From C[atherine] Sleep in Saltash [William and Catherine Sleep superannuated to Saltash in 1841 and moved to Helston a year later] to Mary Tooth in Madeley. She would have replied to Tooth’s kind letter of last month much sooner had Catherine not been ill. Catherine’s health problems are discussed in detail.
William and Catherine were very grateful for Tooth’s kind invitation to make an extended visit to Madeley, and she would certainly wish to take up the offer, but it is impossible – Catherine’s father, now in his 80th year, has been living with them for nearly 3 years after losing his elderly housekeeper who had lived with him for 20 years. The severity of the winter has greatly affected him and his appetite is also failing. Catherine is greatly concerned on his account, because he is not more concerned for the salvation of his soul. He joined the Methodist society aged between 20 and 30 and was one of the first members of Mr Cann’s class at Penzance, but the world was a distraction to him and he has not met in class for many years. Spiritual matters are discussed in detail, with particular regard to Catherine’s father and then in more general terms.
[Annotated by Tooth - 'Answered Oct. 24 1841']