From Mary Whittingham to Mary Fletcher in Madeley. She intends, God willing, to set out on Monday next (the 10th) for London and hopes to reach Mr [John] Waltham's house at Darlaston [Staffordshire] by the end of the week. Whittingham is thinking of staying with them for the Sunday and then to proceed on her journey to Fletcher, on the Monday or Tuesday following.
Whittingham's husband Richard wrote to inform 'them [presumably the Walthams] of my coming and has asked him to preach at Madeley as you was so kind to mention in your letter. When I get there, I will endeavour to write to you again to let you know what day I shall come, and particularly if he will preach. They are very old friends of ours, and very excellent people.'
Whittingham is very much looking forward to seeing Fletcher once more in this life. She hopes to receive much benefit to her soul from their meeting 'as you have been so long and so eminently employed in the service of the Redeemer.' Spiritual matters are discussed.
There is a 'blessed prospect before us ... I need quickening and stirring up. I have a "Great Work" to do ... I know of no place more likely to help me than Madeley, and I trust the example you have set will have some influence on me. I hope you will teach me what to do ... I am coming to learn.' If it is convenient, Whittingham intends to spend one Sunday at Madeley and then return home the end or the middle of the following week. Fletcher must not make the least alteration to her activities on Whittingham's account.
Her son is going to London and will put this in the post there