This letter was written by Elizabeth Sarah Manser (1835-1904) to her mother-in-law to be Martha Spriggs née Knight (1777-1866) on the occasion of her engagement to William Spriggs (1821-1899). The letter is a response to Martha’s letter to Elizabeth. I must conclude the date of the letter ought to be 1865, as Martha died 31 Jan 1866 (per Quaker Annual Monitor). See original. Elizabeth lived in Hoddeston (now North London), Martha in Worcester, England.
Hoddeston
November 3rd, 1866
My dear Mother,
I thank thou very sincerely for thy welcome and hand note. It is so pleasant to me. I know that thou likes our engagement and I earnestly desire to have them and thy Sister’s love. I feel that I love you now and doubt not shall do so much more when I know you all intimately. I hope one day thou will comet know us at home. We shall do all in our power to make thee comfortable and I am sure thou will be able to be quite at home, and a change of view and quiet visit will I hope do thee good after such long anxiety. Mother [sends] her dear love and is much obliged for thy message and will be glad to welcome thee here.
It seems a strange and new position to me to be placed in and at present I can scarcely realize it, but sincerely hope and trust I shall be enabled to make William happy, unworthy as I feel of his deep and devoted affections. I know he has had a very happy home and I feel for thee in losing his companionship but I trust in his case it will be once received into his family ______. I feel sure it will be so and with very much love I remain
Thy truly affectionate,
Elizabeth Sarah Manser
