Title
Ann May to Harriet May at Ipswich 4 Dec 1845
Ampthill 12 mo.4.45
My dear Harriet
I can scarcely express the relief afforded by thy kind note received yesterday, as the wind was very high in the night of thy dear papa's embarkation - the bare possibility of such a treasure being in danger made my very heart recoil but do not, my dear, on this account withhold all the information you get, as we are wishing to know both where, & how he is, during his peregrinations more especially, & I also feel it a favour to hear of thy dear mamma's return to you in safety.
You must all feel the loss of such a worthy & beloved Aunt but for one so peacefully gathered to her heavenly rest we may rather rejoice than mourn, the great end of life having been answered in fitting her for a better, as we humbly trust.
Thy G.pa', tho' suffering from a heavy cold, is able to attend at Shop as usual where all are favoured to be well, my little post boy Sam comes to my bed side most mornings with a letter, he is quite proud of his office, & is to have the usual appendage, a horn - our baby can walk alone, he & Gertrude generally break in upon my quiet every day & are very amusing, they seem a great charge for a young nurse maid but she seems to manage them well, & kindly.
We have so many youthful scribblers that I conclude you know thy Aunt P. & Mary Ellen went by our new Coach (which starts from Bright's) to town last 3rd day. Francis met them, and they were quickly at Peckham as we learn by a pleasant note from P. whose plan it is to dine at Alton Cottage to-morrow, take tea at my Aunt Maddock's, visit Winterslow & Kennington the forepart of next week, then to Tottenham, making two weeks in all -
I have from thy Uncle E.C.M. a painfully interesting letter stating the loss sustained in the death of Ann Hodgkinson which you probably know took place on 7th day evening - also, that Anna Stacey was taken the next day, departing most joyfully, there was also abundant evidence that dear A.Hodgkinson was mercifully prepared for her great change, altho' the notice was short, her danger being announced but the preceding day.
We have had the agreeable company of Emma Steed who is on a visit to her cousin Galer at Maulden, in the hope of recovering her spirits, much broken by a long attendance on her late pupil Anna M.Sharples, a child of much pious reflection & endeared to all.
Yesterday having applied to Maria Morris I received her order for the annual 10 to be divided for the benefit of our poor, so being her almoner for the half of it, my needle will go briskly to work.
Even now I am favoured with ability to be very busy till bed time, which shows some improvement in health, but it seems needful to stay within by way of precaution, as the air is mostly too keen, or damp, so I avail myself of all possible indulgence, continuing to take breakfast abed. Our new servant waits pretty well on me yet is far from perfection, no refinement. I sometimes long for such as yours.
I am afraid to name S.Holloman such a long story does it open upon, but the outline is this, the Whitehurst's washing is taken away (for no fault) & she having nothing to do wants to walk off with her boy leaving her wicked trio, all of whom have nearly subsisted by her earnings, I suppose thy dear Mamma cannot help us out nor find a place for Ann Titmus who is capable of a light place -
Thy Aunt Mary desires her love to you all, she turns out in the cold most days & George calls some times - I expect Mary Exton to call to-morrow on her way to Swaffield's
It is intended for the Van to go to town next week - thy G.pa thinks Autumn Crocus were mentioned in addition to Raspberries.
Last week the grand funeral of the Dowager Lady Holland passed our door to Millbrook -
Joseph Bennell dined with us at the Fair last week. My three children all busy around me & very happy.
I can only add farewell with our united dearest love to thy dear mamma & all.
Thy very affectionate G.ma.
Joseph Hemmings's sister aged ten lies dead of the fever at Croydon School.
Envelope:
seal bell-flower in silver circle penny red on envelope
Charles May AMPTHILL 11 IPSWICH
Engineer DE 4 5 DE 5 DE 5
Harriet Ipswich. 1845 1845 1845