From Finsbury Square, London to Mary Fletcher in Madeley. Fletcher’s letter enclosing half of a £20 pound note arrived in good time but Ritchie only actually opened it last night owing to her spending time with Lady Mary [Fitzgerald]. She will do as Fletcher asks ‘and when I know what the extra expenses are, give Brother [George] Clark what remains above the three guineas and a half for Betty Swain.’ Mrs Harrison and Betty have left on their journey to Yorkshire. Hopefully Betty will catch a little of that sacred fire that is spreading in the north – Ritchie has been told that between 20 and 40 are converted in one meeting.
Ritchie’s love should be passed to Brother [Richard] Williams.
Spiritual matters are discussed.
In a postscript, she adds that she does not expect to be at Finsbury Square again until next Wednesday.
Note
- Richard Williams (d.1832) was a brazier in Ludlow, Shropshire. Despite opposition he was a member of the Methodist society in Ludlow for many years and served as a chapel trustee at Madeley Wood from 1807. Nevertheless he was not fully converted until a short time before his death which occurred in June 1832. Williams was acquainted with the prominent female evangelists Mary Bosanquet-Fletcher and Mary Tooth. Source: Arminian Magazine 1832, 689 and Fletcher-Tooth collection (MARC)