Maria Grace Saffery, Kingsland, to Jane Saffery Whitaker, Bratton, [Thursday], 24 November [1846].

Kingsland Novr 24th

My own beloved Jane,

         I have your letter this morning with the required Post Office order; thank your dear Joshua for his ever kind attention to my wants. I too shall find it especially acceptable as a means of assisting my return to the dear home, to which you so tenderly invite me; and for which I am longing, with no inferior interest. I was the less anxious about an early reply to your last, because Jane, to whom I offered my services, to arrange matters respecting her agreement with Sally Cook, was intending to write to you herself that she might furnish you with all the requisite Items previous to her coming hither. Circumstances have somewhat interfered with her immediate correspondence; but she is now purposing to write to morrow and I believe also with a full decision in favour of the Village Nurse, in whose official character, I think she will be amply supplied with occasion for gratitude.

         I have yet heard nothing determinate as to the period proposed for dear Edward’s visit to Bratton, except indeed that it was not fixed. This I heard from Edwin – You shall have timely notice when the appointments for my return are made. Till then let our prayers be united for the renewal of our social comfort blended with thanksgiving for the past!

         I am greatly concerned by your export of our dear little Cecil. Let me have a bulletin as soon as you can find leisure for two or three lines. Grandmammas love to all the precious circle of infantine sweetness – To Salter in that daily circle speak for me as your sympathy may dictate. At the Farm express alike the feelings of the Sister and the Friend – and rely for Joshua, and yourself, my Jane, on the deep interest of a Mother’s heart

                                             Maria Grace Saffery.

All here are in merciful health and sincere remembrance of love, would be individually expressed by the Brothers & the Sister.

Text: Timothy Whelan, gen. ed., Nonconformist Women Writers, 1720-1840 (London: Pickering & Chatto, 2011), vol. 6, pp. 451-52 (annotated version); Saffery/Whitaker Papers, acc. 142, I.B.5.b.(9.), Angus Library. Address: Mrs Joshua Whitaker | Bratton | near Westbury | Wiltshire.  Postmark: Westbury, 26 November 1846.