Philip Whitaker, Bratton, to Thomas Whitaker, Salisbury, Friday, [26 September 1823].

Friday Eveg

Dear Brother

   I am just returned from the funeral of our dear Sarah whom we had just time to call ours and to part with her, but we have well founded hopes that she knew and trusted in the only saviour  the stroke has been severely felt by us all and our beloved son will feel what no one else can  he is I hope as resigned from right principles as we can expect and the exemplary submission manifested by the Parents has soothed his sorrows considerably he is yet with them and will not return to Frome till next week  he wishes not to fix any time for Sister’s coming at present  her company would be very desirable for him but he will spare her at present and leave it till he comes hither next week. The cloths for John and the various mourning articles you wil please to forward as directed. We are here in health tolerable well except Joshua who has been poorly in his old way for several days   my dear Anne much as she has been some time and late events though sorrowful have not I hope materially affected her health but I wish to see her much better. Our neighbours are several of them ill Mrs Williams near her and Mrs Edminson are better, my mother very weak though not attacked with any new complaint. How ought we to be stirred up to have our loins girt and our Lamp’s burning. The removal of my dear daughter-in-law has cut deep in many hearts and I earnestly hope that many will be essentially profited by it Mr Eliott improves the providence at his own place Sabbath evening and here Thursday eveng.

   I can scarcely see to write more the Lord bless you and long continue you here if his will   our love to all

                     Yours affectionately                                  

                                             Philip Whitaker

P.S. Mrs W. will thank Marianne to provide John with gloves –

Text: Timothy Whelan, gen. ed., Nonconformist Women Writers, 1720-1840 (London: Pickering & Chatto, 2011), vol. 6, p. 392 (annotated version); Reeves Collection, Box 14/7, Bodleian Library.  Address: Revd John Saffery | Castle Stt | Salisbury. No postmark. Letter discusses the death of Sarah Waylen Whitaker. Mentioned above is Anna Jane Whitaker of Bratton.