Title
Ann May to Priscilla May 21 Jan 1827
Ampthill 1st Mo 21.27
My dearest P.
I was very glad to hear from thee, & would have replied immediately as requested, but did not like to devote any portion of Francis' short visit to writing, & think too, this will meet the thee the morning after thy return to H., it has long been a maxim with me, that much visiting spoils girls for pudding makers, yet now, feeling somewhat gratified with thy invitation to Reading I am disposed to take up the argument on the other side, & to consider how much the understanding may be improved by observation & mixing in good company, & that the acquiring a certain degree of ease, & affability of manners, increases our usefulness thro' life, so my dear, I hope, that while thou art enjoying the society of thy friends thy mind is receiving the right cultivation, but it is time to tell thee how things go with us -
We were favored to reach home safe, in time for tea, Fanny Cook appeared instead of Sarah, who we found was gone to her sister's funeral (her favourite sister near Westmill) who had died in child-bed, S. came home on 2nd day in poor spirits & fatigued with such a long walk, but now has recovered herself -
We parted with Francis, he & William Holmes came last 5th day they enjoy'd riding on horseback 6th & 7th, & yesterday drank tea at Houghton, am sorry to say that Charles had previously fix't to leave home the day after they came, going to Ipswich, & increasing his connexion for the sale of drugs were his objects, he thought it would take a week, Nancy has Mary Ann Tatham to bear her company, Benjamin brought her over yesterday & took J.Wise back, on his way to Kelvedon, also with a view to the purchase of goods in town, as we had ascertained there was no time to spare if he marries in the Spring which is their present intention. W,Holmes is kind enough to be J.'s deputy behind the counter until next 7th day, I think it will be difficult to get the house in readiness in time, John & I went all over it to fix on furniture &c. it will be a neat, snug place when all is done, since our visit to it the detached wash-house has been broken open, & robbed of a good copper, for which on conviction a reward of 5. has been offered.
During F.'s stay he heard twice from Jane, who seems to be pretty well as to her general health, but is advised to take the precaution of remaining in her chamber at present, mostly on the sofa, her mother & Sarah have been with her about a week, so she is tenderly cared for, & I hope may go on to the 3rd month.
Do give my love to L.Reynolds, she is much to be felt for in her forlorn situation, I remember her lovely babe.
Samuel went back to R.[Rochester] the day after thou left town, & we staid until 6th, went to Tottenham after tea, came home by Hitchin, made a short stay at O.F.[O.Foster]'s, saw J.Hooper, who seems likely to settle in there, both parties seeming satisfied.
What a lovely boy this young Ransome is! he seems the life of the house, he, with Nancy & M.A.T., also J.Morris, spent last evening here, & I took my work last week & staid tea with N. little Margaret is very sociable.-
Poor Odell is still living, but last week we lost a neighbour very suddenly, {Nr} Haily at the Post Office (C.H.'s wife).
Thy uncle Arch had received a sad account of Rachel Coe's mother, she had been seized with epileptic fits -
Do my dear ask the favor of thy aunt to let thee take a copy of a sweet little rhyming petition of her friend Sarah Clark's (E.Bull's sister) also her pretty pet lamb, I have sent thy stays &c. there today, with information of the time of thy going - have no doubt but thou would'st enjoy passing a week at Wandsworth, after which I am looking with pleasure to receiving thee home with Sarah H. who is ready to come at any time, yet do not suppose I wish to hasten thee, as a few days at either place are no object, or rather may yield to circumstances. Am glad to hear thy uncle is likely to go to Town soon he will like to hear that B.Tatham had been at thy cousin Joseph's the preceding day, & they were very well.
Our dear love to Brother, also to Rachel & Henry [Curtis] -
Thy F.'s cough is not as violent, Lewis & the rest of us favored with usual health. Accept our dearest love & believe me ever
Thy truly affectionate
Mother
P.S. We hear nothing more about the grand match in Town, but suppose it is going on.
Joseph May Postmark : 23.1.1827
Henley G
Priscilla. Oxon 23 JA 23 1827