Harriet Frances Ryland, London, to MGS, Salisbury, [Tuesday], 30 June 1807.

June 30th 1807

My dear Mrs Saffery

   You already know that I have informed my father of my wish to return to you. How kind of you to say you will receive me! Upon the receipt of your letter this Morng my father made enquiry for Mr S—y wishing me much to go with him – & how very unfortunate so I conceive myself that this very morng he shd have left Town – My father writes by to night’s Post to enquire of you, whether you know any one who is shortly returning from here to Sarum & I write to say that if you know of no one who is very shortly on the return, I entreat you not to mention any Person who is at some distant Period about to leave London – for instance Miss Mason it must be three weeks ere she returns to you – & indeed I shd find them too too long, if spent here! I trust therefore you will kindly omit to give any information respecting her My father will of course send one of my Brothers with me if you do not know of any person who who could take charge of me if you do know any one who soon returns I shd prefer such an unknown protector to any I shall have procured for me here.

   How very much was I rejoiced to see Mr Saffery – I shed Tears of Joy, & Sorrow, at the same moment. I trust I shall very shortly see you all. I look forward to the hour when I shall reach Sarum with delightful anticipation – & I believe nothing but this prospect cou’d have supported me thro’ my Illness – & prevented my sinking under the various persecutions I have experienced – My gratitude will ever be yours for your Kindness in receiving me once more under your Roof – What words are inadequate to express to you how much I value your affection & esteem – I trust you will never have any cause to think me unworthy of either – you never will while I can with as much sincereity as I do now subscribe myself

                     Your obliged & affectionate

                                             H F Ryland

Text: Timothy Whelan, gen. ed., Nonconformist Women Writers, 1720-1840 (London: Pickering & Chatto, 2011), vol. 6, pp. 277-79 (annotated version); Saffery/Whitaker Papers, acc. 142, II.D.5.b.(4.), Angus Library. Address: Mrs Saffery | Castle Street | Salisbury | Wilts.