Mary “Polly” Doddridge [with her sisters Mercy and Celia], Daventry, to Mercy Doddridge, Sr., Mary Street, Northampton, 23 October 1753. 

Daventry Oct 23 Wednsday

Dearest Madam

             We are all much concernd to hear of your Indispossion which we flatter ourselvs is but Slight & will be soon removed.

           I have the pleasure to informe you Madm that my sister is much better than she was she took Physick yesterday, & is to take another Dose to morrow, wh Mr Hill sais he hopes will make the Bark unnessary. he recomends it to her to keep herself very warm & seems to think it highly improper she should think of going this week but I think if she continues to mend as she has done these 2 or 3 Day’s she may very safely venture on Monday or Tuesday, which ever shall be most Conveinant,

             I am realy very sorry I have not the pleasure of attending you my Dear Mamma which I should do most willingly, my sisters both send their Duty & Mrs S [Sturges] her best Compts she seems very obligingly pleased our longer stay

             excuse my ading more I have at present a Cold in one of my Eyes which makes writing exessively troublsome to me

             Adieu my Dear Mamma

                        Your Most Obeidant Daughter

                                     Polly Doddridge

I think my self much oblig’d to Mrs Rappitt for her kind Letter & beg my Compts & thanks. Love to my Cousin [Mary Doddridge]

Address: To | Mrs Doddridge | in Mary Street | Northampton

Postmark: none

Note on Address Page:  My dear Polly | Oct ye 23 |1753

Text: Crew MS 50, fol. 36, Wren Library, Trinity College, Cambridge.