Z699/165

Edward Curtis May to Edward Harris Strange 7 Feb 1838 Tottenham 2nd Mo.1838 Dear Brother As there will be just time for a little interchange of sentiment before Father's arrival here I wish to avail myself of it lest thou should be disappointed by finding that we have not endeavoured to pursuade him to adopt the change of residence that has been proposed - Caroline & myself have both thought a good deal of it & the more we have considered it, the less inclined do we feel to forward it & that too on several accounts. In the first place we think it would look both to our friends & your customers as though Father's capability of managing the business was materially lessened, which idea it would be highly impolitic to allow to get abroad if it was really thought to be so - It would also lead "Friends" generally to whisper & talk a good deal when they found F. going into so small a house after being so many years in the habit of entertaining so many at his own fireside. Another objection occurs to us which is the possibility that if in any quarter there were disposed to be any jealousy it might be thus excited & place thee in an unpleasant situation, besides too it would appear singular that such a move should be made just when P. was becoming incapable of being of use in the family & would thus give rise to conjectures which might prove injurious to the credit of the business or unfavourable to thee - The case would be far otherwise were F. able to take a house that would admit of his living as he has always been used to - Under all the circumstances of the case I should greatly prefer a suggestion (with whom originating I do not know) that thou should be on the spot all day & dine & take tea at Father's - it is true that this would be making a sacrifice but it is one which I think thou wouldst be repaid for by finding things go on better & by thus preparing for future prosperity - it is also the fate of most of those who reside at Tottenham & whose business is in Town - F.Fox for one goes by coach at 8 AM & mostly stays till 8 PM so that the hardship would I conceive not be great especially as P. would now & then come down also to dinner - Without some arrangement like this I fear you will not keep up your credit & also avoid the appearance of supplanting the old ones. With this arrangement thou couldst carry thy plans more fully into effect & at any rate it might be tried for a while - I ought to have alluded earlier to my surprise at your disappointment which occasions these contrivances & hope you may yet find that you have been in error somehow or other but I will not now say more on paper but trust to our meeting when thou art next in Town - We are much pleased with the account of dear Priscilla, I don't think much of the swelling of the legs- With dear love to you both I am your very affectionate E.C.May. [Edward Curtis May] [in pencil] :- If F. knows of this letter you can show it to him Seal : Large ECM monogram in square. E.H.Strange Postmarks : G 12NN12 TOTTENHAM Ampthill FE-7 FE7 MG P.Strange Beds.- 1838 1838 FE7 1838

7 Feb 1838

From: 1838 To: 1838

No. of pieces: 1

paper

item

May, Edward Curtis,
Strange, Edward Harris,
May, Caroline,
May, Samuel,
Strange, Priscilla,
Fox, F.,
May & Strange

May & Strange, business, Tottenham