Bateman Family Papers OSB MSS 32
Box 1, Folder 7 (1)
Rebekah Bateman 2 ALS to (her son) William Bateman, Gatley /1796, 1797


My Dear Will^m
Your Papa & I were pleased, to see by the writing of your last that you have {^not} lost time. We hope & wish it may be your endeavour to improve it, in future; Remember, that ‘Tis but one youth, & short that mortals have”.
And as we hope you will improve time for, this life, let me intreat you not to forget another, you can now read & think. Do not omit praying too; pray that the Lord woud direct you (tho’ a Child) into his fear; that you may not have to regret, if you live to grow up, that the best of your days where spent in vain.
The week after your Papa saw you, your Brother, was took ill of the small pox, he is thro’ mercy quite recovered; since that your Sister has had them, & is now mending fast. Grandpapp Papa & Mamma have been spending a few days at Gatley, they returned yesterday, & took Thomas with them, I hope to be in Manchester next week, to stay till I see you there; when you come desire the Chaise may set you down at Shudehill. Present our joint & best respects to M^r and M^rs Littlewood, hoping soon to see you
I remain
My Dear
Your affectionate Mother
R Bateman
Gatley
Dec^r 2 1796

Bateman Family Papers OSB MSS 32
Box 1, Folder 7 (1)
Rebekah Bateman 2 ALS to (her son) William Bateman, Gatley /1796, 1797


My Dear Will^m
Your Papa & I were pleased, to see by the writing of your last that you have {^not} lost time. We hope & wish it may be your endeavour to improve it, in future; Remember, that ‘Tis but one youth, & short that mortals have”.
And as we hope you will improve time for, this life, let me intreat you not to forget another, you can now read & think. Do not omit praying too; pray that the Lord woud direct you (tho’ a Child) into his fear; that you may not have to regret, if you live to grow up, that the best of your days where spent in vain.
The week after your Papa saw you, your Brother, was took ill of the small pox, he is thro’ mercy quite recovered; since that your Sister has had them, & is now mending fast. Grandpapp Papa & Mamma have been spending a few days at Gatley, they returned yesterday, & took Thomas with them, I hope to be in Manchester next week, to stay till I see you there; when you come desire the Chaise may set you down at Shudehill. Present our joint & best respects to M^r and M^rs Littlewood, hoping soon to see you
I remain
My Dear
Your affectionate Mother
R Bateman
Gatley
Dec^r 2 1796