Maria Grace Saffery, Salisbury, to Anne Whitaker, Bratton, [Friday], Monday, 12 February 1816.

For John Saffery's letter to Philip Whitaker (dated 9 February), which precedes the letter below, click here. 

   Thus far my dr S. had written on Friday and begged me to close but I have been almost distracted with multiplied engagements and the letter was thrown aside in despair. My dr Annes letter of Saturday determines me on sending it just as it is lest I should not prepare another for the post – the outfit of the Randalls for India is almost intirely on my hands they are to sail the 15th of next month & I have scarcely breathing time from anxiety – dear Philip too is going to Town.  Alas! I cannot tell you all I feel of hope & fear and thankfulness & disappointment on this too interesting Subject –  Adieu dear Anne  I can only add that I am

                                 Yours ever Yours

                                             M G Saffery

Monday Night

[12 February 1816]

Text: Timothy Whelan, gen. ed.,  Nonconformist Women Writers, 1720-1840, 8 vols. (London: Pickering & Chatto, 2011), vol. 6, p. 349 (annotated version); Saffery/Whitaker Papers, acc. 142, I.B.2.(25.),  Angus Library, Regent's Park College, Oxford.  Address: Salisbury Feby 12 1816 | Mr P. Whitaker | Bratton Farm | near Westbury | Wiltshire.  Postmark: Salisbury, 12 February. Joel and Ann Randall were also members at Brown Street; they were preparing to sail for India as missionaries for the BMS. The other reference is to her son, Philip Saffery.