Maria Grace Saffery, Brixton, to Jane Saffery Whitaker, Bratton, Thursday, 19 September [1844].

9 Park Terrace Brixton

Thursday Septr 19th

My own beloved Jane

         I have intended to provide you with the solace of merciful tidings for to morrow, by writing a faithful report of my ongoings to day, before the tender plea of your Solicitude, reached me by post this morning. Thankfully indeed, would I acknowledge the permission of our Heavenly Father, to soothe anxiety like yours, by assurances of this restoring mercy experienced by your Mother. Yes – be comforted my Jane, fresh occasion is afforded for thanksgiving, by answer to prayer on my behalf – my pain is greatly alleviated, and movement becomes far less difficult day by day – I can walk very well within doors, compared with my first attempts after the fall and my medical attendant (who called since I sat down to write) advised me to try a moderate walk in the open air this afternoon. I have already visited the garden several times – our dear Samuel has been engaged considerably, with office work, so that he has not been here since Tuesday Evening I hope to see him this afternoon – and shall be glad of his services as an Amanuensis – just now my hand is yet very tremulous, as perhaps I need not inform you while you read my writing. How I long for communication more ample, in the dear quiet home of Bratton! speak for me to the beloved Husband with a message suited to maternal tenderness – bestow on each dear little one a kiss for Grandmamma.  Tell Salter of my gratitude for the expression of her sympathy and answer every kind Inquirer whether in the circle of Relative affection or Christian Friendship for her who delights to call

                                             Your Friend, and Daughter,

                                                         Maria Grace Saffery.

I am treated with every possible kindness by Mrs W. & her very agreeable Brother. They would return your remembrances and in terms of answerable import – I received the letter you refer to, dated the 11th

Text: Timothy Whelan, gen. ed., Nonconformist Women Writers, 1720-1840 (London: Pickering & Chatto, 2011), vol. 6, p. 446 (annotated version); Saffery/Whitaker Papers, acc. 142, I.B.5.b.(4.), Angus Library. Address: Mrs Joshua Whitaker | Bratton | near Westbury | Wiltshire.  Postmark: Westbury, 20 September 1844.