Eustace Carey, Leicester, to John Sutcliff, Olney (“by favour of Mr Gamby”), 30 October 1812.

Leicester Oct. 30, 1812

My dear M.r Sutcliff

         As I have long been anxious of writing you, am glad of the opportunity of droping [sic] you a line by M.r Gamby.

         Perhaps you have heard of my being unwell from D.r [Ryland]  Left Bristol last week and got to Leicester on Saturday. Have not been able to attend to any work for this six or seven weeks. Am now something better, but as my medicine is chiefly mercurial am obliged to use great care; The friends there are very kind to me and hope to be able to get about again soon. My complaint is principally in my liver, and is attended with the same symptoms as when at your house, a pain in the back and side with a considerable weakness 

         On our way hither we stayed a day at Birmingham and M.r Hall preached at night for the mission, and collected near £50. They have gathered between three and four hundred in all. Thus God is opening the hearts of those who have the silver and the gold, to dedicate it to the service of the sanctuary. I hope the loss will soon be made up, and be over ruled for the furthering of the blessed work. The missionary society have been making a sweeping effort at Bristol and have got £1000. They have voted 50 to the Baptists, but this is old news to you.

         Mr Hoby of whom Lawson used to speak to you is now at Bristol. He is truely a sweet man in his disposition and character and is much devoted to God. I think he will offer himself to the society, as soon as an opportunity presents itself for going. Miss Fasbrook has a brother who has been an officer in the [East India] company’s service. She says persons may get out under their protection who have relations in India. Perhaps I could get out this way, but this you will judge of. As soon as I’m able, hope to reach Olney. Poor Howlet is no better, believe he’s now with M.r Scot. He is happy in his mind. Please to remember me kindly to M.rs Sutcliff Miss Johnstone, Mary Pillin, and all in the house. 

         I remain dear Sir, most dutifully,

                                             Yours

                                                      Eustace Carey

Text: Timothy Whelan, Baptist Autographs in the John Rylands University Library of Manchester, 1741-1845 (Macon: Mercer University Press, 2009), pp. 156-57 (annotated version); also Eng. MS. 387, fol. 18b, John Rylands University Library of Manchester. On the back page Sutcliff has written: “Rec.d Oct. 31. 1812.”James Hoby (1788-1871) ministered to Baptist congregations in London, Birmingham, and Twickenham during his career and was an active supporter of the BMS. Mary Fasbrook of Leicester married Eustace Carey on 9 December 1813. Miss Pillin[g] was a member of Sutcliff’s church at Olney. She later married a John Robinson, also of the Olney Church, who eventually ministered to the Baptist church in Gretton, Northamptonshire. See Olney Church Book, Angus Library, Regent's Park College, Oxford, ff. 72, 80.