Potton. Feb^r 28th 94
My Dear Madam
I have so long delayed writing to you
that I cannot {^help} feeling myself uneasy, being conscious I must
appear very negligent. - you have I know been informed
of the Dispensations of Providence with respect to our
Family. - Our Trials have indeed been sharp, and the
loss of a most lovely, sweet-tempered, engaging Boy of
two years, and a half Old, seems the bitterest part of the
Cup of Affliction we have lately been called to drink of.
But we have been brought thro’ and supported in a
manner I could not have expected; Grace has been
sufficient for us, & strength was given equal to our Day.
Repeated Trials brought with them repeated Mercies,
among which I do not forget the prayers you my
dear Aunt put up in my behalf.- ‘Tis my great
happiness to live among a loving, praying people.
They love me, and I love the people. during my
Illness their prayers were frequently poured out for
me, and the Lord heard the united prayers of his
Children, he heard, and answered. -

When your kind letter came to hand refusing the trifle we should,
gladly have given for the relief of some around you, knowing
you have such frequent calls) I rejoiced to see your hand writing
You are my dear Aunt, just like my late excellent Uncle
whom I have never yet had the happiness of seeing, You
are so disinterested. indeed it appeared to us our Duty, as well
as pleasure to endeavour to assist you, (tho’ we should have been
glad to have had more to send,) but your generosity prevented
your acceptance of {^even} the little Mite, & you took the will,
for y^e deed. - I ought long ago to have acknowledged your
tenderness in this also. -
I have thought of you lately, on account of the Fever
which I find is prevalent in your neighbourhood, [?v] more
especially am I concerned for you, as my Mother informs
you constantly attend them, may the Lord spare
you for the good of y^e people. - Pray for me my dear Aunt
that I may be helped to follow the example you have
long set me. - I should greatly rejoice was it the Will
of God to see you, but whether this will ever be permitted
in this World I know not. -
You have probably heard that Marianne, has been ill sometime
and indeed every one thought when she was seized with y^e
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Fever she could not get over it but the Lord has been so gracious
that she is now quite recovered. - Sammy seems of late
more serious than before, I hope there is a work of Grace
begun in his Soul. - Marianne desires her Duty to you
Samuel is not at home at present. Little Eliza is a very
lively affectionate little Creature, oh! That she may become
so in the best sense.
The Lords dealings with us have been very remarkable
We have long been frequently on the point of removing , but
then, the door is shut up and still we are kept [illeg]
and Mr W. has always churches to preach in some [illeg]
or, other. at present he has the whole care of the
parish of Everton, and the people seem greatly delighted
with having him once more among them. - I have
Sometimes hopes that the Lord will fix us here in
Potton, a great opening for the Gospel, a people
willing and desirous to hear, and many precious
Souls to whom we are united in the best bonds.
Mr W. desires his most affectionate Respects, permit
me to entreat the Favor of a letter sometimes which will
greatly refresh
Dear Madam
your dutiful Niece
M Whittingham

Mrs Fletcher
Madeley
near Shiffnall
Shropshire
single