Maria Grace Saffery, Frome, to Jane Saffery Whitaker, Bratton, Friday, 18 November [1840?].

Frome Friday Eveng Novr 18th

Dearest Jane,

         A month has passed since I left you in the snug parlour of your Devizes friend – since I travelled homeward through solitary bowers to your little dwelling, with the beautiful, cold audience of moonlight on my brow and the warm glow of your smile upon my heart – Since then, I can scarcely tell you what have been the changes in the natural or moral scenery. Your own imagination can supply the colouring of the landscape; and the deep touches of your sympathy, will possibly produce, no very faint outline of the thoughts and feelings, which characterize the mental view, all these are defined or awakened by the lights and shadows that fall upon the hidden Life. – Suffice it now then to say that “Goodness and mercy have been following me” and that I am confessing I hope too, feeling with the Patriarch my utter unworthiness of the daily benefits.

         The letter from Plymouth was disappointing – I am inclined to feel with you on the inexpediency of reply – though I had written to Mrs Bunden with an intention of submitting the epistle to your inspection, that you might forward a copy in your own hand as you were secretary on the first occasion.

         I long to be with you my sweet counsellor  a heart so fully charged as mine needs the perpetual overflow of the affections, in their accustomed channel.  I remember it this moment the blessed admonition, “Trust in Him at all times ye people” pour out your hearts before him.  Would that mine were more devoutly, more unreservedly committed to the Lord Jehovah! – whose “Eye is ever upon them that fear him,” “upon them that hope in his mercy.”

         You know that our dear Marianne will be proceeding to Holcombe with Alfred to morrow – I suppose my return to you is to be regretted by the movements of the official Lady at Bratton, whose attendance at Flint House, is expected at the beginning of next month – I am most affectionately welcomed here; but as little fretful children say, “I want to go home” – Alas for that word! Yet wherefore should I sigh to use it, while mine on Earth is so graciously appointed beneath the shelter of your roof, and in the embrace of your affection.

         Adieu my friend, my Child – with all the sacred and tender meaning of those names. I am Yours,

                    Maria Grace Saffery.

Assure dear Joshua of my very kindest recollections and accept both for yourself and him my sympathizing gratulation for the re-peopling of the Farm with its own beloved Inhabitants – remember me when there also

Text: Timothy Whelan, gen. ed., Nonconformist Women Writers, 1720-1840 (London: Pickering & Chatto, 2011), vol. 6, pp. 433-34 (annotated version); Saffery/Whitaker Papers, acc. 142, I.B.5.c.(13.), Angus Library. Address: Mrs Joshua Whitaker | Bratton. No postmark. This letter appears to be written the day after letter 367.