Letter

Scope and Content

From Rebecca Longmore in Oswestry to Mary Tooth. She is disappointed that Tooth did not send a few lines with [John?] Stormont, but he says that he did not have time enough to inform her that he was coming via Oswestry. He will return this way in a few days on his way home.

Spiritual matters are discussed in detail with regard to Longmore’s trials and temptations. She is still taking too much cares upon herself and not handing them to God.

Her current situation with regard to this house and shop is most unpleasant, so much so that the thought of remaining here for another twelve months after May is depressing, particularly for her daughters [Rebecca and Sarah]. About a fortnight since, her father [Mr Lacon] came and said that the late Mr Roberts’s house is to be divided – it is a very large house with two shops. His advice is that Longmore take it on and this was also the advice of her brother John, but she could not consider it even though John said that he knew someone who would take over this lease. About two hours later, she received a message from the ‘individuals themselves’ asking for an interview to discuss the matter. During the meeting, she was surprised to discover that they preferred to have her as a tenant than anyone else in town. The opinion of [Mr Roberts’s] executors (two very respectable persons) was similarly that they should be prepared to rent her the property at a £5 or even £10 less than anyone else. Suffice it to say that she has taken the property at £30 which is the same that she pays for this property, excepting taxes which is supposed to be about £5. John thinks that the house is worth £45. Longmore may also ‘set the shop and part of the house to advantage’. Her friends think with a little persistence, her business may now improve.

‘My dear [daughter] Sarah feels she cannot feel interested in the shop etc etc, I have consented to her getting into a situation, and this week we have heard of one at Dormington 6 miles from Salop [Shrewsbury]. She has applied for it and is now anxiously waiting for an answer. It is a Mrs Goodall a widow, who has five children, of whom I had a pleasing account’.

Longmore shall enter her new premises on March 25th and all things being well, she will try to visit Coalport as soon as possible thereafter.

She is feeling the effects of a severe cold.

They would be very happy to see Tooth this summer and Longmore hopes that she will hear from Tooth soon.

Recently on Sunday nights, the congregations in the chapel have been such that many have felt it a privilege to stand in the aisles. The independents will have their chapel ready to open next Sunday. Seven or eight people are now meeting on trial – [the preacher Thomas Jones] has taken them in hand and is putting together a class for himself to lead. A few of them are respectable individuals who only a short time ago were prejudiced against Methodism. This is indeed the Lord’s work.