William Steadman, Plymouth Dock, to John Rippon, London, 4 October 1804.

P Dock Oct. 4th 1804

My very Dr Brother

         I recd your Invoice & about 6 weeks ago the Hymn Books. The dear ones still on Hand, but have sold nearly all the Selections at 3/6 & 4/6 – wish you therefore as speedy as possible to send me a Dozen more of each Sort, Half of cart 18o the other Half 24o – wish you likewise to send about 6 Arrangts 24o at 3/6 as I presume you have some of that size & price – In Addition to which I’ll be obliged to you to send an Arrangt & a Selection of the largest Type & best Paper you have, well bound in Calf. I want them for the use of the Pulpit you know my defect in Sight. On that Acct large Print is an essential recommendation to a Book for me.

         I know not whether Mr Wickenden has any Prospect of sending them in a Parcel to Dock soon. If not shod be obliged to you to send them, or desire him to send them, by Russell’s Waggon directed for me No 2 Clowance Street, P. Dock.

         I’ll take Care to account with you for all the Books I sell at the Time you mention. Why does our good Brother raise our Expectations of seeing him & then disappoint them? – Am glad your Health is better. Wish it a long Continuance, with every other Blessing – with Xtian Respects to Mrs R— I remain

                     Your affectionate Brother

                                 W Steadman

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

Postmark: Plymouth Dock 8 Oct 1804

Text: John Rippon Letters, British Library, Add. Ms. 25389, fol. 167.