From Anne Tripp in Leeds [postmark] to Mary Fletcher in Madeley. She has often intended to write since receiving Fletcher's last kind letter, but has been thwarted in her wish - this gives her pain as it deprives her of the pleasure and profit of a correspondence that she values very highly. She knows that Fletcher will excuse her weakness, as well as the constant interruptions occasioned by running a business. Spritual matters are discussed, with particular regard to the problems that she experiences when she tries to get away from business to engage in 'retirement, holy meditations and spiritual converse, which in times past, I was so highly favoured with ...'
Since she started this letter, Tripp has been very ill for some days, but has been feeling better since yesterday. However, she has a problem with her lower left leg, which makes it difficult to stand or walk. She has felt 'uneasiness' in it for some time, but it swelled within these last few days so that the veins stand out 'with great fulness'. Indeed her whole left side is much weaker than the other, which Tripp attributed to the tumour. If her leg does not feel better in a day or two, she will have to send for Dr [William] Hey.
Tripp's dearest friend [Sarah Crosby?] joins in sending love, but is herself poorly and the infirmities of age come fast upon her. However, blessed be to God, her eyes are not so bad this winter as they were this time last year 'and she is enabled to go on in her Master's work and finds [that] His service [is] her reward'.
They often think about Fletcher and long to see her. They had hoped to enjoy that favour this last summer, 'but the Lord's time is the best time for all things.' They were concerned to read in the last letter of Fletcher's increasing infirimities and they hope for her sake, and that of the Church, that she will seek help and not over-exert herself.
As for temporal concerns, they continue just as they did. The business continues in much the same way, which is a cause of thanksgiving, but they are uncertain as to whether they will be able to remain here as the estate has been advertised for sale and it is not clear what effect that will have. If they have to move, they trust that the Lord will open another door.
She supposes that Fletcher has heard that poor Captain Hardy has hanged himself.
Some time ago, the husband of a woman who meets in class with Tripp took it into his head that he was no longer married to his wife and that he is to have Tripp instead for he supposes that she is equally in love with him - he says that her spirit goes with him and 'overshadows' him wherever he goes. As a result, he can neither eat nor sleep, but gets up during the night and walks about the house. When Tripp was informed of the problem, she attempted to convince him that it was all a delusion of the devil and that she had no similar feelings for him (and never would, even if his wife died tomorrow) but to no avail. He is proving such a nuisance that she has had to threaten him with the magistrate. Tripp feels very much for his poor wife, but she bears it with patience and treats him very tenderly, although he refuses to sleep in the same bed as her. Tripp has felt afraid to go out in the evening because of this problem. 'How happy [are] those who are got where men nor devils cannot disturb them.'
Dear Miss [Elizabeth] Ritchie has sent word that Mrs Cayley and [unreadable name] Peters have died. Tripp has heard that their 'dear honoured father' [John Wesley] is well - she trusts that prophecies concerning his death will not come true. She also hears that Brother Taylor has had a 'palsy fit', but is recovering. She supposes that Taylor's wife will continue where she is. They have received two guineas from Miss Ritchie on Fletcher's account for Mrs Taylor.
Mrs Westerman and many other friends send their love.
They would be very happy to hear from Fletcher when her engagements permit and they trust that her strength and health will be maintained.
In a postscript, Tripp and Crosby send their love to Sally [Lawrence]. Their maid has been in a very bad fever for some days. [William] Hey hopes that she will recover. They would value Fletcher's prayers, for this is a time of great 'exercise from bodily weakness