Title
Ann May to Priscilla 26 Jan 1826
Ampthill 1st Mo 26th
My dearest P.
I was sadly grieved to hear of thy having to undergo such a painful operation as that of losing a tooth, which I hope was not followed by any ill effects, no doubt it must have been distressing to dear E. too.
As we are always interested in your proceedings at N. thy last could not fail of being acceptable, as regards changes, you seem to be in much the same plight as ourselves, but I hope a very few more moves will settle us - will it surprise thee my dear to learn that Thomasin is enquiring for another situation, in consequence of our giving up the other Drapery shop, & having no need of her services! it seemed quite a difficulty upon us to tell her so, as she has behaved so well, & settled after all the inconveniences, she is not to hasten away, unless a situation should offer.
Thy aunt D's health appearing to suffer from turning out these cold evenings it is concluded to give up her lodgings, & we have had thy little bed put up in the corner of the nursery which just suits her, several of us have of late been on the croaking order, with colds, but are now on the nearly well, thy dear father is rather better than when thou saw him, his chief complaint is the want of refreshing sleep, altho' he is so actively employed by day; one comfort is, that his concerns lie in a smaller compass now they are centred in one shop, thou wilt surely rejoice with us when I tell thee, the great job of moving the goods was accomplished last 2nd day, & we have the comfort of it already, this being the first market day they have had numbers of customers to gaze, & admire the handsome appearance we make; the back parlour is now fitting for a warehouse; & they have a good counting house with a little fireplace, which, with a stove in the shop renders all parties comfortable.
Charles is busy enough, on the point of having the steam engine put up; at least the maker of it is to come next week - Nancy is pretty well, & the babe generally so, she is a thriving little creature, thou must surely long to see her, as I do the precious Lucy Ann; of whom we hear fine accounts.
My late severe cold has confined me much to the house; am thankful to say it is now so much better that I stay within by way of precaution only.
Am sorry to say M.Bennell is still confined to her chamber, having had a relapse producing inflammation of the liver, for which a great many leeches were applied both yesterday & first day, beside blistering.- their servant too is gone home ill, so Eliza's services are withdrawn just when most wanted - - the work must rest rather heavily upon Mary.
Nancy B. left Eliza in excellent spirits, quite pleased with her situation at Mary Lay's, she intended writing to thee, & Mary is hoping to see thee soon.-
The Morris's have their cousin Charlotte Ashby on a visit, M.Oxley got quite intimate with them, even to riding in the carriage, she was desirous of meeting with thee, I think thou would'st like her.
Benjn & Geo. Tatham were here today, I am sorry to hear Hannah Ransom is very ill, & she is expecting to lie in soon.
A letter from Stanley Pumphrey today, gives us the afflicting tidings of the death of his eldest son (Samuel) a pious young man of extraordinary attainments.
Among the rest of our movements, we have got Sarah in the housemaid's place again & an excellent cook from Hitchin, our poor Elizth, late housemaid remains an out-patient of the Infirmary, & lodges at Holloman's.
After all this chit chat I should just remark that I hope my dear, thou wilt not think the next two month's long but improve with all thy might, so as to put a good finish to thy studies in every sense, by considering in what way former errors may be rectified, & the present golden opportunity passed to best, & lasting advantage.-
It is by no means certain that J.Wise will obtain the hand of his amiable friend J.Coleby, as she has not yet decided in his favor, she would be quite an acquisition both to him & us, as her views must be rather humble in that case, a dwelling house may easily be found.
Lewis desires his love, we often remind him that his governess is coming home, I wish thou may'st persuade him to like his book better than I am able to, he is looking very lovely & well.
As I sent thee 1 thou wilt take for granted it is to be disposed of as thou likes. I do not know what Jane Taylor's Remains is, if published, but could wish thee to choose it if it required only a few shillings to be added -
Thy father thinks thou hast some notion of visiting Alton, if so, probably thy cousins & thee have a plan which I should like to be informed of, as to time, &c I amuse myself with hoping we may see dear F. & Jane here in the Spring perhaps the 4th mo. don't continue to miss such a pleasure tho' it is one I dare not depend on. H.Tuckett heard from Frenchay this morning that his mother was ill with a bad cold. C. & N. aunt D. & Tommy all join thy F. & me in dear love believe me ever-
Thy truly affectionate
Mother
My love to Mary & Jane & S.Corder.
[in another hand]:Thou must send this back for us to read
Priscilla May [Seal: Bust of a woman.]
Stoke Newington.