MS West Devon Record Office Acc 1092/12
My dear Anne
I must write a word or two before Church. I do not think I dared to expect better than this, and I do hope that at least the suffering is not what it was the day before.1 It is the Cross at least, and she has been bearing it so in patience and meekness all her days that one thinks of her as one made meet. I am glad that Alethea is coming to you. I think I am relieved that the violent attack did not come at the periodical time, and that it does seem gentler now. But I don’t know how to write. Mamma is well, and liked hearing the N Z journals. The Selwyns left Hursley too early to be seen, so the Miss Palmers went to meet them at Winchester at 9.25. Mrs Keble was well enough to enjoy her evening with them. They went to the Moberlys, & the Bishop took 9 of the little hands together in his, & blessed them – it was all the young ones except the baby and Margaret, who was afraid. The Wigrams pay all the expenses of the Southern Cross till she or such another reach NZ.3 I say all this because you may be able to care to read it, otherwise it will not trouble you.
I have one of those 4 sermons of the Bishop from himself. Our good old friend Mrs Heathcote died this morning.2 She had had some sleepless nights, and Mr Wither thought her failing when he saw her yesterday but she was in better spirits & asked him to send her a fast day service, as they had missed having any at the Park. I do not think Mamma is knocking up. She & Julian have been looking over the boxes of papers almost all day.
Goodbye my dear Anne. I can only pray for you all.
your most affectionate
CMY