Reference
Z699/81
Title
Catherine Smith to Priscilla May 31 Dec 1830
Bardfield S L 12th mo 31st 1830
I have been thinking my dear Priscilla whether I could spend a short {part} of this memorable evening more pleasantly to myself than addressing a few lines to thee.
In the first place I must tell how very much concerned I was to hear that thy beloved Mother was so much of an invalid ah! how true it is that in the hour of trial and distress all earthly comforts are as broken reeds, but I trust in this my beloved Friend that thou hast found something wherein thou canst have and a place of refuge to which thou canst flee and be at rest; but why should I write thus? I do not doubt thy being much further advanced on a life spent in dedication but who as yet cannot dwell sufficiently deep & long to possess them.
I hope to hear from thee soon; it certainly was quite a disappointment my not being able to come to Ampthill, although I felt glad I had not arrived previous to thy dear Mothers indisposition as in cases of illness it is quite desirable that the family should not be inconvenienced by visitors.
Is your cousin A.T.spending the winter by himself or is anyone staying with him. our cos. S.B. has had the measles and when we heard last of her had lost her voice by taking a violent cold also it settling on her lungs; she will now I think find ample time for reflection.
I forget whether I told thee in my last that our dear cos. Maria Burgess has had a seizure of Paralysis which considerably affected one side; Active means were used to reduce the complaint and she is now left in great weakness, tho' it is now some time since, two months I should think; there is much to feared on her account, as she does not seem to mend as could have been desired.
E. & M. Wheeler are gone we understand to Nottingham to see their valued friends there they will be much missed from your part. B.S. is in capital spirits, which is no wonder, as he will indeed gain a valuable partner. We have heard of the sudden decease of Joseph Gurney of Norwich; he was much looked up to, and his loss will be deeply felt. I expect thou wast not acquainted with Hollis Clayton a friend of our Monthly Meeting, whose death was awfully sudden; he had been taking tea with the Family as usual and was gone into his Counting house, and was in the act of finishing a letter when he fell from the stool on which he was sitting; his son hearing a noise went to the spot but life was quite extinct; his widow deeply feels it, but I think evidently strains after resignation; he has left four sons grown up; he married a sister of Jos. Allen's wife who formerly lived at Stamford Hill, but now resides at Walden.
Our cos S.Cook has been to see us; she is likely to be married in the fourth month and her sister H. also seems to have some thing of the same in hand.
John Williams of Dudley in Worcestershire is anxious to gain where to live one day before long, and tho' not possessing (if I am right in my ideas respecting Bedfordshire) it has many comforts and enjoyments which I should like thee to share with me for a few weeks; perhaps I may look forward to the spring for that pleasure -
Please present her. she hears you are likely have one of the Ashby's of Staines in your meeting; which is it?
I intend to cross this sheet with a copy of a little piece of dear Eliza Cook's on the new year which I think thou wilt be pleased with [to make it more difficult to read?]. Is one of J.Bennell's daughters likely to be married? Hope thou wilt come & we and my very dear love to Thy Parents and believe me to remain thy sincerely attached and affectionate Friend Catharine Smith. My parents also send their love
Samuel May, Ampthill, Bedfordshire Priscilla May
Postmark : BRAINTREE
No.3 BRAINTREE.
PENNY POST
Date free text
31 Dec 1830
Production date
From: 1830 To: 1830
Exent
No. of pieces: 1
Format
paper
Level of description
item