John Saffery, Salisbury, to Philip Whitaker, Bratton, Friday, 13 May 1808.

Attached to the letter below is a letter from Maria Saffery to Anne Whitaker, dated the same as above.

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.[2]  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 (London: Pickering & Chatto, 2011), vol. 6, p. 265 (annotated version); Reeves Collection, Box 14.4.(i.), Bodleian. Address: Mrs Philip Whitaker | Bratton Farm | Westbury | Wilts. No postmark. Claypole would remain at Bratton for another year before he would resign.