Anne Andrews, Portsmouth, to Maria Grace Andrews, Salisbury, [Friday], 21 April 1797.

   I scarcely know how to express the varied emotions my beloved Friends Letter excited in my Mind: as I did not receive it till late last Eveng I gave up all thoughts of returng an answer by Rook, since the time would not admit of my writing in a manner satisfactory either to myself or you – & even now what can I say, what can I do, but admire as heretofore the strange vicissitudes whh mark our Path in Providence and the perpetual recurrence of perplexing and agitating circumstances whh break our peace & disturb the serenity of our Minds and exemplifying the metaphor of the Poet when comparing them to the ruffled state of the Lake when Stones are precipitated into its placid bosom –

   I will not say that the intelligence respecting Mr A–s arrival caused no surprise but it was only momentary, as it only justified the ideas I had entertain’d & I believe express’d of his design. I am doubtful whether to lament or rejoice at my previous departure, since I cannot decide in my own Mind whh was likely to prove most advantageous my presence or my absence our dr friends please themselves with the miscarriage of the Letter as they think with myself that my Journey wd not only have been delay’d but entirely prevented.  I hope as it has taken place it will be for good – I am much concern’d that you do not mention any particulars as to the frame of mind conversation &c of Mr A– as I am harrass’d with a variety of conjectures.  I could have wish’d also to be inform’d of Mr Hardings conduct on the occasion – the inexpressable solicitude I feel for your repose induces these enquiries.  Do write at large in your next & let me know what you think of my writing to him & in what manner, also what you have been able to learn in a general way of the state of the family at I– & of his affairs –

   While distress’d to think you should be the subject of so many painful sensations in your Interview with Mr A– I could not but rejoice to hear of the support you experienced oh my dear Love be not dismay’d, your little Bark tho’ toss’d about in the Tempest shall yet outside every Storm the heavenly Pilot is at the Helm and whenever he shall see fit he will say Peace be still.

   I feel much perplex’d and exercised as to future Prospects, but I earnestly desire to leave all in the Hand of God, he hath hitherto upheld me & I have been enabled however feebly to say rejoice not against me O mine Enemy for tho’ &c &c –

   Our dear Mama feels deeply & tenderly interested on your account  she desires best love in whh she is join’d by Mr & Mrs H– & your Niece – I suppose Papa is by this time return’d do give my best respects & love to him and tell him we look forwd with mingled pleasure & impatience to [the time] appointed for his arrival here.

   I may as well leave off since I have no liberty in writing this morng as I could wish – I am favor’d with a comfortable measure of health on the whole, & Mama is pretty well considering the fatigue of the Journey & rather unusual exertion in calling on friends &c: –

   Adieu my dearest earthly friend – Write freely I entreat you & let me know how you are both in Mind & Body.  Do not yield to dejection, but remember your privilege to rejoice evermore; cease not to pray for me & believe that if I do know what it is to make supplication before God it is when I implore him to shower on you abundantly the choice blessings of Providence & Grace –

                     Yours most affectionately                         

                                 Anne Andrews

Your Niece begs to be favor’d with a letter & more especially with some Verses – in compliance with her wishes I also request you to send the letters between Mr – & myself – those to Esther you may retain – will thank you also to send the little Geography – enclose the Powder for Mrs Saffery, they are on the marble shelf in her Room

Mama & Esther & myself unite in kind love to Hannah

Text: Timothy Whelan, gen. ed.,  Nonconformist Women Writers, 1720-1840 (London: Pickering & Chatto, 2011), vol. 6, pp. 130-31 (annotated version); Reeves Collection, Box 14.3.(h.), Bodleian Library, Oxford. Address:  Miss Andrews | Revd Mr Safferys | Exeter Street | Sarum | 21 April 1797.  Postmark: Portsmouth. References are to John and Elizabeth Saffery, not Anne’s real parents. The niece is probably Mary Ravenscroft.