Edward Baines, Jun, Leeds, to Thomas Raffles, Liverpool, 24 March 1832.

Revd & Dear Sir,

  I owe you an apology for having so long neglected to answer the kind note you sent by my brother at Christmas.  One reason of my delay has been, that I have not been able to procure a letter of Mr. Beverley’s until a few days ago; I now send it, and I dare say you will think it characteristic.  Allow me to say that Mr. Beverley is a truly pious man, who has a sincere hatred for the pomps and vanities of this wicked world, and that he is an excellent preacher, of sound doctrinal sentiments, and very bold in his appeals.  We have had him preaching here for Mr. Parsons twice, and he is to preach again for us to-morrow week.  I think the Liverpool people would like him. 

  My stock of autographs is miserably small, and probably you have letters of all the individuals whose autographs I possess, & which you would think worth having.  You doubtless have letters of Brougham’s.  I have also letters from Mr. T. B. Macaulay, Lord Morpeth, and Lord John Russell.  These are at your service, if you have not already specimens of theirs; if you have, I should wish to keep them.

  Since I saw or heard from you, we have had an addition to our family---a little boy, and I am happy to say that he is a thriving fellow, and that his mother & our little girl are in good health.  We hope Mrs. Raffles is now enjoying improved health.

  Mrs. Edward joins me in kindest regards to yourself & Mrs. R.

  I am

  Dear Sir,

    Yours very truly,

  Edw.d Baines, Jun.

Text: ENG. Ms. 372, f. 94, John Rylands University Library of Manchester.