Reference
Z699/124
Title
Edward Harris Strange to Priscilla May 15 June 1834
Ampthill 15th of 6th Mo. 1834
My dear Priscilla
I am almost afraid my long silence will induce thee to believe that I had really forgotten thee although thou thought it would probably be some time before I should be able to write owing to our being so busy - this has partly been the case, and if I was not a little fearful of my letters corresponding with W.B.'s preface to his Y.M. speeches, I should think it almost necessary to introduce the present one with a few prefatory remarks - but as I am unwilling to allow my scribbling to be subjected to unpopular comparison and knowing beyond all doubt that my very dear Priscilla and most affectionate friend will make due allowance for me, I will for the present avoid losing thee with an apology.
I have been wondering when the time will arrive when I shall be able to act according to my own expressed plans as I am now, as thou wilt remember, doing what I intimated to thee I could not engage regularly to do - I still however look forward to more leisure and greater opportunity -
I was much pleased with an expression of thine relative to a book society and sincerely hope our attention may be turned to the subject. I much approve of having, towards the end of the summer, one established among ourselves although we obtained but few subscribers, perhaps 8 to 10 would be as many as we should get.
I also calculate on accomplishing another important object before winter that of closing the shops through the winter at an hour at least earlier than we have been accustomed to do. I believe it might be done without any pecuniary loss, and the time thus rescued might be profitably employed in reading or any other pursuit.-
We are proceeding with the stock taking in a quiet steady manner agreeable to thy wish but I am afraid we have not made as much progress as thou seems to have supposed, as thy Father has been nearly ever since he came home busily engaged in the garden, and the constant interruptions from customers have been so great as to make it very difficult to get on much with the measuring, but we expect, by the end if this week to get all the measuring completed, and to begin to take down on paper the following 3rd day - We miss thee & Aunt Debby very much - if you were at home we could supply you with some nice measuring employment -
Thy Mother has probably informed thee that the bargain with Samuel Burrows for his house is quite concluded and that it will be at liberty for us at Michaelmas with all the alterations made complete. I have been over the house and think it will do very well - it is small but very compleat. Thou wilt I have no doubt be much pleased with the proposed alterations S.B. has agreed to make, and I think with a few more improvements we might suggest in addition to what Burrows has engaged to do,, it will be a very comfortable little residence - the rent is to be 25 a year workshops included -
I was glad to hear of thy Sister Nancy's improved state of health and hope under her Brother's skilful treatment it will continue to improve so as to enable her to return to superintend her interesting little family - Robert dined here today and was very talkative as usual - I believe the children are all well.-
Joseph Bennell Junior dined here also this is about the last day of his life as a housekeeper - the sale of his household furniture and the remainder of the farming stock will take place tomorrow after which I understand he intends going to his daughter Simons and make that his home.
Hope thy Aunt A. is going on nicely and that we shall see her as well as thyself at Ampthill very soon. I hope I shall not frighten thee away particularly as this Strange business is no longer a secret amongst our young men.
Joseph Cook and F.May came home from Luton two weeks to-day very full of the subject - he said he had heard some strange news and when I asked him if what he had heard was quite new he said it was and that he had never heard of it before.. I was rather surprised to hear such a declaration from him as I had imagined for some time it had been known to them all - I don't suppose they know anything about the house yet - but I suppose it will soon spread about -
Now that thy Aunt is so much better thy personal attention will not be so indispensably necessary as formerly.
I hope I may calculate on receiving a long letter from thee very soon as I want much to hear a great deal thou hast to say. If thou had time to write every week a folio sheet it would not come more often than acceptable.-
It is now nearly reading time, I must therefore for the present bid thee farewell, and believe me my dear Priscilla
Thy Affectionately attached Friend
Edward H. Strange.
Thy Parents desire their love ------
[Seal : PAIX A MON AMI and dove of peace].
John Simms M.D. Postmarks : G AMPTHILL
Cavendish Square PAID
P.May London 16JU16
Date free text
15 June 1834
Production date
From: 1834 To: 1834
Exent
No. of pieces: 1
Format
paper
Level of description
item