Richard Ryland, London, to Maria Grace Saffery, Salisbury, [Saturday], 30 December 1809.

Savage Gardens 30 Decr 1809

Dear Sir

   I have a few Lines from my Daughter by today’s Post and if I understand her right she has had from you £30 since I sent you the £142.13.5 and in addition to that Sum, I now enclose you a B P Bill for £30 more accordingly and if this should be any other than right you will do me the favour to let me know – I trust it will appear that the expence though heavy had been of essential Benefit. – In the particulars she sends me, I see scarcely any mention of Beer – in a general way & where particular regimens is not required I should much recommend common Table Beer, such as I doubt is drank at your own Table, to them both, in preference to Water – it is the natural produce of the Country & I am persuaded congenial to the Climate & the Inhabitants, to whom Wine & strong drink cannot be necessary, at least in early life unless fatigue or the Visitation of ill Health call for it. I sincerely wish you Health & Comfort for many returning years & am

                     Your mo. hum. Servt

                                 R Ryland

Mrs R. after having been once at Peckham & 2 or 3 times at market has been confined again & is extremely feeble & unwell. The rest of us, I thank God as well as usual.

Text: Timothy Whelan, gen. ed., Nonconformist Women Writers, 1720-1840 (London: Pickering & Chatto, 2011), vol. 6, p. 292 (annotated version); Saffery/Attwater Papers, acc. 142, II.D.5.a.(30.), Angus Library. Address: Revd & Mrs Saffery | Salisbury.