Z699/92

Edward Curtis May to Ann May 12 Nov 1832 Tottenham 11 mo 12.1832 My beloved Mother Finding that there is an opportunity of sending thee a few lines I avail myself of it as I have very often of late been wishing to assure thee that I am frequently with you in thought and now particularly during the last few weeks since you have had to sympathize so deeply with Charles & Nancy - I need not say how rejoiced we were to hear they were spared a trial which seemed so fearfully threatening and which had it occurred would have almost overwhelmed Nancy - I hope N. is now getting strong & we know full well that her darling boy will not be less dear to them from having had to suffer so much on his account - We were gratified by hearing that dear Priscilla made so good a nurse & have no doubt but she was still more so in being made so useful - no one can appreciate better than ourselves the assistance of an affectionate Sister on such occasions I know of nothing that tends more to strengthen our natural ties of attachment - the little fellow will seem in future to belong partly to her - Caroline has doubtless told thee that we are favoured with the company of D.Wheeler - he is a choice man a most bright example of Christian excellence in every sense of the word I think it an honour & a privilege to entertain him - he is a thorough specimen of ancient Quakerism which we observe he thinks differs a little from the modern altho' I believe upon the whole he is better pleased with what he has seen of the Society this time than when here before - he told us today that he thought it possible his work might lay almost as much with the Missionaries in the South Seas as with the natives of the Islands - his grand concern is to turn the attention of people wherever he goes to the Light within & in allusion to this subject he informed us that no man convinced him but that his Quakerism was gradually unfolded to him by attending to this inward Teacher - His Sister was convinced before him but never used any arguments to convert him - he went to her house a seafaring man - he saw the change in her & it made a strong impression on his mind altho nothing passed on either side - he again after a week or two went to sea but with views on serious subjects widely different from what they had been before - they soon resulted in his joining the Society an event hastened by his being in a short time landed in this country again His life would make an instructive history & I hope he will leave materials for it - first a soldier then a sailor - how a valiant Soldier of Christ & one to whom implicit obedience to His commands leaves no room for despondency or discouragement one who would I am sure say "His yoke is easy & His burden light" - Time warns me to conclude - With dearest love to Father, C. & N., P & thyself I remain thy ever affectionate. son Edward May Dr H. has done me the honour of consulting with us about cousin Maria who I am sorry to say is not better yet. Samuel May [Seal : E.C.M.] Ampthill A.M. Beds.

12 Nov 1832

From: 1832 To: 1832

No. of pieces: 1

paper

item

May, Edward Curtis,
May, Ann,
May, Nancy,
May, Charles,
May, Priscilla,
May, Caroline,
Wheeler, D,
May, Samuel

Quakers, overseas missions, sailor, Tottenham