William Steadman, Plymouth Dock to John Rippon, London, 30 June 1804.

My dear Brother

         It is so long ago that I sent you an Order for Hymn Books that I have really forgotten what that Order was. If you can find it do execute it immediately. If send not send us some Selections. We are in great want of them. Let them be of the sort for common People, not the finest nor the coarsest. Whether your Arrangement of Dr Watts' will sell or not I cannot say; but if you send a few I’ll take Care you shall either have Books or Money in due Time. I say the same of Half a Dozen Tune Books if you’ll have the Goodness to send them.

         Our Brother Dafforne, who will carry this Letter is kind enough to promise to send the Parcel inclosed in Goods to some of our Friends. Will you therefore be kind enough to send them as early as possible to Messrs Fenn, Wickenden, and Dafforne No 7 Cornhill – I am glad to hear your Health is so far restored, and pray God it may be long continued. I retain a very pleasing Recollection of the many Instances of Respect & Kindness from many of your Friends last year. When you have an opportunity present christian love to them all particulary Messrs Lepards, Hudson, Carroll, Norton, Saville, Bowyer, Hedge, Aikin, &c &c &c – My very best Respects to Mrs R— &c – I am my dear Brother

                                 Yours very affectionately

                                             W Steadman

P Dock

June 30th 1804

Address: Revd Dr Rippon | Favd by | Mr Dafforne

Postmark: none

Text: John Rippon Letters, British Library, Add. Ms. 25389, fol. 166.