Reference
Z699/108
Title
Ann May to Priscilla May 30 Jan 1834
Ampthill 1st mo 30th
Dearest P.
Having sent thee so poor an account of thy dear F.'s health, I cannot feel satisfied to keep thee longer in suspense, altho' his being worse was to be the condition of my writing again, which I am thankful to say does not appear to be the case, and yet on the other hand there is no room for boasting when I add that every moment we are looking for T.C. [Thomas Chapman?] with his cupping apparatus as on a minute examination this morning, he concluded there was an affection of the kidneys that would be relieved by the loss of blood from the loins - we may certainly pronounce the patient better even now, he came down most of yesterday, has scarcely any fever, & this morning was beginning to imagine T.C. would no longer see it needful to attend - but thy F. got but a poor night from a dull pain in the back, his breathing was rather affected too, but I hope there is nothing in the case but what will soon yield to the remedies employed, therefore if thou art prevented from coming to our aid just yet, endeavour my dear to make thy mind easy as I am not at all discouraged, but desire renewedly to cast my care on a merciful Providence, who has often graciously evinced that He cares for us, but let us be very watchful, which truly is at all times needful, but more especially when thus unexpectedly brought under affliction, that we may be prepared for whatever changes may be permitted -
I have the pleasure to tell thee that Nancy is better, but not downstairs yet, her little affectionate girls wait on her by turns, it would be a great relief to her to have Lydia back but what the probability is we cannot learn until Dr Sims has seen her again, one comfort is that the dear children all appear well;
I am favored to be better than usual, able to pace up & down stairs fifty times a day in thy father's service, Edward [Strange] too is in great request - what would be done without him I know not.
Charles has seen his F. but once today, though usually unremitting in his attentions, yet what with waiting on the magistrate about an appeal, joining the Bible Commce here, & market, he knows not which way to turn himself.
Thy aunt D. is tolerably brisk today, but has had leeches to the temples & a blister at the back of her neck for a dull pain in the head -
We have had a joint letter from dear E. & C. offering the latter's services to thy F. as she could wean the infant & Louisa & Carry H. would make themselves very happy with Priscilla Doeg.
Nancy allowed me the perusal of thy last very agreeable letter, by which I am truly glad to find thy dear aunt is so well & always cheerful, a real blessing, in addition to her very many sources of consolation, do give my dearest love to her and all.
Whether thou hast acted on my suggestion about coming home I know not but we have been thinking that as the train of Marianna's attendants seems fully made up without Emily & thyself you might as well set off with thy aunt's permission & take care of each other how unfortunate that Henry should have been just gone - Charles had a letter from Francis this morning as he made no mention of our Kennington friends we may hope all is well.
Jane Beck & her infant are doing well Charlotte told me yesterday also desiring her love -
The operation of cupping is just over, thy aunt & I in attendance so thou may'st picture to thyself a busy scene in my chamber - it was both performed & endured extremely well - the relief produced is most encouraging, thy father talks of rising early to business tomorrow - he is now wanting my attention & with thy aunt joins me in very dear love to your circle -
Thy ever affectionate
Mother
P.S. Maria Morris' love.
[Seal : PAIX A MON AMI with dove of peace]
Elizth Tuckett Postmarks : G AMPTHILL
Frenchay PAID
P. May near Bristol 31JA31
1834
Date free text
30 Jan 1834
Production date
From: 1834 To: 1834
Exent
No. of pieces: 1
Format
paper
Level of description
item