Richard Ryland, London, to Maria Grace Saffery, Salisbury, [Friday], 6 May 1808.

London 6 May 1808.

Dear Madam

   Croft wrote a Letter to Lucy last night to which I had not at that time opportunity to add anything, but now request the favour of you to let her things be all ready at any time after Tuesday next for his fetching her; whether her Visit hither will be shorter or longer, depends on Circumstances that we cannot at present ascertain.

   Mrs R. continues in a State of Health more comfortable than I almost ever expected to see her in again & goes on < > the little Girl extremely to her own Gratification, although it is a very fatiguing Office, followed up as she pursues it. It is indeed a source of the highest pleasure to all of us. 

   Richard was well & in high Spirits on board the Audacious at Deal on Tuesday – much respected by his superior Officers, and I hope doing quite well.

                     I am Madam

                                             Your obedt Servt

                                                         R Ryland

Text: Timothy Whelan, gen. ed., Nonconformist Women Writers, 1720-1840 (London: Pickering & Chatto, 2011), vol. 6, p. 267 (annotated version); Saffery/Whitaker Papers, acc. 142, II.D.5.a.(18.), Angus Library. Address: Mrs M. G. Saffery | Salisbury. May 6 / 8. Postmark illegible.  Ryland followed this letter with a brief note to Saffery on 7 May, not included here, informing MGS that his son, Richard, would be at Salisbury sooner than expected to pick up Harriet.