William Wilberforce, Battersea Rise, to William B. Gurney, London, Thursday, 15 November 1825.

Batttersea Rise

Novr  15 Thursday.

My dear Sir,

               I return you many thanks for your friendly communication, and I promise myself both pleasure and benefit from the contents of the little memorial you have been so kind as to send me.  The same cause which now compels me to write by another hand,—weakness of eyes has prevented my being already acquainted with its particulars; for a convenient opportunity has not yet occurred for its being sent to me by Mrs Wilberforce or my daughter both of whom I doubt not will have as much pleasure in reading it as I shall in hearing it.

               I cannot conclude without assuring you, that I am sorry you have changed your residence—altho’ I dare say you have little leisure I might have hoped sometimes to enjoy the pleasure of your society.  If you should be drawn into your old neighbourhood I should be glad to see you at High Wood Hill meanwhile I remain

                                 with every good wish to you & yours

                                                   My dear Sir

                                                                     your faithful servant

                                                                                       W Wilberforce

W. B. Gurney

Text: Joseph Angus Autograph Letters, Vol. 1, acc. no. 24.h.32, Angus Library, Regent's Park College, Oxford. Letter is signed by Wilberforce, but not written by Wilberforce, who used an amanuensis to write many of this letters.