Reference
Z699/220
Title
Edward Curtis May to Priscilla Strange 31 July 1848
Tottenham 7 mo 31 1848
My dear Sister
Perhaps thou hast not heard that on my return from Ramsgate last 2nd day (where I had been two or three days) I met in London a sad account of our dear Father which induced me to hasten to town that evening to see him. I am truly glad to say I found him far better than I expected -
I have no doubt that his attack looked threatening to Hammond as such have often to me but he was so far relieved when I got there as to look much like himself & to be down before me to breakfast -
Difficulty of breathing & extremely irregular pulse were the alarming symptoms -
Today brings me a good account in father's own handwriting & tells me of his being twice at meeting yesterday -
I much enjoyed his company for his mind is evidently much turned towards that City none of whose inhabitants can say "I am sick" & "the people that dwell therein are forgiven their iniquity" I have no doubt but Nancy must enjoy having his experienced mind under her roof & I fully agree with a remark of my C.'s in writing a day or two ago that his position at I.[Ipswich] is a valuable one to those around who partake of his counsel & who witness his patience & quietness of spirit - or to this effect -
Dear C. & the whole family were most kind & attentive. He took me over the Orwell works, a sight I really enjoyed -
We have been glad to think of Sammy at M.A.Bayes; it is doubtless a privileged school - we have thought you must find it expensive & I should like to give you the help of 5 the first year tell brother with my dear love to put it to my account if I do not give it to him before next year -
By the bye I will get thee to ask him if he can spare me in case of need the loan of 100 in a month or so till the end of the year? of course I shall pay him interest as he does me. He may let me know this in a week or two as I must look out somewhere else or sell out of the Funds -
Have you got parted with M.Muskett? I fear her parents are sadly off -
I seem to have scribbled much to little purpose but were I to write much more at length I could not tell thee my dear P. how much I think of thee & dear brother S.[Strange] at times & how greatly I long for you that you may be increasingly as upright pillars in the church, & valiant on the earth for the support of the cause of truth & righteousness - whilst desires of this kind are often received in my mind for my friends I often feel my own unfitness to press it upon them & wish I could animate them more than I do by that loudest of preaching - example - in which I know I am lamentably deficient.-
We are hoping to have here next 6th day the whole of our circle but whether our dear Eliza will prove to have been much benefitted or not I cannot tell as her headaches have lately been increased instead of relieved as at first by bathing - But I must say adieu & with dearest love believe me
thy truly affectionate brother E.C.May
Ask brother to send me cloth before long for two coats & waistcoats.
L.A. & Carry, my housekeepers desire their dear love.
Date free text
31 July 1848
Production date
From: 1848 To: 1848
Exent
No. of pieces: 1
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paper
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item