J. E. Smith, Bristol, to Anna Jane Whitaker, Bratton, [Wednesday], 12 June 1805.

Dear Miss Whitaker

   We are happy to inform you that we came home safe my wife in getting over the Stile between the Orchard and your Brothers Ground crick’d her Back that render’d our Journey not quite so pleasant   thro’ mercy it is better – Our School is come in again we have a large number of Scholars  we desire to be thankful for business but when I consider the importance of the charge we are call’d in Providence to perform I find myself insufficient for the task – when I consider that I have a part of the rising Generation – that is to fill this World after we are gone and our heads laid in the silent dust. Oh! how much Wisdom, prudence, patience, and Resolution do teachers stand in need of  Dear friends pray for us, we hope that you and our dear and valuable friend your Affectionate Mother are still better, we can’t be sufficiently thankful to you for the great favours confered upon us while at your House – as well as the other favour we received of our valuable friends at Bratton  We hope Mr Whitakers Cold is better and Family continues better may the affliction that your Family has been exercised with be sanctified to all concern’d  we shall be happy to hear of the increase of the Redeemers Kingdom and that you make on Among them at Bratton   Please to send us a few lines soon to let us know how you all do and how many are to be Baptized  give our respects to your Mother and Brother  Mr T. to Mr Whitaker & Mrs – To Mr & Mrs Blatch Please to accept of these few oranges as a small present  If you would wish to have some sent please to send word by John Smith and we will send you some. Oranges are very dear and scarce this half a dozen was bought very cheap at one shilling therefore if you wish to have some please to say how many and we will do the best we can.  Mr Norris was so kind to take this small parcel with him.        

   Please to give our respects to all enquiring Friends

   We remain yours affectionately

                     J. E. Smith

Bristol June 12. 1805

P.S. If you would wish to have some Oranges please to send a small Basket to Pack them up in by Jn Smith

Text: Timothy Whelan, gen. ed., Nonconformist Women Writers, 1720-1840 (London: Pickering & Chatto, 2011), vol. 6, pp. 199-200 (annotated version); Reeves Collection, Box 14.5.(b.), Bodleian. Address: Miss J Whitaker | Bratton favor’d  by | Mr Morris. No postmark. Anna Jane Whitaker (1784-1838) of Bratton was the youngest sister of Philip Whitaker. The Smiths operated a school in Bristol. Also mentioned above is her mother, Caroline Attwater Whitaker (1746-1824) of Bratton, sister of Jane Attwater Blatch, also of Bratton and mentioned above.