Anne Whitaker, Shaw, near Newbury, to Philip Whitaker, Bratton, Monday, [22 September 1817].

Monday Aftn

   As you express an intention of sending to the office tomorrow I do not feel myself at liberty to postpone writing or believe should have delayed till tomorrow in hopes of being able to say something better respecting myself, as I have been a sad Invalid for the most part since I wrote and yesterday and today in particular in consequence of fever produced I suppose by the Rheumatic affection I have been suffering from loss of rest &c – I am however better today than yesterday and though disposed enough to return from the consideration of being too much an invalid to enjoy myself from home, yet I wish to do that which seems likely to be best ultimately for myself and family. – It is my intention to return some day this week most probably the latter end and as my poor rheumatic hand will not admit of my venturing in an open carriage the latter part of the journey it is not so important to fix the day as we shall have a Chaise at Devizes which place we shall reach about 5 oclock – and cannot therefore be with you much before 7 –

   You will easily conceive my disappointment at losing the opportunity of hearing Dr Waugh this evening, but submission becomes us on such occasions as on all others – indeed I have found my indisposition while here a great mortification, while the kindness of friends, the fineness of the weather and the delightful walks around me had filled me with pleasing ideas of the manner in which I should spend my time and entertained great hopes of the improvement of my health – It is a great mercy that the dear boy has remained well & happy the whole time – I scarcely ever saw him enjoy himself so much as he has since he has been here –

   I shall not enlarge only begging affectionate regards to all our friends – I beg you will express my sympathy with our bereaved friends – love to the dear children and accept for yourself the tender & faithful regard of

                                 Yours ever

                                             Anne Whitaker

Text: Timothy Whelan, gen. ed., Nonconformist Women Writers, 1720-1840 (London: Pickering & Chatto, 2011), vol. 6, p. 363 (annotated version); Reeves Collection, Box 20.2.(c.), Bodleian. Address: Mr Philip Whitaker | Bratton Farm | near Westbury | Wilts.  Postmark: Newbury.