Maria Grace Saffery, Beckington, to Jane Whitaker, Tuesday [c. May 1842].

Beckington  Tuesday Morning

         Yes, my Jane, I was indeed both looking and longing for a letter when the sweet message of peace and love was put into my hand. – Yesterday Afternoon the Cap arrived in safety; and I was duly thankful for the skill and kindness which had so agreeably provided for my wants; but a murmur of anxiety came over me, when I had reached the silent messenger in vain, for tidings from the dear Village home.  There was only a Cap for the head, no letter to regale the heart. To day the more precious boon is granted, and I am comforted by the language of your truthful tenderness, and by the notice it conveys also of our Heavenly Father’s merciful provision for the welfare of those so very dear to us. You speak of Joshua’s health with more satisfactory amusement than of your own, and I have been fearing, that like the “small people you are rather out of condition” – Take due care of their sweet Mother. The solicitude about the Chicken pox is over now, I think love beyond their immediate power of comprehension waits from Grandmamma, on the lovely Sisters, and their little Brethren.  You will know how to speak for me at the Farm – the Cottage – the Mansion – to the widowed Maria – and to all who have the claim of especial Christian remembrances at the parsonage or elsewhere.

         Dear Alfred returned on Saturday in tolerable health somewhat dispirited with Metropolitan discussions and agitations &c &c.  Kate was slightly indisposed Yesterday, with nervous headaches and is better this morning I hope you will find me improved also when you come hither on Friday. This place is truly interesting, the house a very agreeable specimen of the Antique; and the scenery around it very beautiful.

         I am much indebted to the dear Lady of the Mansion for many proofs of attention to my comfort of Alfred I need make no remark you know the Man and his communications – Sweet Edith must not be forgotten she is in fair health and spirits; and I imagine would charge me with various affectionate communications to Bratton especially to the “small people there.”

         And now I must leave unsaid much that the heart would dictate, and content myself with adding the assurance that towards you, and yours, I feel a Mother’s love, while I write the Mother’s Name.

                                 Maria Grace Saffery.

Alfred and Kate would I know be affectionately remembered in the circle round you  Has dear Joshua forgotten the Commission he received to send Beer hither from Warminster? it is much wanted and immediately.  Write if it be only a line to comfort me when you get this.

Text: Timothy Whelan, gen. ed., Nonconformist Women Writers, 1720-1840 (London: Pickering & Chatto, 2011), vol. 6, pp. 437-38 (annotated version); Saffery/Whitaker Papers, acc. 142, I.B.5.c.(11.), Angus Library. No address or postmark.