Z699/97

Priscilla May to Ann May 1 Sept 1833 Ampthill 9th Mo 1st 1833 My dear Mother Thinking thou wouldst be wishing to hear how we are getting on I thought I would reply to thy two acceptable epistles received last night by Charles who does not seem to have taken much cold by his stormy journey though he was completely drenched long before he reached home. Father is intending to write to Rachel May to-day since we have heard so poor an account of them through Hannah May. Henry was seized with apoplexy when out in the street & was taken home insensible but on being bled &c. pretty much recovered but the doctor says that ossification of the heart has already taken place & of course his life must be doubly precarious -- But to go back to the time we parted from you I should say we had an agreeable ride to Luton went to the Marquis's, dined at D.Brown's who appeared as well as usual Aunt Wallis very well we drank tea at D.P.'s & Alfred was our coachman home - he staid till 4th day & we quite enjoyed his company & I think he was all the better.- Last 6th day Emily & I went to drink tea at M.Morris's but we had not been long there before Nancy sent for me as Harriet was taken very suddenly ill - she had not been quite well for a day or two & had just got up from taking a little nap after dinner was seated in a chair whilst Lydia went to fetch something & all at once fell from it in a fit Betty caught her up her nose was bleeding profusely & though she was got into a tray of water as soon as possible yet she seemed somewhat recovered -- T.C. offered an emetic which he gave her before he left, to be repeated in 20 minutes; he came again in about an hour & as the ipecacuana had not operated gave a double dose which very soon relieved her of a great deal of undigested food. Nancy & Lydia sat up & I slept in Nancy's room but Harriet had a good deal of sleep but though occasionally disturbed by the medicine (calomel & black draught), in the morning she was bright & cheerful, had a good night last night & seemed nicely today - I had the boys over all day yesterday in order to keep the house quiet. I am glad to say Nancy is not all the worse for the alarm which thou mayst imagine very great at first - Robert Wise has been suffering with toothache -- William Ashby breakfasted with us yesterday having lodged at the Inn - the day proving so stormy he stayed - he dined at John Morris's drank tea at Charles's. James Curtis came last night as his lady is here -- Susanna Ashby gets out regularly to meeting but Charlotte does not come out into the town now but is nicely.- The storm has made our garden look like a wilderness several large branches are broken off & the apples are fallen in abundance & I think there will be no mulberries left on the tree. With respect to our Frenchay visit & thy coming home we have been thinking that as the M.Meeting here is to be tomorrow three weeks that we could go up the day after provided the chaise is ready. but if thou particularly wished to be at the M.M. & H.Tuckett cannot wait so long we might go up from Hitchin Q.M. by Coach the fifth day before. Father & H.Lucas are going into Huntingdonshire the day after the Q.M. therefore we cannot go up in the chaise if it is at home by that time. Emily & I have found such great plenty to do that we have not yet found it dull without you, I have made my muslin frock & intend beginning my silk one to-morrow. I hope my bonnet will be done in time. I have not yet called on poor Sarah - Joe is come home but no better than he went but I intend seeing her soon as Emily has been making her a little frock - I believe we must have our A.L.S. meeting before I go though I am sorry thou canst not be at home - I had almost forgotten to tell thee the day you left my poor bird breathed his last from what cause I could not ascertain not from starvation as his drawer was full of seed & the glass of water & I think his age must have been partly his complaint as he was eleven years old - I have eight chickens come off this last week but this stormy weather is very much against them the Malays are more tame but they hurt our hands so when they feed that we are afraid we cannot keep them so. I have crossed this letter so much I am afraid thou wilt be quite tired of reading it & I think I must bring it to a conclusion. F. wishes me to say that there is no probability of his being in Town before the M.M. & the fair is tomorrow month - he is quite well & sitting by the fire which the coldness of the day makes us glad to have. With my very dear love to E. & C. & thyself in which Father & Emily unite I remain Thy ever affectionate Priscilla - Emily will want to stay a few days at home before going to F. [pencil drawings :dog holding hat, a shack, a girl & trees.] Edward C.May Seal : lattice in circle. Surgeon Postmarks : AMPTHILL G 1P. NOON Tottenham 2 SE 2 RATE 5 SP 2 5 Ann May Middlesex. 1833 1833

1 Sept 1833

From: 1833 To: 1833

No. of pieces: 1

paper

item

May, Priscilla,
May, Ann,
May, Rachel,
May, Charles,
May, Hannah,
Brown, D.,
Wallis,
Pearman, Daniel,
Morris, M,
May, Nancy,
Wise, Robert,
Ashby, William,
Morris, John,
Curtis, James,
Ashby, Susanna,
Ashby, Charlotte,
May, Edward Curtis,
Tuckett, Henry,
Lucas, H.

health, medical conditions, apoplexy, druggist, chemist, weather, apples, gardens, clothing, pets, poultry, birds, LUTON, Frenchay, Hitchin, Huntingdonshire, Tottenham