Reference
Z699/86
Title
Catharine Smith to Priscilla May 2 March 1832
Gt.Bardfield, South Lodge 2/3rd mo-1832
My beloved Friend,
I really cannot tell how to account for the very long silence which has subsisted, for I have been looking for one ever since I wrote my last; I do hope I shall hear soon; I remembered after I had sent my last that I did not say "write soon" but thought that would make no difference.
I do hope I shall hear soon. The present has been & still is with us a time of great excitement & anxiety from one cause or another; though now particularly on our beloved cousins Burgess Marriage's account, who after patiently enduring a protracted illness, quietly yielded his spirit unto the hands of his Creator. he was taken ill about a month since of a Typhus Fever; all was done I believe that was thought at all likely to alleviate his sufferings but to no avail, his tender and affectionate Mother by her unceasing watchings upon her precious departed son, seems almost worn out, but now the object of her solicitude is no more, I hope the strength will return; he was very little if at all delirious, was quite sensible of his approaching end, & longed for the change, which we cannot but believe was unspeakably glorious - possibly thou remembers him, he was at home when we were there; he was a fine young man, in his 21st year, possessing a cultivated and sensible mind.- well will it be if his short sojourn here below proves a means of loosening our affections from the unworthy objects around which they are too closely twined. The Interment is to be on 1st day.
Our dear sister J.M. has a long waiting time; our dear Mother has been there a month and our afflicted relatives seemed so to need our dear Sarah should be with them a while that it makes the few that are left at home feel lonely.-
What alarming reports the Papers present us with, we saw what we supposed to be thy Uncle J.Hooper's name in it, I expect there are a many cases come under his notice. What does he think as to the probability of its spreading very much. there are such different opinions as {putting} it.
How glad we were to hear such good accounts of our beloved cos H.Ransome, we felt very anxious about her. I expect you have heard of A. Brockway's being unsuccessful in his business. What a very trying thing it is for poor R. she bears it we understand with great calmness.
Poor E. & A.Carrol are staying awhile with my Uncle Loire; how very much they are to be felt for; we understand Friends of Liverpool Monthly Meeting have issued a Testimony of Disownment against E.C. his spirits are exceedingly distressed.
Is it correct that A.Bennell is likely to be married? The return of this lovely season brings to my remembrance the days I spent at A. I need to know how thy dear Mother is; I am afraid the season of the year will try her delicate frame -
We been much interested lately in trying to establish a Girls School in this place, which is so very much needed, we wrote to the Secretary of the Boro Road who have kindly offered some assistance so we have concluded to begin on that System as soon as they will send us a Master down we do not feel at all aware what difficulties are likely to present in anything of a public nature until we actually begin - I hope we shall succeed in this -
It seems very strange but I believe I have not heard from thee all this Winter; I do not know whether to fancy thee at home or elsewhere.
Our dear Sister Priscilla does not increase in strength as we should like to see her and her complaints are not seem removed. She went to London a short time since to consult Dr Simms I do hope he may be a means of restoring her to us notwithstanding.
Our dear Friend Eliza Cooke seems better again, how wonderfully she revives after such extreme weakness - Cousin E.Burgess has been spending near two months with her this winter, they were always intimate at School I think. cos. Maria B. seems very nicely recovered from her trying complaint H.M.Burgess is again looking towards an increase to their family, and E.Dufferin too I suppose, so I think you must not expect Mary to be much at Hitchin.
We hear Jos. Lucas had had a fit of some sort though no particulars.-
Our cos. Mary Marriage continues much in the same state not able to speak but remarkably collected perfectly understands all that is said to her tho' unable to make a reply.
Charlotte Christy is to be united to her friend E.Ashworth on 4th day next. Tabitha {Haduin?} is expected.
I wonder when we shall meet again but to me at the present time there seems a veil spread over life's future day, if such may be mine; however this may be, my earnest desire has been & still is that the day's work may be progressing with the day; then we may safely hope & trust that whenever our Sun goeth down when it is yet day or in the eventide of life our souls will be permitted thro' redeeming Mercy to anchor safely in the port at last.
I have done a little piece of drawing on thy card but am well aware it is very inferior to many thou hast for all this it will I have no doubt sometimes call to thy remembrance thy loved & abject Friend, for I believe I still possess that title.
I hope thou wilt follow my example & fill thy sheet any thing relating to you will be interesting. I should like my dear love to be given to thy Aunt. Please present my dear love to thy Parents and Sister and wishing thee to accept it largely thyself
I subscribe myself thy tenderly interested Friend Catharine Smith
Samuel May Postmark: BRAINTREE 5.3.1832
Ampthill Braintree F
Priscilla May Beds. Penny Post 5 MR 5 1832
Date free text
2 March 1832
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From: 1832 To: 1832
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