Notes
- Peter Jaco (d.1781) was born in Cornwall and entered the itinerancy in 1754. He travelled widely until a few years before his death. Source: Encyclopedia of World Methodism (1974)
- Mrs McDonald (d.1788) was possibly the woman who was referred to in the Arminian Magazine of 1788 as being a servant at the Foundery for forty years. The preacher Peter Jaco described her as 'weak in her mental powers', but upright in character and conduct. Source: Obituary by Peter Jaco in The Arminian Magazine 1788, p.409
- John Richardson (1734-92) was the son of an ale-house keeper from Yorkshire. He was converted to Methodism while serving as an Anglican curate, and was subsequently removed from his curacy for evangelical preaching. John Wesley appointed him to the Foundery, and he later became one of the readers at City Road Chapel. Richardson officiated at John Wesley's funeral. Source: Encyclopedia of World Methodism (1974)
From Sister D. Downes in Leeds, Yorkshire, to the Foundery, London. She has delayed writing for so long that she is almost too ashamed to write. Many things have prevented her from replying before now, mainly lack of both time and spirits. Wesley's letter was very welcome as she had almost begun to think that he had forgotten his old friends as indeed he must have been thinking the same. But she finds that old friends do not easily forget. In Leeds there are a few of the old friends who remember Wesley but most of the first Methodists are dead by now, although some of them have left children who continue in the faith.
She spent a few days with [Mary] Bosanquet last summer and feels that she has grown in grace and wisdom. Her household is indeed a great blessing. Bosanquet stays in either Bath or Bristol. She also spent some time in Leeds and Downes feels that 'she has outgrown her sister in the spiritual race'.
Spiritual matters are discussed.
She hears that Mr Baines has died.
Her respects should be given to [John] Richardson.
Wesley's reply should be sent to Wade Lane, Leeds.
In a postscript she asks that her love should be given to Brothers and Sisters [Peter] Jaco, MacDonald, and Caley etc