Harriet Frances Ryland, London, to MGS, Salisbury, [Wednesday], 25 March 1807.

London Mar: 25th 1807

My dear Madam,

   You will I am sure imagine that I have been much engaged, or that I should ere now have addressed to you a few lines; and I know that you cannot have been uneasy at my silence as Mrs Whitly mentioned her Intention of writing to her friends immediately and through this recd mine. I was aware you would be informed of my safe arrival in Town.

   Permit me now to enquire of your welfare; I hope by this time you may again quiet yourself – that your little one continues a thriving, healthy Child.

   I shall hope shortly to hear from you a good account of the hearth and comfort of your family Circle; including your Sister and her Children. I have received too many kind attentions from yourself and her not to feel interested in all that concerns you; and I flatter myself from the friendship you have manifested for me that you will feel gratify’d at hearing of my Welfare.

   I shall trouble you to remember me very kindly to all my friends – to Mr Saffery I beg my best Respects – & my love to Philip & Mary the only two old enough to bear me in their minds Eye – to Miss Mason likewise I send my best regards – and with every sentiment of Esteem & gratitude I subscribe myself                            

                                             Dear Madam

                                             Your most affectionately

                                                         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.(1.), Angus Library. Address: Mrs Saffery | Salisbury. Postmark: 26 March 1807.