Thomas Robinson, Leicester, to Mrs. Boys, Messal near Chatteris, Cambridgeshire, 14 January 1791.

Dear Sister,

               I wrote to you yesterday morning & intimated an expectation of an approaching change in our family. Another day has confirmed me in that painful expectation. Your dear Sister was extremely ill thro’out the whole of yesterday & last night;—& unless a speedy amendment take place it is probable that her weak frame cannot hold long together. I think her rather better this morning; but see no prospect of a recovery.—In my letter yesterday, I mention’d, that it w.d give her pleasure to see you, but that the difficulties of your undertaking such a journey prevented her from inviting you. I fear that I did not express this with sufficient strength & dearness, & therefore trouble you with this note.

               I wish you therefore to judge of your own circumstances & situation. If you can conveniently be spared for a week or two your presence here might be a satisfaction to us & to you—to your dear Sister especially if she be spar’d to see you.

               Sh.d the awful change have taken place before you reach us; still I feel that I shall want your counsel & assistance.—If you find it inconvenient to come, & decline the journey, I beg leave to assure you, that we shall not impute it to unkindness.—May our God direct, preserve, & comfort you!—

               I am wonderfully supported.  God is gracious, even while he is inflicting this severe stroke upon us.  Blessed be his name!— With love to you all

                                                   I am

                                                              your affect.te Bro.r 

T. Robinson 

Text: Joseph Angus Collection, acc. no. Angus 168, Angus Library, Regent's Park College, Oxford.