Maria Grace Saffery, Frome, to Jane Saffery Whitaker, Bratton, Thursday morning, [c. May 1842].

Frome

Thursday Morng

Dearest Jane,

         After waiting anxiously from day to day for opportunities which were expected in vain, I forward a little parcel, under Kate’s direction by a selected Messenger, and he will wait for tidings which on, may I hope, refresh my weary heart this Evening.  Mr George’s letter is of consequence and you will probably forward it on Saturday.

         How is your good Uncle’s knee? and how is dear Aunt? Alas have the bulletins of the Farm – and such notices from this quiet home that calls thee “Mistress” as may add to the thanksgiving with which I am wont to remember, that I am

                                             Your friend & mother,

                                                         Maria Grace Saffery

Alfred and the children are well Kate a little only a little poorly – All well at Holcombe last night.

Pray do not allow my caps to be troublesome – It may possibly be an inconvenient reason to introduce them and in that case I can wait ’till I return, for their services

Dear Jane

   If it should be perfectly eligible – will you commit my caps to the care of Elizabeth. I pay her a very great price for very bad millinery of the sort I require – perhaps I may not want a supply before my alarm, – but if quite convenient to all parties – I shall be glad to secure the comfort of a clean Cap &c from Bratton.

Text: Timothy Whelan, gen. ed., Nonconformist Women Writers, 1720-1840 (London: Pickering & Chatto, 2011), vol. 6, pp. 436-37 (annotated version); Saffery/Whitaker Papers, acc. 142, I.B.5.c.(12.), Angus Library. Address: Mrs Joshua Whitaker | Tuesday morng. No postmark.