Reference
Z699/222a-b
Title
Samuel May to Harriet May 25 Aug 1848
Tottenham 8th/25th 1848
My dear Harriet
It was very kind of thee to send me an account of the opening of the school, I was glad to find it was satisfactory to Dillwyn, as I think he was very anxious about it, I hope you may obtain a good subscription -
I was concerned to hear such a poor account of thy dear Mamma and am anxiously waiting for another letter which I hope is on the road and it will bring an improved report.
I will now give thee a little account of our journey and visit to Ashford. I left Peckham on second day morning dined at Tasley Street & started by the Rail at three o'clock and reached Ashford before six o'clock.
Henry was not returned from his weekly journey, when he arrived he gave me a hearty welcome, he appears to be well satisfied with the business and I have no doubt but he will succeed well and improve the trade, the house is a very old one it has pretty many rooms but they are all low ceilings, the shop stands well for business, it is in the High Street and in the midst of the cattle market which is large both Cattle & Corn - the warehouses stand on a good deal of ground and occupy the whole of the premises, he has no garden - the street very wide & well built, it is much larger than I expected, I should think there is three times the number of inhabitants than of Ampthill, and the poor people appear to be of a superior class - it is a lonely situation as regards friends not more if so many as at Ampthill, Henry feels this having been used to several companions, he has a suitable young man but not a friend also a warehouse man & a boy, he has a respectable Servant very much of the stamp and appearance of Esther, she seems to manage nicely for him, he requested to be remember'd to you all when I wrote -
I find Caroline has inform'd Mamma that L A's [Lucy Ann May] affairs is likely to be completed before long and they will eventually settle at Nottingham. The time for the marriage is not fixed but I believe they have a view to some time next month - and as the company is likely to be less than was intended, as very few if any of John's relations are expected to be here, nor is it likely that Brother or Sister Hooper will, I should not be surprised if they concluded to have the dinner cold and at home, they can have all from town so readily but this is not settled yet, L.A. seems in good Spirits and looks better than common. Eliza is also improved the rest all well - -
I intend to leave Tottenham on third day, for Hitchin Mo. Meeting & from there to Ampthill where I shall probably stay until our Q.M. which is at Hitchin the 20th of next month -
I see a few days ago a letter from Priscilla in which she informs me she has had a note from Mary Ellen and she says "I do not like living here much" - poor child I am not surprised at it as it must be a great change to her, more than most children, but I hope the dear child will soon become more resigned to it -
Wilt thou tell Papa that Ekins has had his Interest &c. and have given a receipt for it -
I hope to hear how dear Mamma is by return of post and with very dear love to all of you in which this circle unites
I remain Thy affectionate Grandpa Samuel May
My love to inquirers.
Since writing the foregoing thy letter is come to hand, I was sorry to find dear Mamma had been so ill, hope to hear again soon.
H.M.
Envelope:
Charles May Postmark: CE TOTTENHAM IPSWICH [ Seal : F.M.in a square] Ipswich 25.8.1848 26.8.1848
Suffolk
Date free text
25 Aug 1848
Production date
From: 1848 To: 1848
Exent
No. of pieces: 2
Format
paper and envelope
Level of description
item