William Steadman, Northampton, to John Sutcliff, Olney, 4 January 1794.

My dear Brother,

  I am sorry I happened to be out of Town when the Parcell came; so did not open it till to day, else sho.d have written sooner—M.r Dent delivered the inclosed Letter to Mr Fitzhugh. Hope the Delay was not of any bad Consequence.

  Am much obliged to my good Brother for his kind presents—the Books & pamphlets, and also for his kind Enquiries. In Answer to which I would inform him, that I found my way without much difficulty, and got to N— between 3 and 4 oclock. Was a good deal fatigued, and nearly as much in want of a Dinner as I was of a Breakfast the preceeding Thursday when I reachd Olney. But a Chair & a good Fire to sit by relieved me from the former, and a Piece of a roast  Sparrib removed the latter.

  Made Enquiry after the Registers. M.r Chapman undertook to send the number you wished. Hope he has accomplished his Promise.

  I rejoice to hear of M.rs Andrews’ happy deliverance; and congratulate her and her Yokefellow on the Increase of their Family, and from my very Heart wish them much Joy of the Daughter born—

  Thank you my dear Brother, for your wishes respecting my safe return Home, and my Comfort and Usefulness there. The former will I trust be accomplished next week and the latter be accomplishing thro’ Life.—And in Return can only wish you much of the divine presence, all needed Guidance, and constant Success in your attempts to promote the Redeemer’s Glory.

  Beg you will present my Christian Love to M.rs Andrews and repeat my Thanks for her great kindnesses.—And to all Friends—

                                             I remain

                                                      Dear Brother

                                                               most affectionately yours

                                                                                          W Steadman

Northampton

Jan: 4.th 1794

Text: Timothy Whelan, Baptist Autographs in the John Rylands University Library of Manchester, 1741-1845 (Macon: Mercer University Press, 2009), pp. 67-68 (annotated version); also ENG. MS. 371, fol. 116a, John Rylands University Library of Manchester. On the back page is written in Sutcliff’s hand, “Rec. Jan. 5. 1794. Rev. William Steadman.” 

William Steadman (1764-1837) was the Baptist minister at Broughton (1789-98), Devonport (1798-1805), and Bradford, Yorkshire (1805-37). He supplied at College Lane in Northampton for a time after Ryland’s removal to Broadmead in Bristol in December 1793. Also mentioned in this letter are Joseph Dent, Charles Fitzhugh, and possibly John Chapman, all members of the congregation meeting in College Street.