From Newcastle under Lyme to [Mary Tooth - the letter is addressed to Mary Fletcher but the text leaves little doubt that it is in fact addressed to Tooth]]. Hopkins received Fletcher's kind letter with the two one pound notes which William Smith collected. [John] Howell the steward of the Shrewsbury Society called upon Hopkins a few weeks ago and Hopkins mentioned the 'circumstance' to him and expressed a wish for him to take them to Mr Smith, as it would be a pity for Smith to lose out - he replied that if so much money was collected then it should go to where it was intended. Hopkins knows that the Conference will not object to paying the expenses for his removal [to Newcastle under Lyme], as it had been at their particular desire that he was sent to Salop. But the two pounds as [John] Howell observed, should go towards that purpose. Hopkins can settle it with Mr Furnace at Conference.
It was a pleasure to hear that Mary Fletcher and Tooth are well. Hopkins has lately been reflecting on Heb.3;17-18 and have learned a few lessons from it. Spiritual matters are discussed in detail with specific reference to the above text.
They had a district meeting in Lane End. The preachers were very happy and Brother [Samuel] Warren's admiration was excited at seeing such a glorious work. He spent the Monday with them in Newcastle and preached in the evening. How Hopkins will be stationed during next year is in the hands of God, although he has had a few invitations to neighbouring circuits. After thirty-two 'appointments' [years] among the Methodists, he does not think that the Conference will have any objection to giving him an easy circuit, as the immense labour he has had for these last two years requires a little rest [Hopkins was appointed to the Congleton circuit in 1811].
He gladly accepts the kind invitation to spend a few days in Madeley. Hopefully, he will be able to visit after Conference.
His daughters will settle in Newcastle under Lyme for a time as they have so much business. They have already taken two rooms in a good situation. Reference is also made to his son Samuel. John's conduct is very pleasing and he has expressed a wish to see Mrs Fletcher.
In a postscript, he passes on his regards to Tooth's sister [Rosamund]. He is now going to spend the Lord's Day in Andly [Handley] , where they have opened a chapel. At the commencement of the work there, they had thirty or forty hearers and now they have five hundred.
Note
- John Howell (1766-1845) was a resident of Shrewsbury and a member of the Methodist society for forty-five years. He served as a class leader for forty years and occupied other offices, including that of society steward in 1811. Howell suffered a stroke in 1843 from which his health did not recover. Source: Arminian Magazine 1845, p.87 and Fletcher-Tooth collection