Samuel Saunders, Penzance, to John Rippon, London, 14 January 1803.

Penzance Jany 13. 1803 –

Revd & dear Sir,

         Through your correspondence with Mr Rowe of Redruth, you have undoubtedly heard of the success of the Baptist interest in Cornwall – A circumstance which must take every pious heart – and incite the most generous emotions – I am situated in Penzance and am happy to witness the most pleasing prospects – Our efforts here, under the patronage of Mr [Opie] Smith of Bath, have been mightily succeeded – Vast numbers of the poor in & around the town are in the deepest ignorance – for the benefit of whom & their children we intend establishing [fol. 14v.] a Sunday School – For tracts & books of instruction I have written to Mr [Joseph] Hughes of Battersea – Several persons here [are] wishing Sir for your ‘Collection of Hymns from the Best Authors’ – I shall esteem it a favour if you would send down a dozn Copies – about 8 of the large printed edition – fine paper & common & 4 of the last thin edition.

         I am

                     dear Sir

                                 your obedt Servt

                                             Sam. Saunders

I think Sr you had better send a dozn @ 1/2

Address: Revd Dr Rippon | Grange Road | Southwark | near London

Postmark: Penzance 17 January 1803

Text: John Rippon Letters, British Library, Add. Ms. 25389, fols. 14-15. Samuel Sanders married the sister of the poet Joseph  Cottle of Bristol, who was also a Baptist and member at the Pithay church and then at Broadmead. Sarah Saunders (1807-25), Samuel's daughter and Joseph's favorite niece, died at the age of 18 and was memorialized in a series of letters by the Baptist essayist, John Foster.