From Bristol to Mary Fletcher in Madeley. A few days ago Ritchie received a note from [James] Ireland informing her that Fletcher had not received Ritchie’s parcel but that Fletcher would write when she did. Ritchie supposes that the parcel referred to was the one sent from Bath by Mrs Ferriday. It contained a book, two combs and letters to Fletcher and Mr Walter. Walter asked Ritchie to speak to Mr Bulgin for him – Bulgin has been in London but has now returned and asks that Walter be informed that the [share] certificates have arrived safely. He has taken care to ensure that they were properly entered etc and that the money will be paid in some time next month to the surviving members of the Tontine. Mr Walter also enquired when a call would be made for canal money. [Kennet and Avon Canal] Fletcher should let him know that he will soon receive a printed letter for ‘10% on each share, £5 to be paid on the 5th of January and £5 at the beginning of March. Mr [William] Pine expects this will be the case until the business is concluded. They expect it to be half finished before 1796 is out. There has been great opposition to an intention of bringing the cut [canal] from Bath to Bristol but it is nearly dropping and they intend to get the Act of Parliament extended….’ Financial matters concerning investments are further discussed.
Dear Sister [Elizabeth] Johnson is much better in health and is very lively in spirit. They often enjoy ‘sweet intercourse together.’ Two people have lately been converted by the preaching of Mr [William] Tandy at St Mary-le-Port - ‘a blessed measure of the divine unction rests on him, so much so that he often reminds me of your dear husband. Several are much stirred up…’
Spiritual matters are discussed with particular regard to Ritchie’s own spiritual state.
The day before Ritchie left Bath, her dear friend Lady M. [Mary Fitzgerald] put a £10 note into her hand. Ritchie’s health is much better than it was last winter.
Ritchie’s love should be passed to dear Sally [Lawrance], Mrs Ferriday, Mrs Yates and Mr and Mrs Walter etc.
Mrs H. Southcote asked her to tell Fletcher that she is sorely disappointed that her son has not come to live in Bristol as he promised.
Notes
- James Ireland (1724-1814) was born in Beaminster, Dorset. He was a wealthy shipowner and sugar merchant whose business was centred in Bristol. Ireland served as a magistrate and High Sheriff of Somerset. He lived for much of his life in Brislington Hall where he provided hospitality for many of the leading figures of the Revival. He was a particularly close friend of John Fletcher. Ireland maintained a neutral position in the idealogical disputes which plagued Methodism and was generous in his support of Methodist and Anglican causes. He was instrumental in the founding of the Bristol Clerical Education Society in 1795. Source: Dictionary of Evangelical Biography, edited by Donald Lewis (1995)
- William Tandy (1750-1832) was born in Bristol and spent his childhood at the nearby village of Brislington. He was educated at St Edmund Hall Oxford and was ordained deacon in 1773 and as a priest a year later. He served as Curate of St Mary-le-Port in Bristol between 1784 and 1799 and then as Rector of St Werburgh, Bristol until 1803. Tandy's ministry was strongly evangelical and was very popular. He appears to have been a particular favorite of the strong Church-Methodist party within Bristol Methodism. Source: MAM/FL 5/2/4-5 (MARC) and Dictionary of Evangelical Biography 1739-1860, edited by Donald M. Lewis (1995).