York 7 Moth. 15th 1807.

   Thinking that my dear Brother would be pleased with a few lines, to inform him that I am well, of which favour I hope he is a partaker. I had the pleasure of receiving thy very kind and acceptable letter last week, and was glad to hear that thou wast well; thou mentionedst in thy letter something respecting thy having some shirts, which thou wishedst me to make; if thou wilt be kind enough to send me them, I will endeavour to make them in play Hours. I have begun to work a Map of England which is my employment in the sewing school, it is very pleasant Work. I am very sorry that thou was disappointed in thy intended Journey to York at the Quarterly Meeting, but I hope thou will not let any event prevent thee from coming to the ninth month Quarterly Meeting, for it will be a great pleasure to me to see thee. Thou mentionedst thy intended journey into Cumberland; I hope thou wilt have advantage from it. It may be a means of preserving thy health. Please to send me some muslin for Caps, also a pair of White silk Gloves when thou sendst the shirts for thou canst get them better than me, they must be a woman's size. Please when thou writest to brother Thomas, wish him to write to me for I am ready to conclude that I am almost forgotten by him, yet I should hope that was not the case, for it is quite the reverse with me. I have not had a letter from him since I came here, nor a considerable time before, and I am very desireous to hear from him. Thou must not expect a long letter this time for it is not long since I wrote to thee. I hope thou wilt favour me with a letter as soon as convenience will permit, for it affords me much pleasure to hear from any of my dear Relations and Friends.

   I conclude with dear love

from thy Affectionate Sister

Rachel Spence.

Thomas Hagen's wife Rachel, Robert Spence's sister, was taken seriously ill in 1830 and not expected to recover, her family being twice summoned; however, owing to or in spite of the drastic methods of Sir John Chapman, who "bled her in the arm copiously, eleven large leeches on the side, succeeded by two blisters," she survived and lived till 1856, though always very delicate.

Ackworth 5th month 19th 1807

My dear brother

   According to thy request I sit down to inform thee I received thy truly acceptable letter and the money for which I am obliged.

   I am at present in the enjoyment of health, which blessing I hope is extended to thee. I was at Pontefract monthly meeting on second day last, along with several more of my schoolfellows, where we enjoyed ourselves very much; it is a custom for about fifteen or sixteen girls to go and about twenty boys; as the monthly meeting is only held at Pontefract once in the year, so those that are not likely to be here another time draw lots, and they that get a paper with Pontefract marked on it are to go. I am glad to hear that Sister Rachel is gone to York School, I hope both she and myself may conduct ourselves to as to be worthy of thy kindness. I am much pleased with the thoughts of seeing thee before long, and am anxiously waiting for the time. Please present my dear love to Mother and Sister Rachel, and tell them that I have begun to think I am forgotten by them, it affords me much pleasure to hear from any of my dear Relations and Friends. I have not any more to express at present but dear Love in which J. Sams and Cousins wish to unite.

They affect. Sister

Sarah Spence.