William Ward, Madeira, to Joshua Marshman, Serampore, 18 June 1821.

Madeira, June 18, 1821.

My dear Brother,

         This comes by the Fame [name of the ship]. But whether it will arrive before us, I know not. If it shou’d, you will be glad to know that your beloved spouse is much improved by her [visit?] to England, & so is Rachel. Jos. & Hannah are quite hearty – well reconciled to their stay, & I hope, for the present, at least, they are where they will improve. I hope Charlotte Shepherd who is coming with her aunt, is a good girl, & that she will be useful to her. My own health is much improved, & I hope I may make up for lost time, when I arrive. I shall hardly ever be out of John’s debt, for I hope he will not be so great a transgressor as I have been. He will remember that he was young & was better able to bear the burden. I am now an old man; & am a little frightened at the prospect. I know what it was with John; I must, I suppose, know what it will be without him. We will, however, trust in the Lord, & try not to be afraid. Here too, at Madeira, we have found friends; a pious young Scotsman, a Mr Laird, & Mr Balckburn has this [?] to Mrs Ward so now as you have read it & [?] to give dear John 10,000 thanks for his

                                 Love,

                                             [William Ward]

This very moment have invited Mrs Marshman & myself [cannot read the remaining line]

Address: Rev. Dr Marshman, | Serampore | Near Calcutta

Postmark: not very clear

Endorsed: W. Ward to Dr Marshman | 18 June 1821

Text: William Ward Letters, RG no. 1373, American Baptist Historical Society Archives, Atlanta.