[Pages 131-135 of the volume:]
From Moniash [between Buxton and Bakewell] to Miss Hickenbottom, care of Mrs Dobinson in Derby. Bardsley received her kind letter via a friend for which he was very obliged. 'The things I feared were not only my fears but some things of your dear friends found upon their minds on your account which made me determined to communicate them unto you as I believed you would take it in good part. But you know we are poor falible creatures, liable to mistake which perhaps may be the case respecting the young man. I heartily wish it may and if you go together, I wish you all the happiness you can possibly enjoy in that station of life.
You my dear friend are of age liable and I trust thro grace capable of chuseing for yourself.I believe you are usefull where you are and your privileges are great whether you can be so usefull in pursuing your present engagement, you are the likeliest to judge'.
Bardsley considers that [John] Shaw [itinerant stationed in the Derbyshire circuit] is an appropriate person for Hickenbottom to consult if she has anything that she wishes to discuss concerning the engagement. Bardsley does not know if he will ever get the opportunity to see Hickenbottom again, 'however as your conduct has been becoming a follower of the Lamb during the time I was so happy as to labour for the good of my dear [Castle] Donnington friends; I advise you whatever changes you may experience this lower world, go forward'.
He hopes that Hickenbottom will always retain some respect for the Methodists and their preachers, as she had enjoyed happiness among them and been blessed 'through their instrumentality'.
Bardsley's love should be passed to Mr and Mrs Doncaster, Mrs Rose and Peggy, Mr and Mrs Clark and Mr Caladine (if alive). Also, the next time that Hickenbottom writes to Sandiacre, she should pass on his love to her Brother and Sister and the 'lads'.
He hopes that Hickenbottom will be able to meet with him in Derby; Bardsley hopes to be there on the evening of Sunday October 10th.
In a postscript, he asks that his love be passed to all the young folk at Donnington.