Maria Grace Saffery, Salisbury, to Philip Whitaker, Bratton, [Sunday], 27 October 1805.

My dear Bror,

   Congratulations you are doubtless receiving on every hand but you will early believe that no heart is more susceptible to that impression of joy which alone qualifies, or ought to gratify, the speaker or writer on such occasions  receive then an assurance of my inexpressible satisfaction in this Event, united with the most earnest & affectionate wish for every sincere good that can possibly await in present or future circumstances  my dear S—y is from home but will I know enter into my sentiments and join his prayers with mine for a blessing on our dear little neice & on her dearer Mother.

   I think I never saw Alfreds eyes sparkle so before, nor heard such an involuntary expression from his lips as “well! I am glad of that!” on hearing the news of his Sister.  He has made several sage observations since, among other remarks that he did not think it had been so near and “now said he, we have five children!” he wants I think to see the five walk out together.  Much conversation passes before me of this sort between him, Philip & Mary – isn’t she coming to day Mama? is little Maggy’s favourite question – I wrote to Bodenham last Eveng the weather preventing your Cousins attendance with us – Everybody here seems pleased with the news Miss A. begs her congratulations – she had a first niece born @ a week before.  I expect hourly to be called to Mrs Bs.

   We are all well here except poor Carey who has his arm in a sling & who is irritated with his teeth.  Our love to all the boys – a gentle kiss to little Miss E–  and tenderest regards to my dearest Anna –

   Our love also to Nurse we are glad she is so well – Adieu I hope the biscuits are ready.  They are baked this Morng on purpose –

         Yours affectionately as earnestly

                     M. G. Saffery

I have the nursing Chair

Text: Timothy Whelan, gen. ed., Nonconformist Women Writers, 1720-1840 (London: Pickering & Chatto, 2011), vol. 6, p. 206 (annotated version); Saffery/Whitaker Papers, acc. 142, I.A.15.(a.), Angus Library. Address: Mr Philip Whitaker, | Bratton Farm | with a | thousand welcomes to his | Little Daughter | write again immediately. No postmark. References above to the birth of Emma Whitaker, who would die in childhood; also Jane Attwater Blatch.