12^th Septem^{br<\sup> 1799
My dear James
This is the anniversary
but you will better understand me by
saying your Birthday. your Mama
has prepared Plumb pudding to which
we are goiong to sit down -
and shall then drink your health i.e. good
wishes for your health and welfare and
which will be extended to your Brothers &
I desire you will communicate [^to] merry John
& mild little William. the remembrance
of you all three is not neglected to your Sisters.
[P?illeg] little [?Thete] calls out James & John &
William. As soon as you all are capable of
understanding how much it rejoices the
hearts of your Father & Mother for you to
be good and worthy Boys I am confident}

will merit our esteem. You are but
Thirteen and the older. I pray God will
prolong my life to train your Infant
minds to the Love of Religion, Truth
Industry & Honour. Your Affectionate Mother
purposes being at [?Churchpark] the middle or lat-
ter end of the next week She will be sure to
let you know, I also hope for the pleasure
of seing you about the same time
& to find you well & in good spirits -
Present my most respectful Comp.^ts to
Mr. Ashbridge Your Mama joins in
to you all
Love, Your Affectionate Father
Jas Longsdon

Master James Longsdon
at the Rev.^d M.^r Ashbridges
Heath

12th Septem 1799
My dear James
This is the anniversary
but you will better understand me by
saying your Birthday. your Mama
has prepared Plumb-Pudding to which
we are going to sit down -
and shall then drink your health ie good
wishes for your health and welfare and
which will be extended to your Brothers &
I {?desire} son will communicate to merry John
& mild little William. The remembrance
of you all [illeg] is not neglected to your Sisters
[illeg] little [illeg] calls out James & John &
[illeg]. as soon as you all are capable of
understanding how much it rejoices the
heart of your Father & Mother for you to be good and worthy Boys I am confident

will merit our esteem. You are [illeg]
Thirteen and the oldest. I pray God will
prolong my life to train your infant
minds to the Love of Religion, Truthe,
Industry & Honour. Your affectionate Mother
purposes [illeg] at {?Chesterfield} the middle or lat-
ter end of the next week she will be sure to
let you know, I also hope for the pleasure
of seeing you about the same time
& [illeg] you well & in good spirits
present my most respectful comp[lements] to
Mr Ashbridge [illeg] [illeg] joinrs in
love {^to you all} your affectionate Father
Ja' Longsdon

Master James Longsdon
at the Rev Mr Ashbridges
Heath