Samuel Norman, Bampton, to John Rippon, London, 11 April 1796.

 Bampton April 11

1796

Dear Brother  

         I have taken the liberty to write you a few lines by Miss Yeandall – to request the favor of you sending me word when you are about to send of[f] any Packet to America – I was at Bovey last week to attend the ordination of Br Sprague when Mrs Puddecombe informed me that it was the safest way of sending – My oldest son a youth of 18 sailed from Plymouth ^last August^ in the [Industry?] Capt Parsons bound for Phila – in company with 23 others mostly Baptists, and after a dangerous passage of two weeks arrived at Phila – My son was going to [the] Hudson above 100 Miles from N York to settle with his uncle – Mr Thoms Escatt[?] – my wifes Brother he waited at length at Phila expecting him to fetch him – during that time sent three letters and at last received a letter from a Mr [Ashford?] carpet maker and tenant to his uncle – that he was dangerously ill – and not expected to live a day He also received three letters from the same person to the same purport – desiring if he was not come way to send him immediately – as his uncle had left him all his property – to the amount of 1000 since that I have received a letter from my son dated Phila 22d of November saying he was going for Hudson that day – But since that time have had no further account – so that we have been held in painful suspence above five months and are ignorant whether his uncle is dead or he arrived at Hudson – shall take it kind if you will send me a line by return of post – if you know any Merchant at or are on Hudson – to whom I could write to desire them to give him some advice how to act should his uncle be dead – and if you will and can send a letter for me I will enclose it to you post free immediately or if you can put me in a way how to send by the quickest conveyance – And you will greatly oblige your unworthy Brother &c

                                 S Norman

I received your kind favor of the fund Money – you will please to make my humble acknowts to the Gentlemen for the donation – it came very seasonable – having had lately a very heavy -- & expensive family affliction.

Our friends are rather uneasy as being in the Register a Reflection cast on some [in the] church in the account of late Mr Clarke – they rather think it means Bampton – Mr [Runpson?] says not – but Hamfield – I believe I may assure I know not one in the church but what abominates the sentiment – should be glad if you will clear it up to their satisfaction – Mr C was at Bampton three years and gave general satisfaction and upon his leaving the people recommended me –

Address: Revd Dr Rippon | No 11 Grange Road Southwark | London

Postmark: 11 April

Text: John Rippon Letters, British Library, Add. Ms. 25388, fols. 142-43.