Letter to William & Mary Whaley - 1851

Date: 1851 [unknown]
Location: South Australia
Surname/tag: Whaley

L4

Transcription of letter from Ann Bodgby to William & Mary Whaley – 1851

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Mailing address on front of folded letter (no envelope):

Per Ship

Mr Whaley
Carpenter
City Adelaide
South Australia

Brocket Hall Lodge
July 28^th, 1851

Dear William and Mary,
Better than 18 months have now passed since I heard from you and I cannot avoid writing to tell you I begin to be very uneasy. At times I am much perplexed and uncomfortable. Sometimes I imagine the letters are in ..... lost at sea: sometimes I fear you are in sickness and affliction: in short you know my love and affection for you and I can hardly describe my trouble and distress on your account.
But Gods will be done, he ruleth over us and in his hands are the essence of life and death. If it be his will that we should suffer we must submit and kiss the ....... that strikes: and although no affliction be joyous but grievous: nevertheless, afterwards it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them that are exercised thereby. Gods judgements, whatever they may be are always right.
I remember the sufferings of my Redeemer Jesus Christ and I know, that if I suffer with him, I shall also live with him. Every day I become more weak and feeble but I have great cause to be thankful to Almighty God that I am free from pain and although my bodily strength fails, my mind is clear and soul alive to the precious truths of the Gospel of Christ.
In him I move and live and have my being.
Lately dear Lady Melbourne seeing my infirmities and knowing my advanced years, has placed Mrs Ward and her daughter of Cromer Hyde to live with me, which is a great comfort to me. They are both quiet and respectable and I feel their company a great solace.
Fanny, Betsy and George are all well.
Mr Phillips has been dangerously ill and Mrs Phillips is full of anxiety about him.
And now dear William and Mary, farewell, kiss the children for my sake and the grace of our Lord be with you both, here and hereafter. From your affectionate Mother.

Ann Bodgby

The Rev. Mr Pr....... writes this letter and will be glad to send you at any time any information you may require.