Maria Grace Saffery, Kingsland, to Jane Saffery Whitaker, Bratton, Monday, 17 June [1844].

De Beauvoir Villas –

Monday June 17th

           Absence beloved Jane, absence only, prevented an immediate reply to your dear anxious letter, which came during my visit to Peckham on Saturday, whence I returned too late for that Post, and of course no means of communication was then afforded before to day. I cannot well express my deep regret for undue omission, which has pressed heavily on me through the intervening space; – though I had indeed imagined, that you would probably not expect a Bulletin before your return home unless any marked change in dear Eliza had occurred: in which case be assured there would have been no delay of information, whether of Joy or Sorrow.  I found her on my arrival at the Grove, somewhat more free from Physical distress than she has of late, occasionally been brought indeed very low as to the Body; but sweetly comforted in Mind – wanting no good thing to sustain and refresh the former, that human kindness under the promptings of the Friend Eternal, can supply; and cheered by the light of that countenance which alone can “put gladness into the heart suited to the wants of Immortality” – with regard to her recovery, my impressions are similar to those of your dear Brother and his Wife (both of whom are shewing unremitting tenderness and zealous care).  Our fears prevail; but hope still lingers with a consciousness that prayer may yet be answered for the lengthened life; as it has been we trust, for the visitations of the Comforter.

         The good Children are quite well. I find them generally in the dear Father’s garden, watching the Flowers he planted – some of these are fragrant now; but O! how much more fragrance to the thought is breathed from the sweet memories, of his departing hours –

         It is delightful to observe the influence that genuine character may obtain and keep, even in a neighbourhood like Peckham. The widow of our Carey affords a consolatory proof of this, the wealthy, and the poor around her dwelling, seem all solicitous to convey some token of affectionate respect adapted to her wants and their capacities – a Gardener never employed in her little Bower sends his present of Strawberries. Other fruits, accompanied by various delicacies too numerous to mention, are almost constantly supplied, by the rich; and this with a respectful attention to the finer feelings, not always observable in the Benefactor. Mrs Jay is uniformly liberal and kind. The dear Patient is permitted to take a small portion of Tent wine and feels a decided preference for Animal food! – I have no commission; but perhaps she would like a Chicken from Bratton if it could be managed without difficulty.  I say this to please you, for her answer to my inquiry still is, “I have all things and abound.”  I always deliver your messages of love, in which she seems entirely to confide.

         But I am getting a little nervous about the post office and though I have many things to say shall not venture now on other Subjects which might detain me loner than is desirable. You well know all I might truthfully express of love unfeigned to those around you now – and to those with whom you will soon be meeting. Many a dear remembrance, from the heart, is sent you from this home, united with that, for which I find no language so faithfully descriptive of my tenderest feelings, as is conveyed in the assurances of

                                 Your Mother’s Love

                                             Maria Grace Saffery

Text: Timothy Whelan, gen. ed., Nonconformist Women Writers, 1720-1840 (London: Pickering & Chatto, 2011), vol. 6, pp. 440-41 (annotated version); Saffery/Whitaker Papers, acc. 142, I.B.5.c.(6.), Angus Library, Regent's Park College, Oxford. No address or postmark.  The above letter concerns the eminent death of Selina Eliza Pitt (1811-44), wife of William Carey Saffery (1803-43), who had died the previous year.