From Elizabeth Bartlam at Madeley, Shropshire, to [Mary Tooth at Madeley]. She has been informed that Tooth intends reading an obituary of her late husband [John] and is very thankful for this token of respect. She has been thinking that if Tooth approves, 'it will make it more particularly solemn if read also - the account in our dear Mrs [Mary] Fletcher's life 2 vol page 237 238. I never think on that accident but with feelings I cannot express - I have often thought if I had not been wonderfully supported by an invisible power I think I should not have survived the shock - but I certainly had the advantage of praying friends…my loss is great indeed tho my dear husband was afflicted so long he was comfort and a help to me indeed but now I am stripped of all but God'. Bartlam's hearing is now so bad that she is unable to pick up more than ten words at [Methodist] meetings but still feels the benefit in attending.
In a postscript she mentions having a very unusual dream before being informed of her husband's death. She will write of it to Tooth on another occasion.
Notes
- Annotated by Mary Tooth - 'Betty Bartlam to me on reading the account of her husband, on Friday night'
- Elizabeth Bartlam (1763-1835), wife of John Bartlam of Madeley in Shropshire, was a Wesleyan Methodist for fifty-two years and one of the last surviving members of the Society led by John Fletcher. Source: Arminian Magazine 1835, p.318
- John Bartlam (1767-1828) of Madeley in Shropshire, was converted in early youth by John Fletcher. He served as a class leader and local preacher for many years in addition to his regular occupation of coal miner. Source: Arminian Magazine 1828, pp.212-214.