Maria Grace Saffery, Holcombe, to Jane Saffery, Salisbury, Friday, [10 October 1834].

Flint House – Friday Morng –

         I came hither in the fine calm autumnal day-light, of Tuesday afternoon – and found a smile of welcome corresponding with the good humour of the Season: not indeed so inspiring to the thought, no, nor so tenderly subduing to the heart, as the mild magnificence of the Creator’s love, beaming from the brow of the Universe. And Oh! What is even that sweet and sublime illumination, to a poor Sinner, compared with the “Light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ”! Great Sun of Righteousness arise.

         I lingered at Bratton several days beyond the first intention family arrangements seemed to require it and kind attentions made the delay agreeable. The sylvan scenery too, was I thought more beautiful than ever, but I missed the smiles, that used to brighten the sunny morning; – or mingle their own twilight softness, with the evening shade.

         I passed a pleasant hour with Alfred in my way to Holcombe. He also was going from home in quest of quiet, and hoping to find it [at] Bratton, with his wife and children. He had not then heard from Everett, but from two other persons, Lawrence the Attorney, of whom he did not think so much of as a Mr Barnes of Corse Castle. I left to him of course all arrangements regarding terms &c.

         And now dearest let me inquire of you, in that home of care where I sigh to contemplate your dear anxious brows, and thoughtful heart: but to a pity more exquisite than mine and infinite in power as in tenderness. I still commend you, you will have heard from Joshua, that your good Uncle has been quite an Invalid. I left him very poorly on Tuesday Morng and feel anxious for tidings of his health. Joshua had a severe cold, and was busily engaged with anticipations of Weyhill, so that John was my Escort to Frome.

         Emma and Rosalie at home are precisely what you could describe them from recent observation. Both well, and the latter as happy as intelligent gentleness, can make so young a creature. Our little girls to whom Edwin, has given the rather appropriate names, of Hawk and Buzzard, were evidently glad to see me, a thing I had certainly not imagined, and there really does seem some impression like moral benefit, on the minds of these half educated children derived from the labours of past years. O for the springing up of every grain of the good seed! They leave behind them four books,[2] a small testament, a prayer book, an atlas, and a little work on the geography of plants – Can these be sent in a parcel to me, with my silk petticoat, my wardrobe is inconveniently small or I would not trouble you with such commissions.

Anne has just been here with her baby, begging me to say kindest words to her, but you must fancy them for the poor man is in waiting.       

Now then adieu say, for me all true and tender things – at home – at Bodenham to the Village Maid – to the dear person and his little family if they are not yet at Cowes, and to yourself all that is implied to you in the signature of

                                 Your friend and Mother

                                                         Maria Grace Saffery

write immediately, and be particular.

Text: Timothy Whelan, gen. ed., Nonconformist Women Writers, 1720-1840 (London: Pickering & Chatto, 2011), vol. 6, pp. 358-59 (annotated version); Saffery/Whitaker Papers, acc. 142, I.B.5.a.(8.), Angus Library. Address: Mrs Saffery | Salisbury. | Miss J. Saffery.  Postmark: Bath, 10 October 1834.