John Saffery, Salisbury, to Philip Whitaker, Bratton, Monday, 15 August 1808.

Attached to the letter below is a letter from Maria Grace Saffery to Anne Whitaker, dated 13 August 1808.

My dr Bror

   Your commissions I have executed – I suppose the wine went yesterday.  I have not the money for the Potato indeed I have not seen Smith since I imagine he is busy planting them  when I get it I will pay Mr W. –  The Letters are read Wednesday afternoon but the business of the Widow’s fund begins at < > oclock Wedy Morning.  I hope you will be there – I feel very much for Mr Claypole but think he has acted wisely.  It is really sad work to be moving @ so – May the Lord direct him to a more settled rest, & send you a Minister who shall live long usefully & happily with you – I have only time to add my love to Sister, Mason, children &c & that I am

                                 Your’s Affectly

                                             J Saffery

Text: Timothy Whelan, gen. ed.,  Nonconformist Women Writers, 1720-1840, 8 vols. (London: Pickering & Chatto, 2011), vol. 6, pp. 273-74 (annotated version); Reeves Collection, Box 14.4.(i.), Bodleian. Address: Mrs Philip Whitaker | Bratton Farm | Westbury | Wilts. No postmark. Thomas Claypole remained one more year at the Bratton church before he resigned.