From Blackheath, London, to Sally Wesley. He has just returned here with Sally's particular friend and admirer Captain Swanwick after visiting that 'most amiable of men Lord Dartmouth' [William Legge].
Sally has just cause to be alarmed for dear Miss Freeman - 'I always feared the bath would do her a mischief. Its waters are not of a neutral kind. Bathed in or drank without great judgement & descretion, they do more harm than good'. Freeman might like to consult Dr Harrington and when she returns to London she should see Dr Turner, who is in the forefront of 'healing with very little physic'. Turner has added thirty years to Charles's life.
He is not surprised that Sally loves Bristol. Had Thomas Lewis lived, Charles would never have moved away. He still misses the city, 'but yr brothers forbid; & yr mother must look after them in London'.
Her father wishes that Sally was more like Miss Chapman and Miss Morgan [in terms of spirituality] and there is no reason why she should not be so.
Her father can see no further than Sally into 'yr future motions. You are called at present to wait upon her; & do all the services in yr power'.
Spiritual matters are discussed.
New Chapel [City Road] July 18
They had a good day yesterday at Mr Smith's house in Peckham. Sally would like his family and Charles senior could introduce her to several other families who might also do her some good.
Friday evening
Upon their return from Peckham they were greeted by Sally's letter informing them of her return with Miss Freeman to London. Their respects should be given to Miss Freeman, with the request that she pay the cost of Sally's expenses [to Chesterfield Street] and she will be reimbursed during their next meeting.
In a postscript, he asks that Mr Heming open 'the future S W letters to you'.
Note
- Publication Record: Quoted by Thomas Jackson, The Journal of the Rev. Charles Wesley (1849), Vol.2, pp.282-3.