J. E. Manning, Exeter, to Mary Steele Dunscombe, Broughton, [Friday] 11 October [1811].

Exeter October 11

My dear Madam

   I am this moment filled with the most sincere regret at information of the loss of my most excellent friend. Mr Button has addressed to me a few lines on the Subject & I have informed him that [paper torn] not deprive myself of the gratification assuring you of my affectionate regard for his memory. The milk of human kindness never flowed so richly as in the heart of our departed friend. As his death was sudden so I hope it was easy, & I know he must have been happy from the prospect he was so eminently entitled to contemplate.

   For myself, I shall ever cherish the most sincere regard for his memory, & feelings of real Gratitude for that Confidence which I have reason to fear has created in him much anxiety & vexation but I intreat you to assure yourself that in the arrangement of our much blended Interests & Concerns it will be my Study to [use] every means within my power to [paper torn] the Difficulties in which his [paper torn] be involved—and—as far as [paper torn] could himself have desired—to further their Interest & Views.

   With the most respectful Wishes for your Happiness & Comfort  I remain

                     My dear madam

                                 Your very faithful Servant

                                             J. E. Manning

Text: STE 5/16/xi, Angus Library, Regent's Park College, Oxford.  Postmark: Exeter, October 1811.  Address: To / Mrs Steele / Broughton / Stockbridge / Hants. Written just after the death of Thomas Dunscombe. James Manning (1754-1831) served as minister at George’s Meeting (Presbyterian), Exeter, from 1776 until his death in 1831, succeeding Micaiah Towgood as senior pastor in 1782. William Button (1754-1821) was the Baptist minister at Dean Street, London, and a bookseller and printer in Paternoster Row.