Anne Whitaker, Bratton, to Maria Grace Saffery, Salisbury, [c. January 1825].

Bratton   Saturday Morning

My dear Maria

   I was quite involved in surprise and perplexity by the receipt of Philip’s letter of Wednesday Evening which seemed still insisting on points which I hoped but have since learned that Mr M– neglected to post my letter in time will set at rest. With regard to Elizabeth I have only to say that I hope you will keep her as long as her services seem desirable to our dear Brother – I have only one request to make respecting her in my own behalf – which is that you will not let the value of her services to you be noticed in a way which will be injurious to her and to those whom she may hereafter leave – We are still hoping to hear of some mitigation in our dear Brother’s symptoms though for brief accounts are by no means encouraging – pray tell your amanuensis whoever it may be that there is no necessity of violating their maternal feelings by any particular detail of dear Johnny’s circumstances as they may be assured we are quite sensible of the more important and afflictive circumstances of their dear father.  I have certainly had no idea of removing John since I heard of the course of medicine to which he has been subjected and could not but feel chagrin that Fowler should be led to suspect me of such ignorant obstinacy.

   I am thankful to state that dear Alfred is much better though still very weak – for myself I am getting on much in the old way – but resting pretty well at night. Mary is exceedingly attentive and as our number is very small we get on quietly enough – pray remember us affectionately to the dear Sufferer and let us hear as many particulars of him as time and feeling will permit.

   I write in great haste – accept the most earnest & tender wishes from

                                 Yours ever [affectionately]

                                             Anne Whitaker

Text: Timothy Whelan, gen. ed., Nonconformist Women Writers, 1720-1840 (London: Pickering & Chatto, 2011), vol. 6, p. 398 (annotated version); Saffery/Whitaker Papers, acc. 180, A.2.(l.), Angus Library. Address: Mrs Saffery | Castle Street | Salisbury.  Postmark: Warminster.