Mary Ann Barlow (née Westcott)
Letter to niece Mary Ann Buttrum, 1852
[visual emphasis added e.g. Westcott]
| Mary Ann Westcott, widow of William Barlow, writes from London to her niece Mary Ann Henman, recently married to John Buttrum, who has left for her new home near Woodbridge, Suffolk. She provides news of the family in London and events in Cheshunt, stressing the importance of their religious faith, and looking forward to meeting again in the spring. She comments on the recent bad weather, and sends a remedy for John's cold. |
Novr. 22nd. 1852 My very very dear Niece I have taken up my pen in order that you may not be disappointed on Tuesday hearing from me. I have indeed a bad head ache - partly a cold - and exhaustion - you will be surprized to hear that my wash - and change of Rooms - or rather the furniture has been done - last week - I hope not to repent - it is done for the best [allow me to say your help was indeed missed - but the Lord is good. I was drawn into it / the Carpenter had to attend to a few jobs - and dear Frederick told him to do whatever I wished / they tea'd with me on Monday - and George & Wm. George is better - But Mrs Barlow very unwell - Mr Goldsmith came to see her before they left - of course they had a cab home - inflammation in the kidneys - But really the weather prevents my going out - She was a little better on Wednesday - Eleanor took tea with me - and went to the Office to inquire - O my dear the weather is indeed gloomy - no doubt you feel it. I do and without your profitable and amusing company - I do striv[e] to look forward to the time - when we hope to meet again on earth - do let the thought cheer you - and your dear John no doubt is with you by day and night - as much as he can / I hope he will not be over anxious - Nature wants rest - I am sorry to hear of his cough and phlegm - he had better have some advice - Milk is not good perhaps for him - you have got the Ipaca Wine - a little Paregoic [paregoric] 10 or 15 drops in warm water twice a day you know Fanny said - it ought to be attended too - Medical Men can often help - if taken in time - The damp places you speak of is a trial indeed - and these continual rains make it worse - look forward my dear / Providence may see good to provide a better place - and if not this may improve - I find / do what we will - this world is not to be our resting place - O what a rainy day was yesterday Sabbath - but if it had not I could not have gone to the house of God - my head was bad indeed / It is a little better to day - I dare not but hope to see you early in the spring my dear / let us pray for patience - dont grieve / you have got a Husband & companion / love him and cherish one another - yea will I know / have a little reserve for me / I quite felt your last epistle - and it would have been answerd before your time - but I had no opportunity to write. I am now more settled - and quite approve of your plan - Wednesday Morn I hope to hear from your - is there any thing I can add to your comfort - tell me - I am still your Aunt with Parental feelings - continues--> |
I have just receiv'd a letter from dear Miss Orange - she desires to be very kindly remember'd to you both - she gives a poor account of Mr Meyers Potatoes / 10 Acres / and fears they have the rot oweing to the continued rains / it makes him very dull and poorly / Mrs Meyers is much better - so you see my dear / the Lord sets one thing against the other - Not having been out for many days - I cannot tell you much - and knowing I was busy - we have been alone - but all friends desire to be very kindly remembered to you / our inmates too are pretty well - Eleanor has written to you - and I am glad you have written to Frederick Mr Horsy and Mrs Jeffs - I hope / please God / to see some of our friends - before I write again - you and I have so much to be thankfull for - God is indeed kind to us / His good spirit does impart to our poor minds comfort / He is pleased to give Songs in the night / time does much for us - in bringing our minds into the will of our heavenly Fathers - look back on my past paths - I can see now - they are all Mercy & truth / our Covenant keeping God - But I must conclude - hope you will read this as I mean it Believe me most Affectionately and unitedly yours
[Postscript] [...] jute sleeves [jute?] I hope to bring them / Adieu dear |
Thanks: Anne Child