1796 January 5 (Anne)

Anne Andrews, Isleworth, to Maria Grace Andrews, Salisbury, [Tuesday], 5 January 1796.

Jan^ry 5^th 1796

I cannot help feeling both surprise and uneasiness at the tedious Silence of my d^r Grace the more so as I had particularly requested a Letter in my last – had you written it is highly probable you would have by this time rec^d the promised Pacquet from me tho’ I must acknowledge I have had very little time for preparing it had I attempted, but have been wanting to hear from you first – I trust my fears are altogether groundless & that you will convince me of this by an immediate answer –

My Will and affections are zealous in your surprise but opportunity at present is denied – thro’ Divine Goodness I amid the enjoyment of tolerable health as it respects the Body sincerely wish I could say as much of the Mind but as the Poet says “Sin like a venomous Disease” &c: – Outward things are as well if not better than my expectations but I am sure in this sense there is reason to rejoice with trembling since I am evidently more exposed to temptation & in far greater danger of being overcome by it – but as He from whom alone Strength can come hath said, My Grace is sufficient I would not despond but both hope & patiently wait for the Salvation of the Lord – A number of things which I could wish to say to you crowd on my recollection but I must forbear – Do remember me most affectionately to my beloved M^r & M^rs Saffery more I will not say because words cannot do justice to my feelings – How is our d^r Hannah give my kindest love to her & assure of my intention to answer her letter – love to all friends – I fear my dear Correspondent at Portsea things somewhat hardly of me but really you are to blame if M^r S– should write desire him to make an excuse for me –

Val who is spending the Holidays with us sends love – Do prevent suitable regards to M^r & M^rs H– & to M^rs Saffe[ry] &c: –

Adieu my d^r Girl forgive this wretched scrawl and believe me to be with the tenderest esteem

Your affec^te Friend & Sister

Anne Andrews

I propose speaking to M^r A– respecting your Finances the earliest opportunity

Text: Reeves Collection, Box 14.1.(e.), Bodleian Library, Oxford. Address: Miss Andrews | Exeter Street | Sarum. Postmark: Isleworth, 5 January 1796; for a fully annotated text of this letter, see Timothy Whelan, gen. ed., Nonconformist Women Writers, 1720-1840 (London: Pickering & Chatto, 2011), vol. 6, pp. 113-14.