lines enclosed of a similar character may, if new, amuse thee; J.Wiffen is the author, he address'd them to two young women who had paid him marked attention until J.J. came on a visit (at their house I believe) & eclipsed the poet, as well he might; so the verse in which there is much truth; must be taken as irony. I thought thou wouldst like to see how well my precious Sammy uses the pen.
Thy aunt has taken pains in altering the bonnet to please thee, it will do for 4th day, be very careful my dear not to wear a shabby one, nor dirty strings to it - the caps were cut out by Jane's paper pattern only a shorter head piece say how thou likes them & let me have a good many to wash whenever thou likes -the gloves are to draw over another pair in travelling, tell thy F. if thou art in want of others, as surely I think must be the case, I must refer thee to him too for cash am aware of thy being as frugal as is in thy power.
I am sorry to say that our house maid, who is a good servant, is in such ill health that we intend getting her into the Infirmary, she has a damsel to wait on her for a few weeks first, E.Kingston's sister, so I have plenty of seamstresses.
I called on Nancy this morning, she was looking quite cheerful, desires her love is looking towards thy return with pleasure, altho' I am longing to see thee my dear must beg thee to accept thy aunt H.[Hooper]'s invitation to the extent she seems to wish , it is of consequence to please her, so try to be lively & agreeable there -
I am glad to hear of thy taking so much delight in drawing, all that concerns thy improvement as well comfort, remember, is most interesting to me, especially if with so many advantages, thy mind has been more seriously impress'd with things relating to thy highest interests, how earnestly have I desired that in the unfolding of Truth thou may'st discover the "beauty of holiness" & to the latest period of life have cause gratefully to remember the time spent at N.[Newington]-
We have just supped & dear Charles is come for a little chat, so farewell my dear accept & present my love to S.C, M., & J., & believe me ever
Thy most affectionate - Mother
Priscilla May Stoke Newington.
Date free text
Dec 1825
Production date
From: 1825 To: 1825
Exent
No. of pieces: 1
Format
paper
Level of description
item