Anne Whitaker, Bratton, to Maria Grace Saffery, Bath, [Saturday], 15 January 1825.

My dear Maria       

   It was my decided intention to visit my dear Brother the beginning of next week and if an additional bedroom could be obtained to stay a little time with him – On the receipt of yours I should have hastened my departure but found it to be impossible and that I could not well reach you before 11 oclock on Tuesday Morning when I hope to be with you.  Instead of Anne who will have much to attend to at home I intend bringing Mary Smith who is a more proper companion for me by night and who can be seriously useful both to me and Mr S.–  I have been rather declining in strength and ability to sleep of late and think to try the Bath waters while I remain.  I suppose the price of the additional bed room has been given you for any further particulars they had better remain till I come.

   I shall only add hoping so soon to see you that I am

                                 Affectionately yours

                                             Anne Whitaker

Bratton Farm

Jany 15th 1825

Elizabeth Head expired yesterday at 4 oclock in the afternoon – her death had been daily expected by her medical advisers at least for more than a fortnight.

Text: Timothy Whelan, gen. ed., Nonconformist Women Writers, 1720-1840 (London: Pickering & Chatto, 2011), vol. 6, p. 399 (annotated version); Saffery/Whitaker Papers, acc. 180, A.2.(b.), Angus Library. Address: Mrs Saffery | 3 James’s Parade | Bath.  Postmark: Warminster, no date. Elizabeth Theodosia Head was the daughter of Marianna Attwater Head.