From M.C. [identified in a ms annotation by James Everett as Molly [Mary] Charlton 'whom S. Bardsley would have married'] in Manchester[postmark] to Samuel Bardsley at Mr Hatton's near the fish market in Shrewsbury [Bardsley was stationed in Chester at the time when this letter was probably written. Shrewsbury formed part of the Chester circuit. She received Bardsley's letter with surprise 'when I conseder what I have sufferd in my mind upon yor account. May I not say with [unreadable word - possibly 'justice'] and a clear concence that it is using me exceding badly and what I neither will nor shall put up with no longer. I am detirmend that I will not hurt my soul as I have done in ties past for no man upon earth, I cannot - away with such trifling, it is quite inconsistent with a Christian man and what I cannot put up with any longer. Sammy, how much clearer would you have the way made, did you not believe it was the will of God that we should be together. If I had not ben convinced that it was God's will that it should be so, I would never consented to be married. This affair has caused me to be in a very unsittled way this while past but I am determined to have it ended one way or another. Therefor I desire you will send a positive answer. I think Christians ought to be a more settled mind and not so fluctuating to be turned at every mind. I think Mr P. [identified in Everett's annotation as the itinerant John Pawson] usesis one [possibly 'me'] very badly in this affair. He is not the one that is to lead his life so he ought to let every one judge for themselves. As to what Mr W [John Wesley] says, I aprove of it and his nothing against it and as fo yourself, I leve you intirly to your own will. I hartly concure with you in commiting the afeir to God in prayer wich I have never failed to do since the moment I knew your thoughts to this day.Sammy, I expected that length of time and a better prospect wold naturally wear of any thoughts that you had entertained concerning me wich I dout not you find. Dear Sammy, may the God whom you serve bless your labours with great success, Your uncle is better. My mother sends her love. Shee is very bad. I remain your frend and sister in the Lord.'
[In James Everett's annotation on the letter, the date is given as 'probably about 1769'. This would certainly coincide with the time of Bardsley's thwarted engagement to Chorlton. In that year, Bardsley was stationed in the Chester circuit.]