Harriet HARROLD [231]

  General Notes:

Harriet Harrold born 4 December 1762 about 4 o'clock in the morning inoculated for smallpox 29th of January 1768
Ref: Dr Edward L Fenns book of notes pg 44

Harriet, was an active mother and wife and a profuse letter writer. Numerous letters from Harriet to members of her family have by good fortune survived. After Harriet's daughter Julia Ambrose died in 1869, her son Rev J Ambrose sold much of the furniture in the old Copford family home. Some years later (1881) a furniture dealer in Colchester wrote to Dr Edward Liveing saying he had found a packet of letters connected with the Liveings in a secret drawer of an old bureau and that for a few shillings he might have them. Edward Liveing sent the money and received the letters. (Recorded by Edward H T Liveing c1950.)

Harriet writes with interest, and conviction in the power of the Lord, for example, this description of the birth of her twins Thomas & William. "an awful day, never to be forgotten, my poor father died two hours before the birth of the first child, a dead father, two children born, a very very bad breast of long duration which excited great fear of a cancer, and no power to suckle my children, I praise God for supporting me through so great a trial" She was however accused of being a scold by a son.

Essex Record Office D/DU 206/10
DEED DEPOSITED BY GUILDHALL LIBRARY
Attested copy of will [for registered copy see D/ABR 33/372] of Sarah Stow of Harwich bequeaths to Mrs Liveing wife of Thomas Liveing of Harwich, gent., her double chest of drawers, two large china bowls and the residue of her estate, to Elizabeth Thorogood Liveing, daughter of Captain William Liveing silver milk pot, locket and beads, to Robert Liveing Fenn and Thomas Harrold Fenn, sons of Mrs Harriett Fenn a silver table spoon each, to Harriett Fenn two silver table spoons, to Elizabeth Mary Logan, wife of Thomas Logan of Harwich, surgeon two large china bowls, to Mrs Mary Sansum, wife of John Sansum of Harwich, gent. two china bowls, to Isabell Ann Kelly, daughter of Thomas Kelly of Harwich, mariner, six china cups and saucers, to her lodger Mrs Mann six silver teaspoons, £5 and wood and coal in cellar to Ann wife of Jeremiah Durrant of Dovercourt, gardener, 14 July 1830; account of executor of will of Sarah Stow, 1830.

Ipswich.
Died.
25th inst. (a Wed) , at the residence of her son, William Liveing, Esq surgeon, of Nayland, Mrs Liveing, relict of the late Captain Liveing of Harwich, in the 73rd year of her age.
Ref: Ipswich Journal Saturday January 28, 1837.

Wednesday last at the residence of her son William Liveing Esq surgeon of Nayland in her 73rd year, Harriet, relict of the late Captain Thomas Liveing formally of the Lady Nepean, Post Office Packet, on the Harwich Station.
Ref: Bury and Norwich Post Wednesday, 1 February 1837.
These reports appears to have Edwards name wrong.

Harriet's Harwich tombstone read: Harriet Liveing his wife who died Jan 24th 1837 aged 74. They were natives of this town where they spent their days endeavouring to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with their God. Not traced in 1999.

Harriet's letters provide us, almost 200 years later, with a priceless glimpse into the daily life of this family.
E L Fenn 2008 - 2014.

  Research Notes:

Harriets birth date is taken from her letter of Dec 4th 1828 to her daughter-in-law Catherine, wherein she says "I have this day attained my 66 year"

Alternative birth date 4am 4 Dec 1762.

Their wedding may have been 17 Sept.

Transcription of Harriet's and other letters contain punctuation underlines etc as accurately as I find practical.
E L Fenn 2008.

Transcription of these was completed in 2018 mainly by myself, who must assume responsibility for the errors.
E L Fenn.

Liveing Archive.
Note thought to be by Edward Liveing FRSP.
The Harwich folks in my father's childhood, used in the afternoon and evening to sit out on benches before their houses in the street. There were benches constructed to permanent supports but the seat was movable and taken indoors. Here the men and women talked and smoked and gossiped and took tea. Mrs Liveing (my grandmother) perceived? this a vulgar custom and would (not) indulge in it or allow it in her family.

Liveing Archive IMG 2836 & 2838 catalogues letters between Mrs Thomas Liveing and her family.

  Other Records

1. Harriet Liveing nee Harrold: Examples of the seals Harriet used on her letters.

2. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, Undated.
Liveing Archive IMG 5439/46/54
Front page cross hatched, written over in 4 directions.

My dear Julia
I have been talking of writing to you day after day - we have been uneasy about William and we should have been much more so had we not half persuaded ourselves that he had not sailed - could we have been sure that he had been out on last Tuesday week we should have been distressed for him - but he really was in that sad night and in all the bad whether till Saturday night when he considered he only had a bad cold when he sailed - and such a succession of bad weather kept it up he says he has starved it all this voyage and the voyage before in the hope of getting rid of it - he looks sadly, you know he never complains when it is possible to avoid it and when ever I asked him how he did he always replied better - he sailed again yesterday for Cuxhaven and after he was gone Louisa told us how very ill he was he has a train of complaints piles, gravel pains and his back - and a cough which will not let him rest in the night - I don't think he was fit to go to sea but I do not hear of all these troubles till after he had sailed I should have said don't go - all I ever desire from him was that he was better. His poor looks I supposed was from cold and standing - he never coughed much when ever I was in his way his time was so short at home then I find no opportunity of seeing much of him - I feel much hurt on his account - and it being so hard when he went out which made it worse - the only advantage in that it was fair - and
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we have good reason to hope that he will have a quick passage - he promised Louisa to nurse himself - but I am persuaded he wants medical assistance - I can't be happy about him I can not help him - but heartily recommend him to God's mercy, he has my prayers night and day that God may bring him to himself - your Father [?] and I were saying the other day we hoped that Ambrose would not keep his corn till the ports were open - indeed we were so anxious about it I thought I must have written but dear F said Ambrose must know (as well as we can tell him) the consequences - as soon as it is possible we hope he will sell - it is generally thought it will fall as soon as the seed is in the ground - whether the ports are open or not - and you had need make the most of all you have to dispose of, I am sure - corn and meat [?] are very [?] high one would think you might do well - we are very glad you have gotten the interest down to 4% - that's a help - and that Mrs Round continues kindly towards you - F thanks with me that you had better not strain the string too tight with respect to Mr Ward, for fear he should be your enemy with Lady De Guy - if you have a good bargain there, you had better not nagard [?] the loss of it - as Ambrose before said I would let it stand open in my book against him - you also ought to remember how much he abated from what was agreed to be paid - and if he had not given it up - you know you could not have helped yourselves - which should not be forgotten - we hope you will not be disappointed of your money from Stansted - I thought you could always get your money from that quarter [?] - Father did not like to say
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any thing to William respecting oil cakes - as he is not adapted to do business of that kind - and if the duty was paid the the packet could not bring them and all - I have at last sent you some glasses they cost 2/4d - Harriet says we are in your debt on Henry's account - I had a basket of pears from Nayland this evening and Catherine writes that she has sent a letter they received from Henry - but unluckily she forget to put it into the basket - so we are still in the dark about him - not having heard of him since Edward left him, we feel much disappointed we wanted badly to hear how he goes on - you must Charge Mr Nevil seven shillings for his basket chaise, which was the price your father gave for yours in Holland - poor William has had several bad long voyages - the young woman we sent to Catherine was recommended by Mrs Logan, she is sister to Paddee the Coach man - she is by no means strong, or very healthy - so don't know that she will suit - as to myself I am poorly helped indeed - I dreaded Sally's going - and well I might - I don't know what I shall do I am sure especially when our family is in any way inexcess [?]. Harriet says you say your maid would suit me very well - pray if you should disagree and part, don't lose her wholy, but bespeak her for me, I should be glad of her if worth having, at £5 or guineas per annum - Charles has been at Nayland almost a week left them on Tuesday - he could not call I suppose because he had young Mr Finleson with him when he left for two or three days longer to shoot [?]
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accept our love and thanks for as fine a parcel of fowles as need be, the goose was fine indeed and much too good for dear Father so we sent the whole of them to Mr Deek and Harriet went with them and offered to him which he liked best with some apologies he said if I did not particularly like the goose best he preferred it - as they had had fowles lately - so we were both accommodated although he did not exactly know it - when you have occasion to send anything send the hamper back - poor Old Uncle was much the same when Harriet saw him and Edward has not had opportunity of seeing him since - but hopes to go shortly Catherine says - I wrote the above last night after supper and in such haste that you will do well to read it - ever since last winter at times I have enquired after a mat for you, and it has been promised from time to time - F says they have no canvas fit to make one but will desire them to take new canvas and as soon as I get it I purpose sending it - I would send one of ours but on turning them over I can't find one worth sending - when Harriet and I saw the fowles - we said poor thing I am sorry she has robbed herself for us - we are very glad to hear that you are so much better - I pray God preserve you body and soul for ever Amen - mind - don't forget your souls interest I (sic) the midst of your tumultuous avocations - remember its of much more value than anything in this world - and all the world put together.
Crosshatched on page 4
Mr Thorogood came here the night before last he has been to look at a home close to Sudbury which he has some thoughts of having
Crosshatched page1
when ever I burn myself I always say who can dwell in everlasting burnings - and endeavour to be admonished to flee from the wrath to come - remember us kindly to Ambrose - and endeavour to rule your children right - mind parents are in great measure answerable for their children's ill doing - if they don't lead the right way by good example - by unremitting instruction and exhortation and correction when it is needful - O - and I feel the great weight of being a parent - and I put up numberless prayers to him who alone can help - and earnestly and sometimes in agony intread his kindness for my own failing and not having done more for my children. Eternal interest which makes me more desirous of urging the importance of faith and obedience to the word - I mean laid down by the word of God and by which word we shall be judged - so sure as we are guilty creatures it is to our interest to study that word to see wherein we have offended and our accounts started - that we may humble ourselves before God and turn from our evil ways - and learn obedience and intreat forgiveness - for his sake who died for our sins - the Lord help me in this work and help all my dear family and all those who are dear to us for his mercies sake Amen - God for ever be with you and yours and order for you which will make most for your eternal welfare prays your affectionate mother - accept our deep love and thanks - H Liveing midday morning.
Top page 1
this day week (Friday) poor Miss Frost, somehow fell onto the fire and burned herself so dreadfully that she died early on the Sunday morning, Mrs Hopkins had not left her in the parlour at work more than 5 minutes they think she laid her fingers on the chimney piece to stay herself - as she was given to be dizzy - and perhaps caught her foot and fell - she was a dreadful object indeed - although the time was short before she had help and the fire was put out - Mr and Mrs Hopkins are much hurt at her actions and she is to be buried and Dovercourt in Mr P Deans vault her old acquaintances she was 76 years old

3. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 30 Apr.
Liveing Archive 138a-d LT12

In another hand "No year H Winfields death"

post paid
Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester
Essex
April 30

My dear Julia
What can be the reason that you are so long silent ? I hope in disposition is not the cause, I am forced to write because you won't - we much wish to know how you are going on - Harriet said yesterday, that we should have a parcel by the coach last night - for most likely Ambrose bought the tea on Saturday and you would send it yesterday - so I put off writing till today - if the tea is not ordered request them to let us have it of good quality - as I may be tempted to send for more - I should like also to have half a pound of 8/green - but that does not signify if you have bought the other tea - I forgot when I sent the money that you had my hair ribbon to pay for it was to be 4d - but I suppose he found the box also or is it one of yours - I wish it had been a broader box - for when the hair gets out these narrow boxes are not wide enough - I have not worn it yet - the smallpox still remains with us, and scarlet fever our bell often goes - but we have a numerous population of the rising generation still. Miss Betsy Cottingham has narrowly escaped with life from the ravages of scarlet fever - she has been very bad, but is recovering she had none of her relatives with her - as her Brother was gone to visit his sisters at Holy Head - their Maid and Nurse caught it of her, but they had it more mildly but were very ill.
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Tom Spratlings children have had it one of them died on Sunday the poor thing suffered much - pieces of the throat sloughed up - the child cought them up poor thing. I suppose you saw the death of poor Henry Winfield the gout fleis? to his stomach I think - he died in London and had the best human helps - his wife is in a very delicate state and not likely to outlive her Husband long - her only brother died last November of cholery in about six hours he left a wife and four children - and his Bro^r died in the same month - they did not know that she could bear the journey down - but she did get here - to Mr Handsords on Saturday night - and I hear that she is rather better poor thing - Mr and Mrs H - look on her almost - or altogether as their own daughter. I am glad they will be kind to her - she has been almost killed with ague. Mr Hansord is worn down by long very long protracted illness - God sees fit to visit many by many and severe trials - if they take the effect God intends they should - which is to bring them nearer to himself - surely then they will be esteemed blessings - O may they they thus be blessed to you, and to me - and to us ALL - pray for this blessing my dear Julia pray for yourself and pray for your friends - we all need each other's prayers - you have been raisd (sic) from the bed of sickness and danger - and I in my own opinion from the bed of death - and why has God thus shown his mercy on us? that we may make the most of the time that remains in working out our salvation - if it does not take this effect on us - it will add to the aggravation of our former offences - consider this my dear child - and O may God give you grace and strength to become
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a child of God that you may be blessed with God's faithful ones - ever remember that God is always at hand and sees and knows all we do, and say, and think - it will set God always before you - it will be a mean of keeping you in the right way - He will then govern all your words and your acts will spring from right motives - for God looks at the heart - and the motives from which we act are pleasing or displeasing - however the event may turn out - our motives are in his sight all of them.
Capt Moon had a letter appointing him to a steamer on the same station where Wadling is they are much pleased - poor Mrs Moon expects to be confined I think in June Will^m appears pleased - and Louise in particular as they look on it as two steps towards his being put in office - for the Office have appointed Moon and passed over Capt Hart - the Office no doubt knows that he is unfit to fill any office he is quite a cripple from gout . . . . . - they are expecting the same gentleman down to value their Packets that valued the former ones - and we hope he will do as well by these as he did by those - and they will be well contented. How does poor Mrs Ambrose? I fear not better remember us kindly to her - I hope Ambrose has looked over her account - and that she has done the same and has set her hand to it - it will keep you from disputes - and trouble and ill will hereafter - I hope and trust that if it is not done - neither Ambrose nor you will delay it no longer - for we know not what a day may bring forth to any of us - therefore leave not undone till tomorrow what may and ought to be done today - for time flies - and life is uncertain - tell Ambrose I hope he will pay attention to what I have said - I hope also that he will strive to get his money in - for it is a great comfort to have clear accounts.
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Harriet is very unwell today has a slight inflammation in her chest - I hope she won't get influenza which prevails much now in many places - we have had several people attacked with it here Mrs Bailey has been confined with it for nearly a fortnight, dear Father complains of infirmities yet I think on the whole that he is tolerably well - my face is as bad as ever - and so I expect it ever will while I live - I have had those pains in my body that I complained of at your house Mr Haynes pills appear to have lost their good effect - pray present a proper respects to your kind friend Mrs Wright - and I hope you have been able to pay Mrs Lithgow a visit if only to thank her for her attentions to you.
Mr James Fennings is appointed to a situation near Ely and his son is going to London his salary to be £200 per annum Freshfield is to have 100 per annum for which he will have much to Runnailes salary is not to be augmented but he will have more to do for the same - plenty of houses to let if you want any and there will soon be more - pray write - I hope you can read this I have no time
God bless you both
Aunt all our loves your aff Mt^r H Liveing

4. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 183 ?, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 115 a-d LT10

In another hand "Sir J Rowley 183?"

Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester
Essex
post paid

Harwich Wednesday night.
My dear Julia
I write merely to prevent anxiety on our account - as I fear you may now have expected to have seen us before this time your father has been undertermined about it - and is still so, at any rate, if - we do come, it will not be at present. F is rather poorly - Harriet and myself are not good for much - Rob^t I learn told you we should all come shortly but I did not know then that he had carried such a message.
I hope you and Ambrose are well - I have nothing to say in particular - only that as I know not when we shall leave home I thought it better to tell you so.
The above was written last night with intent of sending it to the post - but a visitor of some importance called to ask us how we did and made so long a stay that I could not send
Nobility are trouble company to us - yet we must be oblig'd to them for their condescension.
Sir Joshua Rowly did us the honour of this visit the night before he sent us two brace of birds, he sat down with all the ease of a man of fashion and talked as if we were in the habit of doing so all all (sic) our lives time,
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he launched out in the praise of Ed^d at a great rate, he is so clever in his profession - so capable of holding conversation on any subject that is started - no book is mentioned but he has read - I say to him sometimes Liveing when do you sleep as you are subject to be called out in the night? O I sleep when I can catch it, is the reply, he is a clever fellow and good company. I get him to dine with me now and then. I hardly knew what to reply, for to hear so much praise of anyone of my family is almost like being praised oneself. I however said I was very glad that he was so much in his favour, we were wonderfully friendly and easy, you're F was not within - but on hearing him open the door - he called out, "there he is, now he will shoot me, depend on it he will shoot me at once - poor dear father came in with his stick - and his hat on, and hearing him talk - and not seeing his face as his back was towards the door - he stood and looked - but did not speak so long, then I asked him if he did not know the gentleman, "he replied no, of course I was forced to inform him - Sir J repeated that he should be shot - . . . . . - notwithstanding all this freedom - I am not invited to his house - what I may be I know not - the post (pest?) is going I can only say
God bless you and yours
your Aff Mother
H Liveing.

5. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 21 Oct 1822 (year uncertain), Ipswich, SFK.
Liveing Archive 55 a-c LT6
Noted in a different hand: "Hall Mark of paper 1822 - Tom Ambrose & Baby. from Ipswich 21 Oct Mr & Mrs at Ipswich while Aunt Downes away at her brothers E Betts to some funeral Ambrose mortgage and Mr Alston Storms & loss of Yarmouth Cutter Capt Sares & 30 men." Written on 4 half sheets both sides of one piece of paper

To
Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
Near Colchester
Essex

Ipswich Oct 21
My dear Julia
As I am still at Ipswich I did not get your letter to yesterday and we may all readily agree with the wise man in that we are born to trouble - and you my dear child are not without your share we are very sorry you have had so much cause to complain and should be very happy to help and advise you but alas these assertions will not alleviate your anxious mind but this must observe that you should fly to that man to do your business she has frankly told you that he shall double the same before paid for the same business very much surprised me can't Mr Novell produce money again and do the business - your F says he doesn't know why Smythies should not do as well as Mr Alston for without he let you have his own money he still has nothing more to do with it than to seal the writings as its what he always charges for them of course we cannot tell how long his conscience may be but your Father (who is sitting by me says) tell them they must do as they think best for I know not how to advise for the best you say Smyth requested Mr Aln to abate but I don't understand what Alston had to do so as to make an abatement - I wish Ambrose could sell instead of mortgaging to Betts a dreadful thing to do with law and lawyers
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how short lived as human happiness - for close on the heels of pleasure follows pain - why does God permit troubles to cluster upon u & I but, that we may be tired of this one this punish? world - and be preparing for that world where trouble and sighing will never come - and yet, how it's allurements drawers and fastens my weary soul down to earth - notwithstanding the many struggles it has soar to the heavens - Good God help me and help all my dear ones safely through - I heard a most excellent sermon yesterday from 6 Gallations 7 and 8 verses - look for them we were admonished to take good heed what seed we sow - to be very careful not to sow tares with the wheat - for a harvest will surely follow according to what we sow - and in that harvest day my naked uninformed soul must stand before God alone and no shelter can then be found for it - no friend can secure it for the fiery avenging arm of a just God - if - I have not put on the Lord's Jesus Christ - and as directed the same chapter to try ourselves - to prove what our works - what sort of seed we have sown - may you my dear Julia profit from considering this chapter I well know we ought not to be slothful - we are commanded to work - or we have no room - to expect bread to eat - but I heartily wish Ambrose was not so much cumbered with temporals - for I fear the eternals are much forgotten - this is as much cause to fear doing too much - as being indolent - and meandering time - that way is the right way, I pray God to lead us for Christ's sake amen. We have had a dreadful weather - and it is still bad - I am thankful to say that Willm escaped Saturday and Sunday nights storms - which ushered many souls into the presents (sic) of God - prepared or unprepared for the solemn event - I suppose you heard of the loss of the Yarmouth cutter and 30 of her hands Capt Saus (sic) whose sister depended on him - Sally Ballads half brother was first mate was also lost - and poor Richard Smith - who used to sail with your father.
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Saturday a boat upset in Ipswich River with the Master of a Collier and his mate and an Ipswich lad who took the opportunity of coming with them in the hope of seeing his father and mother all were lost - the Bell tolls - may be for them - for they were picked up on low water and brought here the master's wife is near confinement if she had any regard for him - what must her sorrow be - Lord hear the cry of the fatherless and the widow.
I had a letter from Aunt Downes on Saturday - who says that if we like to come - or rather to go to the funeral we may cram into the coach - but Aunt (being preinstructed) told Uncle we had no wish to be there at that time - but had rather go after his return from London - she adds the interment will not take place before eleven o'clock on Wednesday next (I suppose a vault is preparing) she says she has not seen her brother look better for years his toe is still diseased - but nevertheless he means to go to London on Monday 28 and proposes writing to you to procure game but I doubt not but he will be glad enough of ducks if you can get no game - by the way we have had no game at all this season we have sent Dutch ducks here and more . . . . . . instead - but nothing has been sent to Mr Feeling - should you be fortunate to have any to spare that will be worth sending to him shortly - pray do not forget it - pray has Mrs Round taken off as much as will make it worth Ambroses living in the farm - it was well you went you need help your husband when you can for he has a heavy burden on him - poor little boys finger - a sad thing for him and should think if his bowels are not open he should take something to open them for frequently one whitlow follows another and perhaps you may prevent it could you keep a poultice on the finger - should he have another - if you can persuade him to keep his hand in water as hot as he can bear it and as often as you can it will tend to bring it forward - you did not mention babs eyes so I hope they are quite well I think was (sic) you to feed the child it would make him better your milk would agree with him better - Mrs Feelings used to bruise meat for her children in a mortar as if you were potting it and your Aunt Harrold used to chop meat exceedingly small and add gradually - the child was three months old while I was there - pray try - and perseverance - Catharine dont like to eat but she is determined not to give it up and I hope you will do the same it will be better for you and the child too, I know - if the child has purging give him what your Uncle ordered for poor little Sally when about his age 3 drops of paragorie (Elikser) and 2 drops of hartshorn - I suppose she took it 2 or three times a day Harriet used it for Robert - F - says give my love to her dear and tell her I shall go home on Wednesday morning - his bowels had been well opened - and I got 5 leeches on his temples and he was bless God much
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I forget to say that money for the horses and gentlemen is come to the bank a good job - 41 - what a mercy they escaped the stormy weather - and with such passages God give as a due sense of all his mercies
F often mentions John - he is now saying he is as sweet a creature as it ever was born.

Should you have occasion to write to Ipswich I shall write Aunts address - Mrs Downes opposite Mr Ransoms Tobacconist St Clements Ipswich - I should be glad to know how Mr Brents business is settled - but am afraid F should see the letter
Page 1 Cross Hatched
better but everything takes effect on him or reading your letters he complained this struck his heart - and then flew to his head I do what I can do keep him quiet but I cannot guard him every way my Aunt talks of coming home on Thursday or Friday I should think Uncle will not let her come so soon but there is no saying what he may do - I know she will not stay any longer than she can help - she wishes me to stay till she returns. Willm took the mail on Thursday we can't help feeling anxious for him if they are out F says they must have a bad passage God forgive and save him and them all your F is better on whole I go without supper because he should not have any - many times when I want it very much we have not had any lately - H is very weakened and she make such are fuss because the cloth is not laid she is but a poor eater and wants and enjoys supper and like to have it in the usual way - I am glad you are likely to have a hand and earnestly hope that she may prove worth having - among her good qualities you did not mention her honesty I hope you enquired after that material point - F says tell her not to put herself too much expense for mourning - God be forgiven your guide your father your all to all eternity and also be the God of your husband and children prays your affectionate mother
H Liveing
Thank you for the trouble you have taken respecting cloths

6. Harriet's Letters: To Her Son Edward, 1823, Harwich.
Original in Fenn archive Ref L13
Water mark 1823

My dear Edwd
Your letter very much surprised and vexed us, poor Mary! She appeared so much better before I left your house that I was led to think only weakness remained the effect of indisposition - as you could not see that her dissolution was so near of course her friends were not informed of her dangerous state in time to come and see her before her departure. We are very sorry for her and for you all everyways - I can't put her from my mind long together - I have no doubt that you have done everything for her that you thought best for her which is a comfortable reflection in the midst of trouble, your family being so large I don't know how you have managed with a corpse in the house - it's many years since I heard Mr Hoadee remark on the sudden death of a man who was killed at once by a kick of a horse "that death loves to lay in ambush and to seize on his prey when the object little thought he was taking an aim at him" it came forcibly into my mind that your poor object did not see deaths aim - as you did not, till her thread of life was spun almost to the very end. This, and various other instances ought to convince us of the necessity of keeping our end always in view if we value our souls Eternal Welfare we must do so for if we so far forget God to allow ourselves to live in any known sin it is at the peril of the soul not to be prepared then for the shaft of death, we must live a thoughtful, careful life in the fear of offending God and fearing ourselves least we should offend Him. The Psalmist says "blessed is the man that fears always"
Now dear Edwd there are two important points respecting you
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that are on my mind and burdens me very much, I have before the present time made up my mind to write to you and say how sorry we are that there should be a disunion between Henry and you and Charles - alas that brothers should live as aliens - surely there ought to be a lively affection kept up between children of the same parents. What can be much more desirable in this world than kind affectionate friends - if ever so poor and mean yet if their heart is towards us they may in some way add to our comfort - if then the meanest friend may find a way to serve us they are so far an addition to our own happiness then let us prize them accordingly - surely then it must be a sin to quench the flame that ought to burn bright in the hearts of brothers and sisters - I have written to Henry (by this nights passed) on the subject (I don't mean to exculpate him for he is sadly self willed). I have endeavoured to set some of his faults before him and to convince him that it is an unchristian thing not to live friendly with his brothers and that I should write to you on the subject and that I suppose Charles was with you or would be in a day or two but as you were sadly situated with the corpse in the house you could not conveniently meet there but I hoped as you would all know our minds it would awake an opening and lead to a happy meeting which I pray God may never more be shut against each other - for how can you expect to meet in Heaven if you are disjointed on earth? I also added this as he was your junior, I hoped after my letters to both he would make the first advances.
And now comes the second point I wish to set before you - I was repeatedly grieved while I was with you to hear you speak so short so rough so unkindly to the dearest friend
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you have in this world. Now although I am fully persuaded that you have a great affection for her and would do everything in your power to prevent any one else from using her unkindly yet that you should trifle with her feelings astonishes me, her disposition is so mild and she bears a strong affection for you I doubt not, which makes her put up with your cross manner quietly, but if you think at all, you must be aware that you stab her to the quick, wounding her feelings very much, neither do you regard bystanders who witness your positive rough replies. You will say in you have no intention to hurt her - why then allow your self in such strong appearances? I remarked that the very same words you used sometimes - had they been spoken in a milder softer tone of voice and in a less positive way would have fully answered the purpose you intended and without giving pain - I can but marvel that as it has pleased God to give you good sense and a mind that quickly deserns between good and evil - that you do not strive to get the better of your rough unpleasant temper, every way it is desirable to take such a happy resolution for your own sake for your wife's sake and your children's and inshort for all your friends sake and also the sake of the afflicted and poor with whom you have much to do - a soft persuasive manner with the sick helps to comfort and relieve them where a rough manner chills and adds to their sufferings it hides many good abilities you have or at least mars them - for a good act done in an unkind manner half cancels the obligations - if you at all value the advice of your mother you will take a strong resolution to get the better of a failing
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that does you much harm in soul if not in body and harms much good you do and disables you from doing much more you otherwise might do - I know you cannot do this or any other good act in your own strength without the help of God therefore offer frequent ardent prayers for divine help adding your own hearty endeavours and God will (if you persevere) in his good time give you victory.
I trust dear Edwd that you will give attention to what I have said, you will have come differently in the outset but the event will be happiness to you and yours and blessedness to yourself hereafter I heard a person say if Mr Liveing had a softer more persuasive manner he would very much add to the good he does now. I earnestly pray God to send his blessing on this my endeavour to set you right remember it is your mother that writes and from an affectionate motive she does so treat it not lightly I have advanced only truths and they are all important and had they been set forth by an abler pen they would have appeared more striking and would in a manner have compelled you to performance, but I am willing to hope that a parent's heartfelt desires may prevail - and I am sure it will add much to the comfort of your affectionate bosom friend think should it please God to take her from you what an addition to the poignancy of your grief it would be that you had wantonly wounded her very many times by short rough and unkind reply's
I have said enough and O that you may profit.
Remember us very kindly to all our friends
And believe me your affectionate mother
H Liveing
I have sent two stools they are for you
they are wet which is the reason that they wont open
this letter was begun last evening
Harwich Saturday morning.

7. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 27 Mar 1824, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 50a-d LT6

Noted in a different hand: "March 27, 1824"
Random addition on the address panel, childish scribbles in pencil on all the pages. Written on 4 half sheets both sides of one piece of paper

To
Mrs John Ambrose
Copford.

My dear Julia
We are surprised that you have not written as I said Father says write for fear I should alter my mind, and knowing how unwillingly he leaves home you might have been almost sure that he would not go - I hope illness has not prevented your writing - for I have some fears that way - F has been to the Office and he hears Paddle drives the coach tomorrow, he intends sending this with the eight pounds enclosed by him we therefore beg that you will be sure to write and let us know that you have got it - as to Father he has taken no notice to pay any more of the bill - and without Ambrose writes and urges it - very much nobody knows when you will get it - he is a man whose word is not to be depended on its plain or he would not have thus flown from the bargain he made - F - says ask how the poor little boys do - poor little lambs, poor things bless their little hearts. Poor Mrs Easton has walked into the village last week for the first time since last September she has had a narrow escape for life - Mr Eneser is infirm and not likely to last long he has a complaint that weakens him very much - poor old Mrs Hibblets is very sadly, I don't know whether she will get out again - and old Mrs Elliston is very sadly drooping by degrees into eternity - so my old friends are leaving
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me - what a word - leaving me did I say - I may leave them - Aunt Downes was much as usual when I left her she bids me always remember her to you - says she has the interest of my family at heart as much as I have - by the way she is forced to consent to take 3 and a half percent for her money instead of four which is a sad loss to her but we did not know how to advise her better.
We have been saying what a good thing it would be if Ambrose could get his mortgagee to let him have the money for 4 percent - or if he could get only half a percent taken off I would try him at 4 percent - first. We expect Mr Scott will call off - I tell your F it will be better to submit to it if he does - for you can't make so much in the stocks of it - money is but of little value now - we heard from Henry this week - he is very hard at work he tells me preparing for college - he speaks very highly of Eve - as a worthy upright man - who altho he has four more pupils added to his care - he does not at all abate of his attention to him - I suppose he is well as he does not mention to the contrary - he desired his love to all his friends - Charles writes that his business is not yet settled but he hopes it will be settled before he comes into the country one way or another - which he expects will be on easter monday - or rather he intends coming to see us at that time - I suppose you will see him sooner - Willm we learn got to Cuxhaven
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last Wednesday night - he did not get over before the east wind caught him - he takes the mail tomorrow - Louisa is very well she can suckle with only one breast - Elizabeth grows and improves - appears to have as fine a bust or chest as her mother she is quite genteelly made nurse says - she appears very intelligent and very lively and strong - . . . . . is so fond of her - is there any likelihood of our seeing you and Ambrose - I think the time long since I saw you - Uncle Betts was very well when I heard of him - Edwd writes that Fanny has had the thrush 2 months which did not annoy her much - but it did . . . . . her mother very much - and he . . . . . had a sore throat and violent cold . . . . . which confined him several days but they are all well now - remember us all kindly to Ambrose and kiss the dear lambs for us - pray God bless you all accept our united love your afft Mother
H Liveing
Harwich March 27, 1824
Harriet had a letter from Robert saying that they were both very well and that he hoped she would not forget the 27 day of the month was his birthday - Sally has told me to be looking out for a maid - but added I shall not have you get only if Arnott begins to look out - O dear I dread a change

8. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 28 Jun 1824, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 49a-d LT6

Note: Jun 28, 1824. Written on 4 half sheets both sides of one piece of paper

To
Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester.

Harwich Jun 28, 1824
My dear Julia
You will say I do little else but write letters to you - I wrote by Mrs Deane which I suppose you received - and also by Willm - which may be he forgot it contained our strong desire (amounting to prohibition) that Henry should refrain from the use of a gun . Harriet thinks that he is with you - but I think you meant next Thursday - and not the next day after you wrote - Willm will (if it pleases God) take the mail on Wednesday so he will be down tomorrow night or he must travel all night to be at home on Wednesday morning - the purpose of this letter is to give you the information you desired respecting Mrs Harold. I had a letter from Uncle in consequence of one I wrote to enquire how he got home, and how Uncle Betts recd him & he tells me he saw you and your youngest son and Mr Ambrose - and that he thought you were looking very well - and also that Uncle Betts treated him kindly and remembered him - altho it was 30 years since he last saw him - Uncle soon broached money matters - but I don't know whether he mentioned his intentions towards him - but then Charles had told him Sir Ewen had left him L7000 (what an unlucky tongue Charles has) Uncle E told him he was sorry that the information was incorrect - that may be interest and principal
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may amount to that sum - but that it was unlikely that he should get all the latter or possibly not half - and not at all probable to obtain the interest - Uncle E has seen Charles since and told him of the blunder he had made - but Charles says Uncle Betts was mistaken he only said that about L7000 was due to Uncle E - and not that he had received it - and promised to explain the mistake - it does not appear that Uncle did more than call at Edws for he says "it so happened that I did not see Edws eldest little girl when my brother and I called there the young lady was not forthcoming - but the youngest was very familiar and a pretty child and the next day when the elder came to return my visit and brought her doll to introduce to me I was gone out with my brother to call on Mr Whitmore and unluckily missed him - he came to call on me at the same time - and was gone before our return" he goes on to say that "Mrs Harold had been much more indisposed in my absence than when I left him she is still very poorly indeed - but nothing occurring to present she with Amelia Harriet and Julia - will set off for Horksley on Thursday 1^st of July I hope they will reach Whitham that day - and Horksley to an early dinner the next -" my being able to give you this timely notice I hope you will be somewhat prepared to see them - perhaps as her appetite
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is very bad she may be glad of a glass of wine and a biscuit with you - I hope John will be at Mrs Ambrose or somewhere out of the way - without he could behave better - mind how you speak yourself - the Misses will catch everything you know - do pray have that intolerable grass flat mowed it makes you look so disordered - so wilderness like - I should like to come and stay with you till all my company was - if John was not in the way for I could have no comfort . . . . that poor child so humoured and spoilt . . . . . two excellent sermons yesterday upon . . indeed - and being a hypocrite . . . . . on religion for being half a Christian or almost a Christian will not stand as instead - to fit us for heaven - we must not only have faith - but we must study obedience - we must - shew our faith in God - by our works - which is being obedient to the word of God - want of due - considerations leads us to ruin - we may have faith - and God's holy spirit for asking - without which he that knows his own heart must be convinced that he can do nothing as he ought to do - the expending of time - is a great crime. Lord help us to improve it more to the Glory of God and to working out our own salvation we have a holy God to do with - and it is expressly told us that without holiness no man must see God in heaven - O that it may please God to quicken as by his holy spirit that our thoughts be more with God, and that our attention may not be so much taken as by this worlds pursuits as to make us forget the care of our souls God has promised to give his holy spirit to those who ask - believing they shall have what they ask - God will be importuned continually and earnestly all must be in earnest all we but mock and affront the Majesty of God and if we are indeed in earnest God will grant this request in his own good time for Christ's sake
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accept our best love to not forget us when you pray to God - I do forget to recommend you to the mercy and guidance of the Almighty we much need each other's prayers - may his everlasting blessing be on you and all yours which is the ardent desire of your afft Mother
H Liveing

9. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, Abt 1825 (This date is a guess!).
Liveing Archive 56 a-d LT6

Noted in a different hand: "date? mentions Aunt Anne a nice child Had just returned from a visit to Copford Mrs Dowling & Anne staying at Harwich" Written on 4 half sheets both sides of one piece of paper

Mrs Ambrose
Copford

My dear Julia
Tom certainly looked very well when he came - he ate a piece of beef stake (sic) for his supper - and took some Porter - which I expect did not make him better - Harriet attended him by his bedside - when she did all she could to get the pills down - but instead of which they would come up - although he did all he could to prevent them - then he took the powder - which operated in the same way - as he brought up plentifully - I expect it was the means of relieving him - as he has been better since - but a dose of calomel now I think is necessary - and I hope you will manage to get one down better I had seen Edwd when eating his supper - and just going to swallow a mouthful put the pill into it - it goes down without trouble - I expect then the bear? idea of taking it made him bring it up.
We have had a scrambling? kind of a ten weeks wash shirts and small linen put away without ironing the other part has been mangled and in putting it away I find a miss of two of my better most stockings which I wore while with you - and I hope I have left at your house - one is numbered 10 the other 1 your poor father has been very unwell since our return
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he was particularly unwell yesterday - he complained of his head so very much as being stopped up and was altogether very unwell - I could not get him to eat a piece of meat - I am thankful to say that he is on the whole better today - he had a tolerable night's rest thus far goodness and mercy follows us - as for myself I am very unwell - having such a cough on my chest that I could not rest - I have a very bad headache - and queemish - I feel afraid of influenza again it may be that these miserable feelings may arise from my taking a double portion of laudanum last night I was tempted to take so much as my stomach is sore and the cough distressing.
Mrs Downing returns tomorrow and takes Anna with her - she has been as good as she could be - she is indeed a very nice child - she is I think the flower of Edws family - I mean in person - poor Mrs Logan is still as much confined as ever I think it's a month to day since the accident - she has been kept low - for fear of inflammation - pain - and starvation has reduced her much - sometimes her spirits are tolerable - but at times she is much overpowered - says the pain, and cramp of laying - is more trouble to her than her broken leg - it's a most wonderful thing how her leg did break - she was not getting over a stile, for she was some yards from it, the grass from being so dry - and the ground rising - (for it happened in Mr Pattrick's field) somehow her foot slipped and her leg snapped without her falling she tells me she eased herself down, with their hands and her well leg - surely her bones must be peculiarly brittle
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it's enough to make one afraid to stir. I am sorry to tell you we lost your little basket - with all its contents - it was tied to the iron that goes across the Chaise and I thought it swaying in safety - the driver tied it on - when we got as far as Mr Thorogoods the eggs dripped onto my cap box - not that it did any hurt as I had put several papers over the top - it ornamented the poor man's coat which he shaked several times - and drew around him - the appearance you know was not very pleasant - he looked at it several times - I assured him it would come off when it was dry or would wipe off with a wet cloth - he replied - O yes he knew that - and tied the basket further from him - but of course he did not secure it well we were very sorry for the loss of eggs and fruit - which you kindly deprived yourselves of for our sakes - we comforted . . . . . was that we had not lost our lunch and beer which we found very acceptable - the soda bottle was in the basket - which we were sorry for as I can't get such another - I know not whether there was anything else in it - as you packed it up. Remember us all kindly to Ambrose and accept our united love - may God ever help and keep you and yours - O keep the end in view - never lose sight of it as this is the only time you have to prepare for a happy eternity - what can concern you so much? Think what the contrary state must be - and O dreadful without the End - no mitigation - O God of heaven help us all and enable us to consider our state - before heaven's gate is shut against us - I can help wishing that Ambrose had not so many engagements - so many ways - to make you both forget the care of the soul - which is indeed the one thing needful (sic)
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endeavour to impress on your children's minds the vast importance of their soul - and describe Eternity in the most lively colours that they may learn to avoid death eternal - and thro Christ's atonement enjoy a blessed state - tis your duty to warn your servants also for we must give account to God for what we have done that we ought not - and for what we have left undone which ought to have been done Life and death are before us all - O choose while you have time that death takes you not unawares - I have sent the sermon book I hardly
know how to part with it - but have no right to detain it - read the ninth sermon - with attention may God bless the perusal - your affct Mother
H Liveing
I better I wish Ambrose did not keep from church - nor read newspapers on a Sunday bad examples take more effect than good ones
I am sorry that your eyes are not better - patience I expect will alone cure them - try the allum and egg Monday noon.

10. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 14 Feb 1825, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 51a-e LT6
No envelope but letter encloses a lock of hair. Written on 8 half sheets both sides of two piece of paper.

My dear Julia
I don't know whether you saw Louise and Willm but they meant to stop and say how do you do if the coachman would let them - but at any rate she had no opportunity to tell you how ill she is without she was obliged to end her journey at your house - she was not at all fit to leave home - she has an inflammation in her womb bought on by straining herself in dancing her heavy child up, as high as her arms would reach a great number of times together - we have repeatedly begged she would not do so, for my part I have even been afraid that the child would jump out of their new arms as she is so active and strong - but she is not given to be advised, and in this respect she dearly pays for it - we all know her complaints must be a dangerous one - Mr Logan says although she has had much pain and has been really very ill - and has lost her appetite as well as almost all her flesh - yet the inflammation is but slight - or she would have been much worse - with care and medicine she may be restored - but she is in a bad state now - Willm stays at home this voyage for the first time since he has been Capt and now I expect his stay will be short altho the Packet is gone to Cuxhaven.
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O what dreadful account the last Packets brought from thence from the dreadful wind and high tides vessels were driven miles into the fields, and a house floated across the haven and came so near Capt Deane as to touch his cable - what strange events vessels in fields and houses swimming - and there was a corpse in a house (your father remembers the house quite well as it is opposite to a public house and is half a mile from the Haven) which was so filled with water that the body was floated of a table - it is their customs not to put the body into the Coffin, until they are going to bury them - the people were much alarmed, as well they might they were in fear for their lives as well as their property - there was a house on the rope ground which was filled or carried away - however the master of it made his escape from it on a piece of timber which floated past it but could not help his family who were all drowned his wife and three children and a servant - what a dreadful thing - and many more dreadful things there are that we know nothing about - it is 106 years since they had such a tide in that part - it pretty well demolished Mr Stevens ropewalk - I mean fences, and part of the buildings and cottage he had there he let for seven pounds per year is nearly all gone, and several people in those other buildings were so flooded they were obliged to get out with their goods - indeed they must be all much alarmed
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had the tide come one inch higher, the whole marshes and Randfields ropewalk would have been under water - there were three or four high tides here Harriet was so unlucky as to cut the tape and used it, which you sent for a measure of Thomas's head before she was aware of what it was - so she did not like to venture on a new cap, without knowing what she was about the one now sent was Roberts which she has done up and made rather smaller - which I thought might do for a time to run about the grounds in - I don't know that caps become your children, but the seal skin are the most durable I rather think hats look better till the children are taller, but you may form some judgement by this how are the children I don't expect to hear that Johns lameness is better, I think that is a standing complaint Your Uncle told Harriet that an attack of palsy is very common to children, only they do not tell parents of it generally, as they would be frightened - and as the child almost always recovers from it, they don't even suspect what has been the matter with them, and he had hoped yours would have done the same but as it had been so long standing, he feared he might not be much better now - however you will I have no doubt do your part in the hope of helping him - has he learnt to speak yet? and does Tom speak like other children, pray do what you can that he may not learn Johns jargon take a little
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pains to get him forward and make him speak like other children of decent parents, try to put proper words into their mouths, as well as endeavour to make them speak and don't let them be unlike other children as far as is in your power - I wish enough they were put to some decent school, that a regular attention might be paid to them, and that their manners and minds might be forming - they are in the way to hear much more than they ought to learn now I am sure - for we are all much more prone to acquire evil, rather than good, and wrong impressions early form'd are not easily eradicated, mind Julie the care of the soul is a vast charge, and as mothers generally have the care of the first years of their children rather than their Father's, a great charge rests on them to strive to lay a good foundation to build on hereafter, it is of the utmost consequence remember don't put it off by saying it is time enough - it's never too soon to begin so good a work when reason begins to dawn, children know much more than parents are often them aware of see for instance, how soon they show anger, and revenge - how soon they discover what they may do, and what they may not do, by looking at your countenance, whether you appear serious - or if you smile - if the latter they are sure to do as they like, whether you have said don't do so, or not, these and any many more remarks you may make, which will clearly show you that they know more than you had
Page 5
Supposed, and of course you at the same time discover that there is the great necessity for your care to implant early virtue" as Gay say's and to pluck up those noxious weeds which would check and spoil so good a work - I am aware from sad experience - that our best endeavours often fail - I often remember too, many errors in my own conduct, which wanted correction, and which I was perhaps not aware of them, all I can do now, is to warn my children, that they err not in the same way - and to look up to God for a blessing on my weak endeavours that they may have the desired effect - I never give a letter of advice to either of you but it is accompanied by praying for God's blessing - I am also convinced that children of good and wise parents, often fall short of their parents hopes - nay altho they have had a pious example set them and much care has been taken to form their minds right yet they have turned out bad characters and have brought their parents with sorrow to the grave - for as I remember Mr Hacks once said, you may set them a good example - and direct them in the right way, but you can't give them grace - no that can alone come from God and for which it is our own bounden duty to pray for - discouraging as this description may appear, yet there is much comfort to be drawn from having acted our part well - we at least deliver our own souls in this respect
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How long is it since we have seen you cant you spare time to come? is not this a leisure time? I need not say we shall be glad to see you and yours perhaps Ambrose can come with you, can't Mrs Groom keep house for you ? I hope she will do you the kindness to direct you how to manage your washing, if she would be so good to be with you one time, and would superintend for you so that you might wash without so much trouble and wear to your linnen - Harriet has been giving me some account of her method and how well her linnen looks - Mrs Groom told her, there was management wanted - so I hope you will learn - I certainly would, if I had white water try it, but with such dark water as ours, we should have darker linnens than we now have I expect - the weather is thank God better - I hope now the worst is over, how mercifully the Packets have been preserved in the midst of such stormy weather and in such a succession of adverse winds, how much reason we have to be thankful and bless God for his goodness and in particular for your Brother's safety, for although he escaped much bad weather by laying so long in Cuxhaven he has been in many gales this winter - they had only stormy weather all the time they laid their and at last when they did get out it was not fit for them to come but they were anxious to get
Page 7
to get (sic) home - and they lay at Holland in all the bad weather they get home on Tuesday just before dinner and Mr Cose made them go out on Wednesday - the people had not time to get their own messages nor indeed could things to all that was needful for the vessel - they worked till it began to grow dark, and were obliged to go then - we had a fine fuss - Father was not in his best of tempers.
I suppose you saw the death of poor Miss Louise Fennings - she had not been well for months, but went out occasionally, she was confined the last four days, but they did not expect her death. Mr Logan called that morning but did not see her, as her sister told him she was asleep he replied he would not disturb her but would call again soon - he had scarcely gotten to his house before they sent to tell him that she was dead to his great astonishment - and a very great shock it must be to them all they were all at breakfast except one of her sisters who sat by her bedside who thought she looked queerly and ran to the next room to call the maid to come and look at her when they found that she was dead what an easy departure out of this world into the next she must have poor thing I hope as she had so long a warning that she was prepared to meet God her death was caused by water in her
Page 8 (opposite Page 5)
head, she has complained a long time of pains and weight in her head - but she never told all her ailings - so that Mr Logan had to work in the dark - Mrs Logan told me - it appeared like a sudden death at last - see- see - how necessary it is always to have death in view, so much so at least as to be preparing to go if it should please God to call us in a sudden -
I have written so much you won't have patience to read it - I will only add our best and United love - I pray God to bless and keep you and yours believe me your afft Mother
H Liveing
Same Page.
Harwich Feb 14, 1825
Miss Dutton was married while William lay at Cuxhaven, her husband is a shipbuilder his name is Boef - she sent a piece of cake I have sent you a taste of it - he is a young man but has been married before and has a child about a year old - he is a German a respectable man one who will look after his business.

11. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 5 Sep 1825.
Liveing Archive 52a-d LT6
Noted in a different hand: "Mrs L Sep 5, 1825" Random cash numbers added on address page. Written on 3 half sheets both sides of one piece of paper, sealed with red sealing wax.

To
Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester
post paid

My dear Julia
Your Father has hastened me to finish my breakfast that I might write in time for the coach to ask you if you are not coming very shortly to see us. I as well as your father think the time long since you have been here, and it is now some time since we have seen you any where - we have been quiet in time of harvest knowing that you could not well leave home then - but now surely it must be all in - at least other people have done or nearly at some time since - as it is so long since you were here we hope you will manage so as to stay some weeks with us, if you can get no one else that you like better to keep house for you, your old nurse is no doubt a trusty person, get her to come, her harvest is over, I should be glad to add something to what you may give her to induce her to come tell Ambrose he must continue to let you stay with us. We shall be glad to see him with you to stay as long as he can make it convenient - William sailed for Cuxhaven on Saturday, they have snd (sic) windy weather; Batten who sailed with him, is forced back as he carried away a part of his rigging, and it is wonderful that his mast did not go with it, he spoke Willm as he came back who was near him - they were all well - thank God - poor Mrs Mortalman died yesterday morning her husband is in
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great distress for her - we have continual warnings to prepare to meet our God - O that we may be wise in time, that we may be acceptable of being happy in eternity.
Accept our love I can no more . . . . .
affectionate mother
H Liveing

Monday
I was a few minutes too late which we were sorry for - I suppose Ann Mac Donoughes marriage was in the paper so it will be no news to tell you that it took place on the first of this month, her husband is Miss Wallis's brother the Clergyman - who I am told is 39 some say 40 years old, she was 18 last february a great disportion he is also in ill health - you may remember how bad he was some years ago - it was thought he was then in a decline I saw him but it was so nearly dark that I could only see that he was tall and thin - and I have been told by five different people that his countenance very much resembles our Church Clerk - they bear an astonishing likeness of each other they say - he does duty at Saffron Walden he lives at Hartis close to her sister - Susan Wallis and King are first cousins you may remember - I have now asked Father if he has anything to say he replies no - only give my love to her bless her heart and I shall be glad to see her - Aunt Downes has been with us nearly a fortnight - Harriet is gone home with her - they left us last Tuesday - on Friday they hired a donkey and cart and went to Dedham to see Uncle and Harriets children - they heard
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from Edwards account to me that Uncle was not at all likely to come and see us this summer as he is so lame so my Aunt wishing very much to see him took that mode of convenience he was very glad to see them Aunt writes that he looks, and is well in health but his feet are a great trouble to him and he has also a sore in his leg - have you seen him - or is it a twelve months since. Should you come in your chaise if you have opportunity I would go that way - not that there will be any occasion if it is not a long time since you saw him - I would do as you talk of doing send him some fowles - or game when it suits you - because I think it will . . . . . please him - and I can find that altho . . . . . he goes no where, he is pleased with the respect shown him by the invitation - mind - if you ask him you must say, when you get better Sir, if you will pay us a visit, Ambrose will come for you at any time, if you will let us know, and will take care of you - and we will do all we can to make you comfortable - he told me my brother had offered to come, for him - and Edward had done the same but he said, I don't go anywhere, but I shall come to see you every summer while I can - he appeared to like to be asked, he seemed to speak of it with pleasure - if you do go put your white veil on he like smart folks should call on him all ways tells Mrs Prior of the carriages that stops and the fine folks that he has calling on him - Aunt Downes has said more than once she should like to take such a tour as she did two years ago and go and see you all - I am expecting my Brother - Catharine writes that he talks of coming this week - and he did say something about staying all night - I wish you were here - Harriet is now at Nacton - and Mrs Elston some time ago
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she should come home with her but I don't know whether it will suit her now - she would like to see you I am sure remember us to Ambrose and the children - I pray God bless you all for ever - if you are not likely to come soon pray write and tell us about your harvest - accept our love and believe me
your aff Mother
H Liveing

12. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 12 Nov 1825, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 53a LT6
Notes in a different hand: "Nov 12, 1825 Uncle Betts illness violent storms at sea." Written on 4 half sheets both sides of one piece of paper

To
Mrs Ambrose
Copford.

Harwich Nov 12th 1825
My dear Julia
At last I am able to tell you, that your Brother arrived this day, all well thank God. I may indeed well say thank God that they have been preserved in the midst of dangers, toils and deaths, and brought home in safety, what a mercy! When so many have met a watery grave. I suppose you have read of the dreadful loss of very many lives - there has been four ships wrecked near us - the crews I believe all saved - since last Thursday week - it's dreadful to read how many souls have rushed into eternity whether prepared or not - amazing thought! an awful transition out of this world into an everlasting state - what is drowning but sudden unexpected death as much so, as when any one falls down in a fit - as poor Mr King - and poor old Dormant who after his supper smoked his pipe - and was going to bed - but went into the privy first - but on his staying longer than usual his wife went to see after him - when to her great astonishment found him sitting on the seat, quite dead - O! that we may take warning by these awful events - and learn to live with our eye ever fixed on God - remembering the strict account, we must all one day give him how we have spent our time - how we have employed the talents he has given us. God not only looks at our words and actions - but he regards our motives - as well and will judge us accordingly to the thoughts - and intents of our hearts - nothing even there can be hid from his all piercing eye
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let us my dear Julia pray to God, to enable us by the existence of his holy spirit, to search out our hearts, that we may learn the vast number of sins we have committed against God and our own souls - and entreat his grace, to repent heartily of them the fruits of true repentance is faith, and obedience - in other words newness of life - the sudden death of so many of our fellow creatures, should urge us on to this great work, talking of it will avail us little - we must put it into act if we hope to be accepted through atoning blood - now is the day of Salvation - tomorrow may never come to us - any more than to old Dormant - and to so many - many more - the apostle says, "no you not God's goodness, and long-suffering, leads to repentance"our church directs us to pray for a "due sense of all God's mercys that we may be heartily thankful" and that we may work out our Salvation with fear and trembling - by this you may see (as Mr Carr said in our old church) "that it is not an easy thing to be a Christian - for St Paul says the work must be done with fear and trembling - with trembling for fear of a offending God God says "to this man will I look that trembleth at my word" but if we do not read God's word - and meditate on it after reading it - we shall not be likely to tremble at it - good Lord help us when we read or it will be but a dead letter - and we shall not profit by it. Pray take care and train your children in the right way - for if you do not govern them now - you will not be able to lead them right when they grow older - consider what an amazing value the sole is if - and what a dreadful thing it will be, to be found on the wrong hand - somebody says "the reason many parents fail in helping their children is - because they do not set them a good example - and others who use their best endeavours do not water them with their prayers - do not bring down the dew of heavenly grace by earnestly entreating God for Christ's sake to help them O may God give you grace to do your duty to him to your family - and to your neighbour amen, amen.
Willm had a very bad passage of eight days but God kept him through it - they were only three days in coming home - Wadling and
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and (sic) the Oskar came in with him - Bridge came in the day before W dont expect to sail till Saturday, his turn is to Holland, he has been twice to Cuxhaven - we were sorry to hear of poor Mrs Ambrose is serious in disposition, I think with you, that under God, you were a mean of preventing her having a fit, which might have proved fatal - give my respects to Maria, and I hope she wont persuade her sister to take any beer, till Margit . has a degree of poison in it, to her, and she will no doubt experience it if, she takes anything so injurious to her - as beer makes much blood - and much blood had nearly brought her sister to her end - pray remember us very kindly to Mrs Ambrose and say, we are very glad that she is better and that I am much obliged for the good things she intended for me, and altho I did not partake of them, I feel her kindness equally the same - poor Miss King - but why do I call her poor - if she is rich towards God - she is blessed - and much happier than . . . . . and . . . . . and all the golden toys of this world . . . . . could make her - you tell me she said much to Ambrose doubt not but she was aiming to promote the interest of his better part I wish it may have taken the effect she desired, that he may be finally benefited. I hope he has not let what she said slip out of his mind - the words of a dieing friend are generally sacred and are generally deeply impressed on the mind they are addressed to, in particular, if he imparted the conversation to you - you should endeavour to bring it to his mind - for much affairs of this world - as Tobias said to St Paul, makes him almost mad after them, I hope he won't increase his concerns - but try to curtail them. F - don't think you will have any coals, Billingsley said they were scarce and a number of colliers have been lost since this bad weather - H seemed to . . . . and . . . . . about them so F thinks you won't have any of his procuring Harriet desires her love and if she lives will come and see you another time - I have not been to Ipswich for fear I should spend money F says - I pray God to bless and help you directing you right in all your undertakings accept our United love - remember us kindly to Ambrose - give my love to your children and I hope they will learn to be good children, or they won't go to heaven when they die
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I should certainly have written before but I was desirous of seeing Willm first being sure you would be anxious about him - I hope you have sold all the corn you could get out for most likely it will be lower lower - believe me your aff Mother
H Liveing

it is past ten o'clock your F is calling out about bed Uncle Betts has a large hole in his leg and desires Edd to look at it every week which is more than E can conveniently do - Robert has been at Eds house a good while - as he has had two more gatherings Ed took him home to see after him and to put him up - he has returned to school a fortnight as he is better - it was very kind of Ed to take him they have had a letter from Chesham but Uncle did not mention his own or his family's health so hope they are better - Louisa is looking better but when carrying the child she sometimes feels the pains which she has suffered so much from - tell John Elizabeth desires her love to cousin John - once more God bless you . . . . .
Sunday Morning
I have opened the parcel to put a pair of socks into it - fearing that you may have neglected yourself and not worn any - now I do beg you will put them on at once.

13. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, Aft 12 Nov 1825 (c1826), Ipswich, SFK.
Liveing Archive 118a-c LT10
This letter is not signed off and may have had further pages?
In a different hand "date watermark 1825 and before Aunt Downes death 1827"
After 12 Nov 1825.

My dear Julia
I have been to Ipswich and stayed a fortnight with Aunt. I have not paid a visit only for a night for perhaps more than a year till now - Aunt is much as usual poorly - and I think on the whole looks as well as you might expect to see her - your Father went with me and stopped 6 days, and then left me - when you're F, bought the fish he tells me he had only time to direct it and that at the Coach Office 's or he would have sent . . . . . Mrs Ambrose a piece. We are really much obliged to her for the fowles's and must say we are sorry she should rob herself for us - pray give our best respects and thanks. I dream't as of you a few night since and was easedingly? distressed as I thought you was like to die - how I did wish I could have run and asked you how you did, no news, is good news I hope - I am very glad that John improves - pray do your best to make him improve every way, a parent's charge is a great one and not always duly considered "plant virtue and content will be the fruit" remember this is the seed time, strive to sow the best - keep a strict eye - and be very attentive to root up every noxious weed, that may spoil a good harvest - as a pious author says "let not your endeavours be dried up and lost, for want of being watered by your prayers", importuning Almighty God to pour on them than due of his heavenly grace
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for without divine help your endeavours will be fruitless, the value of the . . . . . scarcely can be appreciated - much good, or evil, may depend on the care you take in the early forming of their minds - lose no opportunity of checking the least propensity to wrong - and ever encourage the dawning of any good tract in their dispositions - as you value your own happiness - if you regard the salvation of your children - do not lightly regard my advice. I must add as a motive to urge your on to this great work and to induce you to make the best use of the time before you, as with myself your breath is in your nostrils" you know not, how long - nor how short the time may be that God will permit you to guide your poor children, therefore let nothing make you neglect this great duty, while God allows you life for if they lose you - another such a friend does not ordinarily fall to the lot of every child, but I must further enforce on your mind the advice I have click often given you, without which I fear all your endeavours will not avail any thing towards so good a work - you doubtless are aware that I am referring to the Governing - your children, nothing, nothing to any good purpose can - be done without the power of governing them - God help you forward in the great work - I had a letter yesterday from poor little Louisa Harrold she tells me she is able to take a walk in the garden every day with the help of her Papa and Mama on each side but in another week Papa hopes she will be able to go by herself, she expresses thankfulness to God and her friends for the care they have taken to restore her, her poor little brother is better but the swelling on the breast is not yet done.
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I am in want of half a piece of 7/8? cloth to make pillow cases, I don't want them fine - it will be some advantage I suppose to take half a piece, and another's half piece to make linners of - I should suppose I might have cloth fit for cases at 16 or 18^d, I think to send those we have been using on board the Packet and take the same one for home use, I think you gave 2/3^d for our last under linger?. I think by taking so much at once you had it 2d per yd cheaper I could not get any I thought would wear at Ipswich I bought 6 yards at 17^1/2 but it is coarse enough - I looked at a shop where I once had some that was good but it was so thin and stripy I could not buy - now I don't wish to put you to inconvenience - but when you go to Colchester try what you can do for me, you have happened of some better than I can find any. Does it suit you to pay for it, as a part of Mr Logans? if not when you write say so - that I may send the money first - we are very glad you have rooted out your pigs - I much wonder that the thieves had not killed them to escape detection - its a sad thing you are so laid upon to injury every way from thieves of various descriptions your property is never safe have you much corn in hand? you may remember I was very desirous that your corn should be sold¹ when the price was so good - it will be a great satisfaction to us to know Mr F has discharged your bail? against him - if you are not likely to sell many bricks it won't answer to employ many hands nor would I, till I saw how
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business was likely to go forward - I am very glad you have no cause to suspect . . . . . . . . . . . the idea of it has often been a trouble since I heard that strange story, it's a commicle affair of Mrs Story - I wish he was not such a hypocrite for the honour of God and the good of his people - such characters do great harm to religion the irreligious conclude when they see how far they are from right, who should be its main pillars, and of course conclude that religion is a mere farce.
Harriet is much obliged for your intention to send for her boys - but she is convinced they will be a trouble to you, and you have no need of an addition to the many you now have - give my respects to Maria and I have sent her some white bulsam seed I had some bulsams last summer much admired, the potatoes we have sent are we think very good, but they are not like Dutch potatoes in general for they are floury - we have heard of Henry not from him - Mr Ball had a letter from his son wherein he say's that Henry had gone thro his examination with great credit to himself and that he was put in the first class - I don't understand the name of the classes - you will be likely to hear before me - he has had so much to do that he could not find time to write to us he has laboured of a night as well as by day its a mercy that much study has not made him sick?
Footnote.
1. Letter 12 Nov 1825

14. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 2 Dec 1825, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 54 a-b LT6
Written on 4 half sheets both sides of one piece of paper

Harwich Dec 2nd 1825
My dear Julia
I have had a letter from Aunt Downes who wrote because she wished to tell me of your welfare and to desire, when I wrote to you, to give her love and thanks, for a very fine fowl, very fat and good. Mr Elston told her that you was pretty well, and that John was much better behaved than formally which she was truly glad to hear, and you may be sure we are all glad to learn of an amendment, pray take care to employ the change to the very best advantage, ever have and eye to soul - the soul of your children your own soul and your husbands "a word in season how good is it" but the Apostle says in season, and out of season, at all times, have Salvation in view, it is the great estate for which all (who are not blind to their own everlasting happiness) will ever be striving to obtain, the eye of God is ever upon you, and he sees, and knows, your endeavours and the motives on which you act and you have his gracious promise, that he will give his holy spirit to those who ask in faith - believing - and waiting - and expecting the blessing, to guide you into the right way, it is an important trust to become a parent - the older I grow, the more I see, the enormous charge - and the great danger of giving a wrong bias to the mind - or in not paying strict attention to check any wrong tendencies - and also to be very careful to set
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a pious example, your servants also, you may have many opportunities of giving them a friendly warning and in helping them forward - use the means whenever you can - God works by means. And when you act from a right motive, (which is the glory of God and the good of souls) the promise runs, if you benefit not those, you intend to serve, your pious endeavours, shall turn to the advantage of your own soul - it is an imperative duty of every Master and Mistress to warn their servants - as well as their children and to instruct them also. We have a great work to do and daily - and hourly need help from above - therefore according to your necessity pray not only upon your knees - but an ejaculatory may be offered up at any time, or place - you gave away - or lost a little book I bought every one of my children - if I live to go to Ipswich I will buy you another, when I hope you will read it so often as to carry it in your mind - and should your children live to be able to read, I hope you will let them read it also - for if they don't understand it, yet if it is impressed on their minds, hereafter they will most likely call it to remembrance, and may act on it, pray buy Watt's hymns for children they say read a little, and you more than a little to them - and as soon as they are able to understand, explain and enlarge it to them - be striving as soon as possible to lay in a stock of religious knowledge in particulars - and may Almighty God be with you to bless your endeavours
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Mr Elton also told my aunt that he had left Charles well on Thursday last I had a letter yesterday from my Brother who says "Charles was here lately to complete his three guineas worth of shooting" so I suppose Mr Elston brought him but Harriet says no, she expects he was at Nayland when Ambrose was in London dear creature he is always running after pleasure I never fail to set it forth to him that "they who live at pleasure are dead while they live" change of air and exercise I know is good for his health, and he takes good care to get it often, as possibly he can. We are much obliged for the cream you were so good to send, we gave Louisa a part of it - I beg that you will not send us any fowles, we can help ourselves twice a week - and therefore I beg you will sell them as soon as possible fat or lean sell them, and don't run the hazard of having them stolen - if you can't sell the lean ones for so much, sell them, it will cost you for fattening them you know. Uncle tells me Catherine expects to be at large two or three weeks longer - if this account is right I (shall if nothing happens to prevent me) be going soon I forget whether I told you, Catharine has agreed to let me remain at home till she is in bed, when Edw is I suppose to come a part of the way, or send a part of the way for me - had Catharine not made a point of my being with her I should have declined but she has taken into her mind that I can be serviceable to her, wishes it
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so I have consented to go, your F being desirous also your Father has given me leave to have a shawl so when it suits you buy one for me if you can get one the colour of your scarf I should prefer it and a coloured middle I don't like a plain middle as it is not likely to wear so clean as those that are coloured If it suits you to pay for it I will send the money directly, some way or another, if it does not suit say so and I will send it first I suppose those you saw were good ones or you would not have called them nice. Mr Hansend? has only one of the kind which is very low prized, but at the same time it is a very thin and ordinary it is 17s or 18s - I think those you saw was 33 or 35 shillings I would not mind a few shillings more if it was so much better suppose I say 38 but not to exceed 2 pounds neither do I wished to go higher than the price you mentioned but I would like to have one with some wear in it as it will last me as long as I shall live that of Mr H's would not last long - I should like to have a green ribbon for a cap as it will suit my green gown which I purpose wearing if I go to Nayland Mrs Harold had a very pretty striped green on her cap silk and crêpe stripes about the breadth of that you bought for me before when you buy the shawl tried to get me one 29 ½ inches will do I think very well - Willm sailed this morning indeed he sailed yesterday but it was so bad a night and wind contrary, that he came back and lay under the beach all night which was a great comfort to us to know he was in safety - he will go to Cuxhaven this time if it pleases God - and not to Heligoland as the Packets most likely will be cleared away there - which we feel another comfort - you know what a dangerous place it is Heligoland I mean.

This letter appears incomplete in that it is not signed off by Harriet, and no existence of an address.

15. Harriet's Letter's: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 4 May 1826, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 57 a-d LT6
Notes in another hand. "May 4^th 1826 probate Uncle Betts will Uncle Henry at Cambridge" Written on 4 half sheets both sides of one piece of paper, sealed with black sealing wax

To
Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester
post paid
My dear Julia
As your father expects to be in Colchester next Saturday to be sworn in - I thought I must write and tell you of it that if it is not inconvenient to you to go may be you would like to see him again - you can take some sausages in your basket and not be obliged to Mrs Waters to dine with her again - F - says they are to be at Colchester by ten o'clock, I shall direct him to call at Mrs Waters and one way or another you will see one another if you go - if you have not bought the cloth and can get to Colchester in good time you may buy it and send it home by your father - by a letter this morning from Charles I learn that Dr Miller has been to London, and has gotten a probate of Uncles Will and for the present it is lodged in the Bank of England after three days it can be acted on Dr Miller is desirous of settling the business as far as he can - as soon as he can - and as at little expense as he can - he is very good to be so considerate - he is expected here on Rannailes's? account - he told me he should call on me when he came to Harwich - I have heard nothing from Uncle Edwd - I wrote the two last letters to him so shall remain quiet at present - he may come to a better way of thinking
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I have told your father if you have heard of a house likely to suit you will show it to him. Willm is sailed to Cuxhaven yesterday with a bad wind I fear he will have a long passage - he was not very well he is much troubled with his Father's complaint and with gravel (medical) I hope you take care of those books of Edwd and pray don't let the children have them. Charles says he saw Mr Heseltine and he told him that he had lately been at Cambridge that he did not see Henry but he heard Jack Bailey say he had called on him and that he was ill and in bed - how unfriendly not to speak to him when ill in a strange place far from all his friends - Harriet went to Mr Balls to ask if his son had mentioned his being ill - he said no that he had heard from his son about a fortnight since - and if he had been ill he is sure he would have mentioned it to him - for he generally say something about Henry in every letter for they are both steady young men and he is very pleased that they associate together they are in the habit of taking tea with each other he hope if he was unwell it was but of short duration - his son also mentions seeing Mr Heseltine - I try to hope that he is not very ill - but I can't feel comfortable about him and have written by this post to him to be sure not to lose a post but right directly - I hope John's health improves
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and that you are endeavouring to think better of him and if you do so you will get more rest - Charles I find intends to bring his affair to a conclusion in October - Aunt Downing is very poorly worse than usual she thinks from indigestion but if better she proposes paying me a visit in the beginning of next week - I have written to beg she will not delay longer but apply to Mr Bartlet at once for she was complaining before I saw her at Dedham and she tells me it's worse than when I saw her - if you can find time to talk to your father about Mr L - money matters - if it is done he wants the premises to be made over to you and your children.
I have only time to say God bless you all forever accept our love
believe me your aft Mother
H Liveing
Page 4.
Ambrose must repent of not taking advice and selling his core when he might have had a good price for it.
Harwich May 4^th 1826
burn this

16. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 25 Aug 1826.
Liveing Archive 58 a-c LT6
Noted in another hand. "August 25, 1826 Uncle Betts money death of F E Downing" Written on 4 half sheets both sides of one piece of paper

To
Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester
post paid

My dear Julia
Expecting that Charles may be at your house your Father would have me write as he is quite concerned at not hearing from him as yesterday was a week since, I wrote to him, requesting him to sell out L811 stock to pay for aunts house which your father has engaged to do the latter and of this month, he was directed to pay the money into Hoars Bank, that he might receive it at Ipswich and he was then requested to write to his Father now as we have had no letter we can but be surprised not being able to account for the delay - your F you know cant bear to be worse than his word, which he must be, if he has not the money -F - say's sure Charles has not lost the power of attorney - or the money - he can't conceive what the reason can be that we have not heard from him - sometimes I am afraid that he is not well - if Charles is at your house we hope he or you will write directly
I have been long wishing to hear from you I wonder you have not written - I have not heard of you since your Father was at Colchester - (with but few exceptions) everybody has had bowel ailing more or less - very many have been obliged to have medical assistance - as their sickness and pain have been severe indeed there is scarcely being quite rid of the complaint it has not been a common ailing - as the patient's after recovering from the violence of the disease lose their
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appetites and remain far from well a long time and some of them have another attack - the complaint is not only in this part of the world but there is great sickness in Holland the people die so fast that it is become quite alarming - and at Cuxhaven they are so ill that they can't get the harvest in, Capt Deane told me one farmer had 18 servants all ill - and they bring bad accounts also from Gothenberg - I shall be very glad to hear that you have all escaped the disease - though I can hardly expect to hear so good an account - Aunt Downes and her maid have been very ill with it - but she writes that they are better, but are still very poorly - I don't know whether you have heard that Mrs F Downing is dead - we did not hear of it till Edwd paid us a short visit of two nights last week - I felt vext for her loss, her chief business was going about doing good her wonted kindness will be much missed, but her change is no doubt to her everlasting advantage - Edwd - or rather Catharine is left L100 % annum and 100 is left to their three children - Mrs Downing L100 and several other legacies tho bulk of her income is left to her sister, while she lives, and then it is to be divided between her children and Catherine.
Dr Miller has been here a fortnight but we hear nothing respecting money - Edwd - says Dr Miller is an honest man and therefore he thinks (Edwd) that he won't pay one legatee before other - and if we get any by Xmas we may think it well - I don't know this may be but your F wonders Dr M - has not mentioned it to him or us, perhaps Charles knows more about it than we do - but we wholly thought that you of the fours would
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have been paid last month. I had formd an idea that the doctor had told him so - we are all open handed - ready to receive it - Uncle Edwd wanted his share long ago - I have been to Ipswich, tis a fortnight since - Aunt told me how much hurt and angry she was to find that Uncle E was dissatisfied with his very handsome legacy - I replied that he considered, that there was the same affinity between them that I have to my Uncle - well she returned "what was I to him then? I was his nearest relation - but it is as I always expected, that I should be worse off" if we should live to receive it I hope it will be spent well - for I am slapd by one and other all round, over and over - Ambrose told aunt how disappointed Uncle was, which I had hoped . . . . . would have been hid from her - as so I told . . . . . have you gotten your harvest in - if you have not had more rain, than we have had, I fear you will have no turnips, nor other green feed for your creatures - I pray God send rain, not only on your account, for it is a national consideration - we are looking forward to the pleasure we hope to have in seeing you - when are you likely to come? - We purpose going to Ipswich to meet Charles and his bride - but we have no intention of making a long stay - I thought by what Edwd said that Catharine and her train have some thoughts of coming in September - what I shall do for a cook while they are here I know not - my damsel does not improve much that way. I am sorry to say - F - bids me ask you, whether the wood he sent is likely to answer the purpose? Mr Saunders is dangerously ill with fever - Mrs Bridge has a confirmed dropsy - fever Mrs Bills is still alive and in a very poor state - I don't know that she will struggle through
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if Charles is with you, tell him to ask Edwd to send me a few cuttings of geraniums - if he has any of the better sort - for as your F - quarrels if I have many, I wish those I do have to be of the best kind - Charles may bring them with him to Ipswich - and to take care of some balsom seed for me - mine have not done so well this year as last - I like the double blossom - the single are not worth having
Top Page 1
remember us kindly to Charles and to Mrs Charles also to Ambrose and your young ones - we pray that God may order all events that take place in our family to the furtherance of their everlasting happiness - whatever trouble we may meet with here - God grant we may all find rest hereafter - believe me your afft Mother
H Liveing

17. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 18 Sep 1826, Ipswich, SFK.
Liveing Archive 59 a-c LT6
Noted in another hand. Ipswich Sep 18, 1826. Written on three half sheets both sides of one piece of paper, text damaged by seal in places

To
Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester

Ipswich Sep 18, 1826
My dear Julia
I have been here a fortnight last Thursday, according to your account we expected Charles here on the Saturday following but somehow you made a mistake of a week they never intended to be here sooner than the week after they tell me - poor Aunt was quite anxious for my coming, she had been so very ill on the preceding Sunday but was better when she wrote to me on the Wednesday - I lost no time but came directly - she continued better the next day - but on Saturday she was very ill indeed with gallstones and was completely jaundiced all over, she was so very ill that she entirely gave herself up, not thinking she could recover - and Mr Bartlet told me that she was in a very precarious state, that the complaint was not generally a dangerous one, although a very distressing one - but her years, and weakly constitution were against her - he would not say she would die - but thought it is not improbable - and added that she was worn out - I was indeed exceedingly hurt for her she has been an old kind friend to me and mine and I did know how-to part with her, I could wish her to live as long as I shall, she was quite composed and willing to die - and said several times when she saw me crying if I should recover now, according to my years and poor constitution I can't live long - and when Mr Bartlet said she was evidently better - she said she was disappointed and that it was like coming back from heaven to earth again - she was
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much better for several days, but I am sorry to say is not so well again, she has no appetite - her stomach is so weak she does not know how to bear solid food, and she is tired of slops - if her stomach can be strengthened - I hope she might get better - as she has no appearance of jaundice now - either Harriet or myself must stay with her till she gets into her new house - nor can we leave her then till she is better - I should have as comfort to leave her alone I am sure.
We are very sorry for your horse, what a perishable stock is a Farmers - we are glad that John is better - I thought when you came I should keep Harriet here - and come and see you at Harwich - Edw came on purpose to see Aunt - he was better when he came - he said he did not see why she should not recover as to the complaint - if her strength would hold out - Dr Miller called to speak to your Father but he was at Ipswich Harriet saw him - he behaved very handsomely - he told her, he should be pleased to settle the business and would as soon as he could - he also told Charles the same and added that things were in train meaning that the mortgages were called in to pay the legacies those that were necessary he meant - sweet Mrs Whiles has made application in several quarters, he has received a letter from one Attorney respecting Mrs Betts will - he laught (sic) and said they did not mind her - for they should act according to the letter of will - and then they had no need to fear her - but it showed the woman - one of her daughters had been asked and another is to be married to the Son of the parish Clerk
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The Dr says she must be an indiscreet woman or she would not have had such a set in her house among her daughters - you are in a scrap? with your maid, I can't advise you about her - Charles was to have been here today but it has rained so heavily all day they did not attempt to come - I shall tell Charles to write to you when he purposes coming to your house - Father went home on Saturday as he expected the Packet - which came in this morning (Monday) he writes me the Post Office has sent to Mr Cox desiring that the . . . . . packets may be sent up, and where they . . . . . by return of ports - there has been a letter? sent petitioning that there last accounts may be settled - the answer was that there are accounts were now before his Lordship - what they are going to do with the Packets nobody knows at present - I have not seen much of my new daughter as Aunt was so ill - they, with Mr and Mrs Eleston drank tea with us, and I have seen her once since - she appears pleasant and I hope she is what she has been represented to me this I hope they may do they both promise they will live carefully and not spend all but lay by for future occasions - don't let my being at Ipswich hinder your coming to Harwich if you have an opportunity - if I hear from Chas when he is likely to come I will write with our side of this. Aunt desires her love to you and Harriet who is with us, we are going to make compot(e)? and bed - I pray God to bless you - and yours - believe me ever affy yours
H Liveing
Tell Maria that
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I am very sorry to say the bird she was so good to send was very well and singing nicely in the morning and was taken in a fit and died they saw it before it was dead but did not know what to do to help the poor thing I am quite vexed for it - it was in such spirits Harriet says that it offered to pick her fingers when she gave it something I shall send this by Carr?

18. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 14 Nov 1826, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 60 a-d LT6
Notes in another hand: "Nov 14, 1826 Uncle Betts legacies L2000 Julia Ambrose L2000 William Liveing L2000 Harriet Liveing they now receive dividends on above" Postmark Harwich 18 NO 1826 72. Written on 3 half sheets both sides of one piece of paper sealed with black sealing wax

To
Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester
My dear Julia
I lose no time in letting you know that this mornings post bought us a letter from Dr Miller which that you may perfectly understand I shall transcribe "I desir'd on Saturday Round and Co of Colches on a stamp receipt being presented to them to pay Capt W Liveing Mrs Fenn and Mrs Ambrose L40 each - and which sum until further notice, will in future be paid in the middle of Jany and July - notwithstanding the coverture of the ladies the receipt must be signed by them. I have not written to the latter as I considered that you were in frequent communication, and that you would undertake to give the information" after adding a little more he goes on to say "the receipts should run somewhat in this form - Received of the executors of the late Edwd Betts Esq forty pounds, being the amount of interest due to me last July on L2000 stock four percent" of course you must date it and leave it with Mr Round when you receive the money - you must write it on a shilling stamp - of course you will go yourself - I hope you recd the parcel safe that I sent by Mr Cooper last Saturday to be left at the Horse and Groom - it contained the child's spencer and your lace ruff and tippet
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I half repented sending it fearing that it might be lost Uncle Harold sent me some medlars (apples) and Edwd filled up the cask with pears and by the same I heard of your general good health Edwd had been at your house on the day before writing - Harriet returned yesterday from Ipswich and left Aunt as well as she has seen her for years just as she has recovered her appetite and if she goes on as she does now she must I think soon be quite fat - Edwd has invited Father and Harriet to go and see them - and as H - has not been there so long a time perhaps she may go and take her money, and then pay you the first visit but perhaps she may go to Nayland first - you will hear her plans another time - I don't know at present when she will go - she will I suppose carry Wills receipt also he takes the mail tomorrow from Holland Father's say's this wind has made such a sea that he does not know when he can get out - poor Mr Sept Clark, Harriet tells us, has had a dreadful fit - paralectic - he has very much recovered and can walk about the room, can move his arm pretty well, but his hand is not right. Mr Bartlet when he first saw him did not think he would live an hour - I am very sorry for him. I think him worthy of respect he has three children - he is a good Father and husband - see the necessity of living in a prepared state to meet God he was engaged in the shop when he was taken - he never goes
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out to spend a shilling wantonly - to be sure he can have none to spare but every body does not regard that - ever have it in remembrance that God is present at all times - take care of your children they are a vast charge - they have immortal souls - "with early virtue plant their hearts" strive to set them a good example it goes before precept - you and I shall in some measure be accountable for our children's misconduct and awful consideration this - let it rest on your mind - pray I beseech you check what tends to wrong in your children do not overlook anything that may lead them to take the wrong path - children know what is right and wrong sooner than you may expect - and they also make remarks before you are aware on other peoples ills or good conduct but surely evil is observed, and followed - if not the good - remember the end - it will restrain you from doing amiss - for although we have a merciful God - yet he is severely just - which is not enough considered - or it would very often prevail miss doing - I pray God enabled you to do your duty and to bless your endeavours - remember that prayer - is not prayer except we are governed by the law of God - if our lives are not formed by his word - that unerring rule we are not in a safe state to pray to God to lead us and then to wilfully go wrong will not avail to any good purpose - accept and present our love - believe your ever afft Mother
H Liveing

19. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, Abt 1827.
Liveing Archive 142a-c LT12
By another hand "no date but paper Mark 1827 - heavy money loss."

Mrs Ambrose
Copford.
My dear Julia
We returned yours and Ambrose note just before Edwd and Charles arrived - it is very kind in you all to do what you can to relieve your poor father - and when he is relieved - I am relieved also. I am thankful that he has borne it so well as he has, for although he is not untroubled, (Which would determine him insane at once, if he did not at all feel so great a loss) but from looking through the second cause to the first - and being persuaded that no event happens to us but by divine permission your F has in great measure governed his passions - and has endeavoured to submit to the wise dispensations of God - you may be sure I am useful to him by bringing to his mind - when ever the weight of the loss bears on him too heavily (which it does every now and then) that we have still abundant cause to be thankful that all is not taken - and we have still (at present) plenty to support us in the same way that we have for many years been accustomed to have and I also beg F not to offend God by kicking against the pricks - for we are in his hand and he knows what is best for us his poor unworthy creatures - but as with Job acknowledge then the Lord gave us all we possess - and the Lord has taken a
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part of the loan away - and blessed be the name of the Lord. But notwithstanding if any right - means can be used to recover the loss - or mitigate it - I think we shall not be wrong in taking proper steps - observe I would not have the man hanged, for even so much but if by punishing him he can be made to refund surely it must be right - but at present it is advisable to say little about it - there are shocking accounts of his treachery - he must be a very wretch.
I meant to have written to you as so great a concern could not be hidden from you - but we all thought it would bring a sick head ache on, and Harriet thought it was as well to delay bad news as long as we could - but I determined to write with the shirt and send it by the carrier on Friday - as we knew somebody would convey the parcel on Saturday to you.
One great mercy is - that your father (although he has not had his usual sleep) has been able to sleep on the whole better than I could have expected - poor Harriet lost all appetite for several days - and nearly all sleep - one night she was not able even to shut her eyes - so all my rhetoric would not help her - she is now I am thankful more composed and has had a little sleep the two last nights - her anxiety has altered her very much - I tell her she looks ten years older for the event - her mind still rests on the mistake made in Uncles will, respecting her husband's name - notwithstanding much pains has been taken
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many different times, from everyone of us that it is of no consequence at all - Mr Beaumont read the Will when he was with us last summer, and assured her that no harm whatever could result from the mistake.
I bless- and thank God - that I have been enabled to look on this event, I trust (if I know my own heart but it is "deceitful above all things") as I ought that God has permitted it to show us - to convince us by suffering is to feel - (nothing convinces so soon) the truth by experience - that "riches make to themselves wings and fly away" and the inference is - set not your heart upon them - nor upon anything that may be likely to draw your heart from God - God gives us all grace thus to set God always before us - that our trust may be alone - in him - and on him may lean - to him may we ever look - substance and pray for help, and assistance that watching and expecting we shall go on in the right way - heavenward.
They are all about me I can no more then say God bless all for ever your Aff^t Mother
H Liveing

20. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, Cir Mar 1827, Harwich.
Liveing Archive IMG 5419/24/25/34/36

In another hand "Date ? probably just before Aunt Downes death (27 Mar 1827) Harriet visits Nayland is met at Colchester by James in Miss Alston's gig" "£325 19 3 - £256 14 11 = £59 4 4 + £45 = £104 4 4"

To
Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
My dear Julia
I was glad to learn that your healthes were generally pretty well, which is a great mercy we know not how to appreciate as we ought, till we lose the blessing, then we begin to recollect the comforts of health and freeness from pain and sickening which we have enjoyed - and have ungratefully suffered such mercies to pass us by unthankfully without a due sense of them, have we any room to expect a continuation of them? let one not neglect to thank God that we are so well, although so many of our neighbours have been so severely tried, and very many of them are gone into Eternity while Gods sparing mercies are still extended to us, ought not this to call forth our thanks and heartfelt plaise (sic) ? poor Aunt sent her love to me by Mrs Osbern (shoemaker [?] last Tuesday, and she is very poorly and has no appetite, she complained in the same way before her great indisposition - I feel hurt about her - not but she had complained of her appetite several times since her illness and has recovered it pretty well again, I would willingly hope she may now - but I am always in pain about her for fear she should not - was it not sometime in October that I left her and came home with you ? your Father talks of going to Ipswich and I purpose going when he does, but now Harriet is away I don't know that your F will go she went to Nayland last Friday, she took the coach to Colchester and went to Mrs Waters's till James came for her in Miss Alston's Gig and Poney (sic) she was there at Colchester about an hour and half - she warmed herself - and Miss W went a shopping with her
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William, Louisa, Mrs Orgee (who has been some weeks at William) and the child were all packed up in a post chaise yesterday (Wednesday) and set off for Cornard, W came in on Sunday from Holland (Schewlin) and they won't have a mail till next Wednesday - he has got a leave to stay a voyage but if he has to go again to Schewlin (as we think he will) he won't take leave this voyage, but come back in time to go - they had a windy icy voyage the last trip - but thank God they came home all safe and well - your poor maid I am in pain for, I expect she is in the like state of Mrs Downings servant your Uncle said she could not work hard - indeed she could do only trifles - scrubbing or pumping and soon would bring on pain in her side and make her ill directly - and I have no doubt but work will kill your servant poor creature - such a place might suit her as Mrs Downings - she might just look at another girl while she did the work - I am quite vexed for her and cant help wishing you had not her to kill at your house I hope you don't doctor her yourself with those very large doses of physick (sic) - I would write to Edward about her poor creature - it must give you pain to set her to work when you know she does it in so much pain - I have heard much about the good effects of taking a desert spoonful of White Mustard seed every night to keep the bowels free, sometimes a little thing will set them at liberty when a dose will take no effect - Mrs Logan says it agrees with her very well, and she has been troubled with confined bowels a good deal - some take larger quantities according to the state the bowels - Mr Esefer [?] speaks much of it's good qualities - and several other people - I have not been out of the house for more than a fortnight till last Sunday - I have had knots and swelling
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under one ear, and a sore throat and although not a bad one thank God - yet I was very unwell and I thought it very advisable to keep within - I have been at home about 3 weeks except going to church last Sunday - I have wondrously outgrown these sore throats bless God - but I could not get the better of it without bark [?] and red wine - your F is I am thankful very well - Mrs Saggers has been very bad a long time with liver ailing at last her side blew up as big as a loaf Mrs Saggers told your F - and after dreadful pains, and severe retchings a very long time it broke at last and discharged to five pints, she has been given over before - and since - this discharge - it still discharges and her stomach is in such a state that nothing will stay in it - I sent yesterday and they thought her a little better, she has been a great sufferer - poor Mrs Bills has been so much better as to sit up half an hour at a time - but she has had another return and is sadly set back again - she is rather better again but not able to sit up - what she must have endured she had been bad a year last July - her appetite seldom fails, except on these days she has distressing retchings I suppose you read of the death of Mr John Cotteyham, his death was wonderfully hid from his daughters, they could not believe he would die till he was almost dead, they were as you may suppose much distressed Maria and Rose in particular - he has divided his property equally between his children - has left the same portion for his son John as he has to the rest - in case they should hear [?] of him - Mrs Hibblet told me there had been 73 funerals (before Mrs Bridge was buried, and there has been many since) since last Easter when he was made Clerk
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I have asked your Father if he has anything to say to you and his reply is "bless her heart forever" - O what a continuation of cold weather - I hope it will do the land good - don't make it long before you write for we are always glad to hear from you - and always think the time long - how does Mrs Ambrose and Maria remember us to them. I have sent you the beginning of your poor Aunts letter, there was nothing particular in the letter - but I send this to show you how high I stand in her estimation remember us kindly to Ambrose and the children - tell them I hope they are good children and mind what is said to them and they will go to heaven when they die I pray God to bless them and you and yours be careful of your children remember you and your husband have a vast charge committed to your management - think - O think of what great value the Soul is - if you have a right love for your own souls and the souls of your children you will watch over them with the strictest care to form their manners - to catch every opportunity of leading them to God as their opening minds are ready to catch everything but more especially (defaced) endeavours to plant them early with virtue - and eradicate as far as possible every wrong tendency - mind - it's a great work you have laid before you - be not slack in your attention to that you may never discharge your own souls from blame, and may do your part in delivering the souls of your children - be careful to set
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them a good example both of you - they are much more likely to follow example than precept - especially manners that are not strictly right - pray take care remember the eye of God is ever upon you once more I pray God to guide you in all things - may his blessing attend you all
believe me your affectionate mother
H Liveing
Harwich (defaced) friday morng

21. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 1 Mar 1827, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 143a-d LT12
Mrs L March 1, 1827 Dr Miller executor to Betts ill and winding up estate postponed Aunt Downes unwell

Mrs Ambrose
Copford

Harwich
March 1, 1827
My Julia
Your Father has now bought a piece of halibut which is quite fresh, but as our coach is so uncertain about travelling I can't tell you when you will get, but if you don't get it in time for dinner perhaps you had better boil it and pour vinegar and salt honoured and eat it cold, but you must consult Ambrose which way he likes it best - fish is such a bad thing to send out-of-town - I think A must suppose we don't remember that he is a fish eater we have had but little for the last 12 months in particular, this and when we get it it's a chance whether you can get it in good time.
F and I are wanting to know something about you all - and suppose Harriet may have reach your house - and that William and Louisa may be at Edwards but it's all conjecture - Barnes saild last Friday for Heligoland we have heard nothing of him since the wind has blown so hard that it makes your F very anxious about them - if they are safe F thinks they may should the wind favour them soon be home, as most likely these winds has blown the ice away and if so they can send the mails down. I pray God they may be all safe - this is such a bad place to lay at - tell Harriet if with you that I should like she should look for some Irish to make Henry a few more shirts for I expect that he is little else but tatters
(Page 2)
having no friend to do anything for him of so long a time. I should like she should buy half a piece if she can happen of any she thinks has any wearing it - if she can happen of as handsome a vail as her own at the price I should like one to wear occasionally my poor face is threatening [?] me again - should her money not hold out perhaps you can assist her with a little. Mr Bannacles called about a week since - he had business with Dr Miller and had been to Dedham - and the doctor requested him to call and say that the reason I had not heard from him was from his indispositions, he was taken unwell in London and had been very ill ever since and had not been out of his house for three weeks he was better but not well enough to do duty - he has some internal complaint - Bannacles said he hoped he would get better - and so do I - for his own sake as well as ours - F - calls out it will be a bad job for us if he dies - as he is the acting executor - the other gentleman are highly respectable men - but not men of business . Dr Miller told me so - so that he is the main ping [?] on which the conducting of our affairs hangs - I wrote to poor Aunt to say the reason she has not seen - or heard from the doctor - as I had before led her to expect him for some time past - according to which he said when we last saw him - I received a letter from Aunt last Monday wherein she tells me she is very sadly having lost her appetite- and when she is obliged to eat from great faintness she suffers very much from pain in her stomach and side - she does not know that she has
(Page 3)
jaundice, as the pain in her side goes away when she gets relieved from wind - she thinks her pains are from indigestion - I heard of her state before and wrote to beg she would have Mr Bartlett directly but she had not seen him when she wrote although she had sent for him twice, she promised to send to him again - poor thing I fear she will not live long, she appears to be worn out - she tells me her chief comfort now is opium - and is afraid if she lives much longer she shall take as much as her poor Husband did - says she used to think it promoted her appetite but it has not that effect now - no - I should think it would take it all away - she does not say come and see me - I should go for all that, if Harriet was at home - now the weather is milder - not that I could do her any good - she says she is much weaker than she was two months ago - and no wonder if she can't take sufficient food.
F - says if you know anything about Bro^ms and Sisters let us know - at any rate we shall be glad to hear from ^{you - and how you all do. I thanks God we are very well - what a mercy ! may we have a due sense of all God's mercies that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful - we have not heard of Henry of a long time - I pray God to Bless and keep him and all my dear children and grant that they may ever been in mind that they are accountable creatures, which will lead them to be more obedient to the Will of God - remember us kindly to Ambrose and the children and accept of the affectionate regard of your parents H.L.}

22. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 31 Mar 1827, Ipswich, SFK.
Liveing Archive 145a-d LT12
In an other hand "Mr L March 31, 1827 for Ipswich death and burial of aunt Downes Orbell attended at funeral"

To
Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester
Essex
post paid.

Ipswich March 31st.
My dear Julia
I am sorry to hear you have been so very ill, it was particularly uncomfortable to be ill from home, we all hope that you are much better today. Harriet desires her love to you and would willingly make you a bonnet, had she a shape anything like other folks, but the present fashion is so very different to anything we have that it would be a pity to make a new bonnet so out of the way - Miss Waters has a very pretty one she says Miss W told her it was an expensive one, it was made at the top Milliners she would not have gone to the price - but thought as she had not one like anybody else she would have this and make a summer one like it - so as you are intimate, if you can go and spend a day with her you may make one between you. Harriet says as you are so far away you may put something black on your Leghorn bonnet and it will do very well - I have not hurt my bonnet much except the edge, which I have taken off and altered the crown, and it will now do for me very well till the warm weather if I live to see it Harriet intends wearing her silk one for the present - we are all sorry that you took so much trouble
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respecting Harriet - I thought you would be likely to do something of the kind, and was in pain about it, and when I wrote to H I told her so and requested her to write to you.
We purpose keeping poor Aunt till Tuesday morning if we can - if not till Monday afternoon, as the grave is in the pathway so it could not be prepared for Monday morning as Sunday intervenes, I shall be glad when it is over we had the corps (sic) brought down into the front parlour and screwed down yesterday - I have been very fortunate in having the same woman who attended poor Mrs Downes, she lives in one of Aunts cottages a respectable religious woman, but she is in ill health, I have been forced to spare and indulge her as much as I could - and tho Maid offered to assist her in the last said offices, I have not been obliged to have any strangers, which you know would have added to my trouble. I should have requested Father and Harriet to have come before but we had no room to lodge both of them at one time - as the sick occupied one room, and the little room is so damp it is not fit to sleep in - Harriet sleeps at the next house - I forgot to tell you that I received Aunts money for her at the Bank here last Saturday just in time for her to send for Mr Clarke on Sunday and make him a present of ten pounds - poor man some months since he had a most alarming fit from which they did not expect he could have recovered he is far from right now, I don't expect he will be ever as he has been, he has a wife and three children - I was very glad she had the pleasure of giving it him herself he should have had it, as I knew her intention but it was much better that she did it herself she told him she had wished to have done it before but had been kept out of her money for six or eight months and had been obliged to borrow - the poor man
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was very grateful for it, said it would be of great service to him - father chose to send him four? pounds more, and he had no objection to my sending cousin Orble five pounds, when we requested him and his wife to attend the funeral - he was Aunts first cousin, his Father, and Aunts Mother were Brother and Sister - Mr Clark is a stepfather but he has been ever friendly - the great folks as you term them desired Harriet to give their love to you and thank you for the turkey they both said they never ate a better - we are undetermined what is to be done with the children at present - thank God your Father and Harriet are pretty well - my health is better then my spirits. I hope it will please God I shall be better by and by. I pray God to fit us all for a blessed eternity, let us devoutly intercede for a new heart and a right spirit, that we shall be safe - I wish we lived nearer to each other that we might engage one anothers company a little oftener - remember us very kindly to Ambrose and the children - accept our best love.
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May God Almighty bless and keep you for ever, when may we expect to see you, how does Mrs Ambrose and Maria remember us to them
Believe me ever
Your Aff^t Mother
H Liveing

23. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 16 Jul 1827, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 146a-d LT12

To Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
My dear Julia
We were very glad to see your hand writing and to hear that you reached home as well as might have been expected all things considered for I rehearsed to your father that you had taken an ounce of tincture of sheabark a dose of Calomel and a dose of magmatia - and had kept a great part of them - F said poor thing what can she do? If she is taken as I was after the rhubarb when I was walking I can't think what she will do - I wish you had not told me of it, I am so vexed about her. John soon got over your loss and runs after Harriet, I can't make him say that he should like to go out with Sally - perhaps he will by and by I performed the rubbing operation this morning and did with much greater ease than I had imagined I could have done - I had the watch by me that I might rub him long enough.
Charles and his wife and brother left us on Saturday noon - Mr Beaumont is just now gone by the Wherry and just after he had gotten on board Ann found a shirt of Charles - as I have no home at Ipswich to send it to, and Mr Classon is going to London tomorrow I thought it best to send it to you, as it's much likely he will pay you a visit - on his way to London
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pray give our love to Tom and tell him we hope he has not forgotten how to make a polite bow - and the way to hold his knife and fork - and we hope that he remembers, to say no I thank you mam - and not to say . . . . . - do pray try and prepare him a little better for school - I hope that you continue in the mind to send him to the school Mrs Skitter recommended - for if you send him to a school where they are but little informed how to manage children, or that care but little respecting their manners - he will receive but little benefit - he requires great attention - and I hope with constant perseverance that he may by and by learn to behave like other decent children - if you would take my advice (or rather Ambrose) I would not call to see him but very seldom - you might enquire after him without seeing him - you will do him a much greater kindness by keeping out of sight than by seeing him as it will unsettle him, and make him desire to return to the hogs and the bullocks again, and so learn of the cows to turn his tongue about - remind him to shut his mouth when he eats, he will do so, if you tell him of it - he bore reproof well while he was with us, and really endeavoured to do as we directed him - we were constantly at it, that he might be modernised as far as might be expected in so short a time, for he has much to do - and very much to undo - he was a very good child - and we bestowed
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much praise on him, to support him under his trial he was very happy - now and then thought of home and longed to see Mamar - which was natural enough and which shows the necessity of keeping away from him, if you have a mind to keep him from fretting - we had no screaming - and I am sure it was as much better for him, as for us - John has the tray of tea things set on the parlour window and enjoys making tea for his breakfast - and at teatime - quite as much as his cousins Mary and Fanny did when they were with us - I bought them for their use, but as they had some of the kind at home they left them for another time, the cups hold a good sup? - pray observe how Tom carries his feet, he turns his toes, in - we endeavoured to get him to turn them out - but did not succeed at all - I would remark the defect to his governess when you go with him to school - for it not only looks very ugly - but it is inconvenient when he walks as he is likely to tread on his own toes - remember us kindly to Ambrose - and to Mrs Ambrose and Marie - I pray God to bless and keep you for ever I hope somehow you will manage to come and stay awhile with us, you were too ill to hold any converse even in the short time you were here I begin to think that your Father will never consent to live at Colchester
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of course I shall not be likely to see you often once more adieu - I have asked John whether he has anything to say, he directs me to say "how is pan"
believe me your aff^t Mother
H Liveing
Harwich July 16th 1827

24. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 29 Jul 1827.
Liveing Archive 147a-c LT12
In another hand "Date 29 July 1827 four months after Aunt Downes death 29 March 1827 and 16 months after Uncle Betts death". Note glued to letter "29 July 1827 John a at Harwich his brogue - delay in winding up Uncle Betts estate"

My dear Julia
I have several times thought you would like to hear of John - he appears in perfect health and quite happy he is somewhat like his aunt's shadow for he is sure to follow her - we do not neglect him in any way, he is learning the multiplication table, his grandfather is to give him sixpence when he can say the whole of it, and his papa also I have ventured to promise - and perhaps I tell him I may do the same - it's a long task but we employ rubbing time in repeating a part of it - and also some verses of the morning hymn - he has been regularly rubbed ever since we have undertaken the process - and as Edw^d directed,, he is first washed well with warm seawater, to which your father has added a handful of salt - as a paralysed man told your father he had found much benefit from the use of it - he begs that the maid may not break his birds eggs and that Dyer Sir may water his cucumbers and some boy knows of a skylarks nest to be taken care of as I am to have one - I have sent the pin? cloth's, (or rather slops - for they are made of most ugly cloth, that never looks clean - I think I would not buy any more of it)
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Harriet thinks if you have as many things to make now, as he really wants to go to school with, you will be behind hand with him - you had better have help - the only objection (that I know of) to his going to Mrs Fish's is, that I am afraid she will not break him of his shocking country brogue - his manner of speaking is bad indeed and very different to the generality of children, even worse than John's peculiar way and his mode is bad enough - he speaks in his nose, in addition to a strange set of words - often unintelligible - your Father and I often scold - and say how much we wonder that you have suffered your children to speak in such a sad way - for if we do not speak correctly according to the present mode of the day - yet you were not brought up in the midst of such a strange jargon - and can't think how you could suffer your children to speak worse than the greater part of the Cottagers children do - when Tom goes I hope you will apologise for his unquoth dialect - and intreat - that pains may be taken to make him speak a little more like the generality of people - we are all of one mind, that is is high time he should be removed from his present associates - it will require much pains and a long succession of strict attention - if he is put under a proper person who knows how to govern (for she must be minded) with a set of improved associates,, something may be done with the poor child perhaps - but if he is still neglected - he will be only - a . . . . . out of charity to the child I have said, what I have said - and now for yourself,, Mrs Billingsley called to see me yesterday - and we were speaking about your being so bilious (Etc Etc?)
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when she assured me that some years since old Mrs Saunders told her that nobody could be more bilious than she had been when younger - but she had been advised to take about half a pint of cold water every morning as soon as she awoke - she did not stay till she went down but it must - we drank directly - every morning - when after some time - she found the the benefit of constant perseverance and to use her words "I am old now but I never have a headache from bile" since Mrs Billingsley told me she had adopted the same plan and was entirely rid of the same complaint - and also she had recommended the use of cold water to one of the Miss Billingsley's and she told her the other day that she never had a bad headache now - and added "thanks to cold water" - she used to be exceedingly bilious - she could eat no hot meat - and a great many other things she mentioned of which if she partook she was sure to be ill - I promised to give you this account - and advice and earnestly hope you will not neglect the use of it - try it at once - it can't hurt you - Mrs B - says it may give you pains in the stomach at first from causing wind - but you will soon get the better of that - now you are to know that taking it now and then will not avail and all - it must be constantly used to benefit you - now as you are such a sufferer I hope you will be your own friend - and not want entreating like a child - as the remedy is easy - and the cost will not deter you from the trial - have a glassful poured out every night and set by your bedside that it may not slip your memory at the first outset - give my love to Ambrose and tell him I
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must rely on him to put you in mind of it - the design (I suppose) is to cool the stomach and by so doing correct the bile - my poor Father was so dreadfully bilious that it brought him to his end - and he used to complain very much of heat in his stomach - I beg that you won't want much in intreating to try so easy a remedy
your Your Father is subpoenad to be at Chelmsford on Monday next by Bridge, respecting Billingsley's Corporation affair - I wish enough F was not going for Chapman will be there and I don't wish that any belonging to me should be with him - both the Capt Hammond's are to be there and several more may be - I don't know at present there mode of conveyance - Catherine Stevens purposes giving you a note by Father respecting her visit to you - Charles promised to see Dr Miller and to write us an account of his conversation - but as we have not heard from him - I suppose the Dr is still in London and of course he could not see him - I can in no way account for the delay respecting my money, without it is that the Dr still has a hope that the £600 may yet be recovered - let it be as it may it is strange that he has been so long silent respecting it - poor Uncle has been dead nearly 16 months - Dr M said to me what a nice addition it would be to our income - but we have been so long waiting for it that we sometimes think it will not be added to our income in my lifetime - or if it comes, it may be at my last gasp as my poor Aunt's did - how time runs!! it's four months since she died! Lord help us to prepare for that great change that must - come sooner or later
Letter not signed off

25. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 8 Aug 1827.
Liveing Archive 132a-d LT12
In another hand "Mrs L August 8, 1827" Postmarked Harwich Au 8, 1827

Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester
Essex
post paid

My dear Julia
I am not altogether surprised at the defects in Mrs Fisher's manner of conversation - indeed, I, you may remember sent to you in answer to your letter previous to your sending him, that I - knew of no objection to sending the child there - but I had some fears that he would not get rid of his country habits and strange mode of speaking - but my dear Julia it quite astonishes me, that you should so quickly catch at Mrs F's defects, and the children's put under her charge - and should be so blind - or rather deaf, to the very same faulty expressions of your own children. - Tom says "cop the ball" - and, "I hull'd my dirty pinbefore away" and many more of the like expressions, we very often call to John to repeat something he has said wrong, but he is not like poor Tom, he generally has more discernment than to repeat it exactly as he did before, he is conscious when spoken to that he has said something not right, and if he can contrive to alter it he will, or, not speak at all - I wish you could have found a school better adapted to improve him altogether - but on such low terms you never will. I am persuaded - I expect that in country schools, this defect will more - or less, be always found - for as their scholars are generally neighbours children, their dialect is much alike - and I also expect, that the children catch more of manner from each other, than, from their tutors - but I hope
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he will be improved in some measure, for he has much to do - and stands in need of much assistance - and as you are not bound to keep him there, you may be making enquiry after another - I expect all the knowledge Charles had of the school was from Mrs Elston who, only looked on their common comforts, I mean the care taken of their persons etc you have the great satisfaction of having so kind friend as Mrs Elston has long manifested herself to be - so near him, and who would I am persuaded (was the child ill) take a kind part in attending to him, and would give you information respecting him - and will at all times be very kind to him, I have no doubt. You say he did not like the place - nor would he any other place if you was not there - but that he will soon get the better of, and will enjoy playing with his companions - Harriet wishes there were not these defects to complain of - but says nevertheless she doubts not but he will improve in some degree - and will be in some measure be preparing for a better school - Mrs Platten told Harriet, when she (Mrs P) mentioned Mrs Ambrose's children and Harriet replied that they were very young - Mrs P said she always took the young ones under her care - to keep them from being imposed on etc etc - Harriet thinks their terms are 16 guineas under 10 years 18 under 12 and 20 above that age but this account does not include washing - I expect by and by, they must go there - Harriet called on Miss Stevens and delivered your message, she is much obliged - and does not give up the hope that she may by and by come and see you, but can't now as her mother is so poorly - Mrs S told H - (when by herself) that she did not think she
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should ever be well any more - she had lost her appetite, and felt quite worn out - she said, she had no body to keep house for her, an should like to come and stay a few days with you very much - a few days since I rec^d a very handsome letter from Dr Miller promising to give me a circumstantial account of his proceedings sometime hence - and an order to receive the dividend on poor Aunt's £2000 - he tells me I have no idea of the delays and perplexities that has arisen in the business the money Mr Strutt had is I suppose not recoverable - but notwithstanding my residue will amount to about the same we were first led to suppose it would - I forget to say - that I may consider my interest is going forward - to use his very words "you may consider that the interest arising from it has commenced" by this you will see I have yet to wait at any rate, till it becomes due, he has paid for duty on my legacy £283-10-0 what a handsome fortune has been paid to government out of my poor Uncle's effects John is very well and happy, not but he has some yearnings after home, as is natural, he is at this time shooting at the grapevines with the syringe, which is used in the morning to cure the deafness in one of my ears - he begs that that the cucumbers may not be cut, till he comes home - as he means to sell them - but he has not determined where - as his aunt Ambrose has some and so has Mr Lisgo - he shall not cut one himself - but put the money into his own pocket - we thank you for your many invitations - I have at last (now I am near to the bottom of the paper) gotten your father to determine on the time when it may be likely to come and pay you a visit - he says the packet takes the mail today (at Cuxhaven) and if nothing happens to prevent he purposes saying you when the packet goes out - I can't say at present when that will be - but after all I had much rather you should come and see us - if I come and see you, they will expect me at Nayland and Horksley - I can only say I pray God draw your mind towards heaven and heavenly things - let the care of your soul be your first care - as it is most assuredly the one thing needful - God bless - and keep you and yours ever more accept our united love and regards believe me ever your Aff^t Mother H Liveing
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Poor Mr Whitby was buried the day before yesterday - they tell me he had more than 50 fits - from Sunday morning till Tuesday morning when he died poor man - in nearly a penniless state I suppose pray give my respects to Maria and I shall be obliged if she will save me some coloured Double - (for I don't like single) balsom seeds I have several plants but they are all white blossoms - if she wish any I can save plenty
I think John will earn his money for the multiplication table for he gets forward in it and takes a particular pleasure in teaching Ann and can plainly discover the black dunces growing in her forehead - for she will laugh - instead of learning he says - and draws me to look in her forehead and I shall see them
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The Emily had more than 200 pounds of tea taken out of her yesterday they had taken out two planks and screwed them up and re-concealed this great quantity besides 40 lb of tobacco or more - she is seized and whether she will be liberated again no one can tell - at any rate it will be attended with great loss - Harriet's boys holidays commence on the 12th of this month so we expect them next week

26. Harriet's Letters: To Her Daughter-in-Law Catherine Mary Downing, Dec 1827.
Original in Fenn archive Ref L01
Letter two sides of one page, dated December 1827 at a later date, no envelope.
Note attached in the hand of George Downing Liveing reads "My grandmother Liveing to my mother on my birth 1827 - in which she expresses a wish that I should be named Thomas Harrold. GDL"

My dear Catherine
We all unite in thanking God for his great mercies to you in which mercies we all participate. We have anxiously desired to hear from you hoping and trusting soon to be relieved from fear on your account I bless God that the welcome news of your safety arrived this morning Edwd writes that you have been very uneasy for the last month but altho you were very uncomfortable yet I have no doubt the troubled you endured was preparing you by degrees for a quick and happy conclusion of the trial - and I am persuaded that you were more unable to go through a gradual process then to undergo such severe conflicts for many hours that I have so often experienced - you are feeling alive to God's goodness I know but still I feel it right to enlarge on the subject and to bring to mind former deliverance is of the kind and of many very many other causes of thankfulness that our hearts make exalt in praise and thanksgiving - the dear child was born on a highly rejoicing day may he ever be a joy to you - you have I know a strong sense of the necessity there is of a watchful eye to check the first tendency to evil habits or they will take deep roots which alas with all our care are not easily if ever eradicated - somewhere I read that the great causes why parents so often fail in their endeavours to lead their children in a right way is as a want of firmness in keeping up general good conduct by relaxing at times, the child soon takes the advantage
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when the parents lose their authority and their powers at the same time of doing their children's good - and above all those who neglect to water their endeavours by prayer to him who alone can pour down blessings upon them and make them succeed - can have no room to hope for the dew of His heavenly Grace. I trust my dear you will excuse these observations I am convinced you are a good and kind mother and I trust that your tenderness to your little (great I may be allowed to say) charges won't let you neglect their everlasting concerns - nevertheless when I write to any of my family if I do not bring Eternal things to their minds before I conclude I feel a pang for neglecting what I think my great duty and now I am so far advanced on my journey of life I am struck with the thought that I may not again have opportunity whether I do them good or not I feel a satisfaction in thus far delivering my own soul.
Tell your good mother we heartily congratulate her on this joyful event - it must be very great relief to her mind I am sure, I heard that she was so anxious that her health was hurt from it and Edwards feelings no doubt have been excited on your account and he now enjoys the happy termination of anxiety.
I will not lengthen my letter any more than by saying accept our united love - may the God of Heaven be with you and all of you even more prays your affectionate mother
H. Liveing
I hope Edwd or Tom will let us hear how you do very soon Father says give my love to her poor thing, and say I am glad that she is safe in bed. I forgot to say I hope the child will be named Thomas Harrold Thomas is a name that ought to be dear to us as very many of those who are most dear to us have and still bear that name - my stomach has been better the last two days - my face is sadly red and eruption is thrown out it may have relieved me.

27. Harriet's Letters: To Her Daughter-in-Law Catherine Mary Downing, 15 Jul 1828, Harwich.
Original in Fenn archive Ref L02
Letter on one sheet folded to four pages and sealed with an unreadable seal. Stamped "Colchester By Post" partly obscured stamp showing (Har)wich, 15, year clearly 1828, underlined with the number 72.
A note in the hand of George Downing Liveing reads "15 Jul 1828 my grandmother liveing to my mother there is mention of my mothers late Aunt - this may have been Aunt Frances Downing or Harriet Alston ? Also of an Aunt of my grandmothers of whom I know nothing. GDL"

To
Mrs Liveing
Nayland
Suffolk
Dear Catherine
It's a long time since I have had the pleasure of addressing you but be assured that you are often in our minds eye Father says bless her heart she shall come and see us, my reply is, she will, when she can, but she is a person of consequence and has many family concerns to correct and see in order - surely I need not say that we shall all be very glad to see you when you can leave home so as not to be very uncomfortable while you are absent. We are sorry for Mrs Downing's rheumatism but when we come so near to the bottom of the hill of life God in mercy warns us by pain and trouble of the descent that we may not forget that the end draws nigh. This lesson I endeavour to apply to myself and often preach to my husband for alass little pains of one kind and another we are but to apt to pass over without regarding them as admonitions whereas there is not a pain not trouble that comes without a message from our best friend to prepare for the end they every one speak and not only to those who have passed the flower of their age but they proclaim loudly to all those (however young) who have reached the day of reason and have discovered what it is to do right or wrong how ungracious then must it be to slight these messages of loving kindness. I often lament that I do not love God more and serve him better and I often reflect on the pious example of your late Aunt set to us all those of us who had the happiness of knowing her excellent characters show us the way to heaven they walk in the direct path that leads to it, then why do we not follow? What can I say in excuse nothing
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what is this but saying I am guilty: and of course deserving punishment alass that it is true but confession is not enough if we stop here we are lost - then what can we do? Have we strength to help ourselves alass no, must we then sit down without taking any steps without using any endeavours to bring us nearer to God? This plan cannot be right then let us humbly lay and our case before God and heartily entreat his assisting grace: for "of ourselves we cannot help ourselves". I cant forebear writing one or two verses of a hymn my poor Aunt was fond of, and which was brought to her remembrance now, and then as she could hear it in her last sickness.
Let not conscience make you linger; nor of fitness fondly dream; all the fitness he requireth, is to feel your need of him; this he gives you tis the spirits rising beam. Lo the incarnate God ascended pleads the merit of his blood; Venture on him venture wholly; Let no other trust intrude; None but Jesus can do helpless sinners good.
Perhaps if Edward reads this he may think I have taken and given unnecessary trouble but most surely we cannot have these momentous truths brought to our remembrance too often when our life - our ALL depends on a consistent Christian life and in particular as the world is ever bringing before us something to draw us off from God and our true interest. Therefore I shall make no apology as I consider when I am thus drawn out that I am but doing a part of my duty - and at the same time manifesting my regard for my family's best interest.
I have the scripture history you miss and Julia has the sermons one or perhaps both volumes, it's a shame to keep people's books so long that the borrower is quite forgotten
I am sorry that your domestic peace is disturbed and I earnestly hope you will be able to bring each to a right mind the world needs new
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modeling I may say with the strictest truth - few know their proper place all would be at the top not considering that the top must have a bottom or the fabric could not stand - without due order nothing can be right.
We are very glad that the dear children are so well and you I trust the same as you said nothing to the contrary - I don't wonder that Edward did not feel well in London as he really worked hard as he was always going from place to place and the weather so exceedingly hot he was fatigued till he could take no sleep or but very little, I trust that he is better now - I am sorry to hear that Mrs Harrold is again indisposed no means I am sure will be neglected that may facilitate her recovery - pray you remember us very kindly to her, and to my brother and say we shall be happy to hear from them and I hope they will be shortly able to say they are in good health.
I don't think I should have written just yet - but I wish to know as soon as you can tell me whether there is enough of a carpet to be had like that in your dining room - as I can't happen of one here to my mind and it is inconvenient to go to Ipswich now I have lost my poor Aunt. I shall like one like yours very well - our carpet requires to be finished 5yds qtr long and six breadths wide the room is not regularly of the above size because although it measures 5yds qtr at all parts yet the carpet lays up at one corner and wants more at the opposite cross corner, then there is the chance of matching the pattern so this I think 3 4yds is the least that like can allow. Will you be so good as to give me a line directly as I have a part of our carpet from Mr Leveret's (sic) at Ipswich and want to give some answer about it I should have written last evening but I took a walk and was too late to do so - you did not mention Mrs Hinchcliffe I suppose you have heard how she is going on - hers is rather an uncommon case I think if I have heard the truth of it - poor thing I hope she will do well Poor Mrs Sansum (sic) lays by with her ninth living child she has been in bed nearly a week and continues very ill she complained of pain from her back to her knee some time before her confinement and it still continues she is unable to turn herself and so when she is turned she screams violently poor thing she is suffering grievously - I am sorry your gig is not easy Charles I know took pains to have it right I hope it will be easier when more worn I expect it may be made too strong but I ought not to give an opinion as I don't understand these things - remember us kindly to your good mother and to Miss Alston who I hope is better in health
Our love to Edward and the children
Accept the same affection
Regards yours ever
H Liveing
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William we expect may be on his way from Cuxhaven Elizabeth is at Cornard Lousia is very busy superintending carpet making at their new house Harriet is but poorly having caught and cold and continues to live almost without victuals she will be happy to hear from you whenever you find opportunity to write. When the Harrold's pay you a visit I may expect I may expect (sic) the remaining part to see me they really appear very amicable and so I think you will say one and all the family did all they could to make us comfortable pray give our love to Henry O that God made direct him in the right way I pray God to bless you all for ever.
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I grow a worse scribe than ever, if you can but read what I have written it as much as I may expect
Harwich July 15, 1828
St Swithern entered on a rainy morning - but I have known him mistaken and so I hope he is now

28. Harriet's Letters: To Her Daughter-in-Law Catherine Mary Downing, 4 Dec 1828, Harwich.
Original in Fenn archive Ref L03
In another hand "My Grdnt mother Liveing to my mother Dec 4 1828 about a thief having got into the house at Nayland one night. She says she attained to 66 on that day"

My dear Catherine
Thank you for your kind letter and invitation and one day we hope (if it pleases God) to accept it but at present cannot say when. I am very sorry to hear that Edw^d is so poorly, I think he imposes on his constitution by going too long without taking refreshment, Charles suffers from the same cause often. I am sure it is a wrong plan - when faintness comes on, does not nature cry in strong terms for refreshment? If he had only a piece of bread, it would be better than nothing, but I would persuade him to take a few biscuits in his pocket, he used to like gingerbread cakes I don't know how they would agree with his stomach of that he is the best judge, but something I would persuade him to have with him, fasting so long does not agree with him - altho his Uncle bears it so well, our constitutions are not all alike.
I am really very pleased that you were not disturbed by the thieves - what they took or had it been 10 times as much in value (as they did it quietly) would be nothing when compared with the terror of hearing them breaking in not knowing what the event might be. I think with you that it was likely to be somebody distressed for victuals. I wish for their own sakes that they had endeavoured to obtain it in an honest way, it will put you on the alert to secure your house better against depradators. I should think you had better have a shutter made within side to guard your staircase window, which might be easily put up, and have a bar to go across it. I think with you it's a window easy of access - besides as this event has taken place you will be more afraid and more watchfull - a shutter would
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I doubt not make your mind more easy. I had occasion to write to Horksley to return thanks for medlass (sic) and also respecting jars, which I did on Monday last and the letter was sent with a jar by the carriers on Tuesday but I suppose Mrs Harold did not receive till Wednesday. I have often told Harriet she must write - but she would not as she said I did thanks her before I left her so at loss I wrote as above and acknowledged in Harriet's name a sense of the kind attention she had received from Uncle and Aunt, it is very kind of you my dear to remind her of not looking ungrateful and wanting decorum.
If your cousin George considers his situation, I think he can't be very happy - as to the lady she knows very little of housekeeping - nor how little way out pound will go to keep a handsome table - when I first heard of the intended union I thought it a hazardous step to take all things considered.
William has been very ill indeed all last voyage, he had a great deal of fever and many shaking fits - he was so very ill that he could not believe it was ague for some time - Mr Barns (the Mate) told us he was quite frightened, he never saw anybody so bad with a ague and could hardly think it could be ague and when he arrived at Cuxhaven (sic) the medical man there said it was useless to try to cure it till he had had seven fits so he had seven fits, he however missed the fit before he reached England - the Packet sailed yesterday without him he stays to nurse himself he looks most sadly and is glad to lay down in the afternoon as he feels by that time fatigued - they are going to Cornard on Saturday morning I don't like he
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should leave off medicine yet, so I have had a dozen and half of quinine powders up for him at the chemists. I thank God I have caught very little this week - I think, I may put by the last bottle of medicine that Edwd kindly sent me, for the present. I have not used a great deal of it - I have only taken it morning and night, as I understood Edward, to spare it as much as I could. Harriet thinks I am wrong - there is quite a change in me for I was never used to cough much in my life - now when I lose it a little while it returns again I think I must have had it nearly a twelvemonth I mean with short intermissions - my dear husband is pretty well for an old man he says. I often tell him he is a complete old man - he really gets infirm he is very well in health thank God he complains of rheumatism about him and his old complaint is often troublesome but these troubles must be looked for. I bless God that we are so well - I have this day obtained to my 66 year "Goodness and mercy" (I may say) has followed me thro life" pray for us dear Catherine that we may be prepared to enter a happy Eternity - you and yours are in any debt in this way we need each other's prayers: but our own much more - the grand business of our lives is sadly forgotten frequently, we are apt not to keep in mind that we are accountable creatures to the Great God and there every word will be brought into judgement as well as our actions and all our misspent time - these are wonderful considerations when it is brought to our mind how pure and holy God is and then we are led to look into our hearts - we may well shrink from even the thoughts of standing before the judge of quick and dead clothed in our non-righteousness - these solemn thoughts will make us cry out O Saviour clothe me in thy righteousness - and I shall be safe O Good God grant me and all mine this Divine clothing and our happiness is secure
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without it we are lost - let us my dear look to our ways but no(t) he says importunate like the widow that would not be refused, let us wrestle with God night and day for divine assistance for it is for our ALL.
I am persuaded you will let no opportunity of bringing your children to God slip but will as their minds enlarge lead them by degrees to God and by so doing you will be laying a good foundation to build on here after. I pray God to help you.
Pray it when you write to your Aunt Knottisford remember me to her very kindly and say I am very glad to hear they are in good health and that I am much to obliged by her remembrance of me.
Pray give my kind regards to your good mother and say I am very sorry that her mittens has not been sent sooner, indeed to say the truth they have been forgotten or they might have been sent with Mr Harold's jar without expense -- I have brought a yard of the based nankin we could find, I have had it scalded to shrink it, I have cut out and runned together three pairs ready for finish if they fit Mrs D Had better try them on first. I have finished one to show my way of doing them if it is approved - when the band is put on the fullness of the mitten should be all put to the knuckles - as you wish to know the price I paid 15d (sic)
This is a sad blundering composition but you must take it as it is for I am a poor scribe - your letter is dated Monday evening I see and it on Wednesday but now I think of it it could not come sooner.
Father and Harriet unite with me in love to you Edwd and the little ones - kind regards to Miss Alston
May God bless you all
believe me your affectionate mother
H Liveing
Harwich December 4th 1828
have you heard of Henry lately how he is going on

29. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 6 Mar 1829, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 135a-c LT12
In another hand "March 6, 1829 Henry at Cam but to go to Copford and read divinity Edward Harolds illness"

Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
My dear Julia
We have been looking for a reply to my last letter - we wish to know something respecting Henry, we have never heard one word from him - nor apparently are likely - therefore we look to you to say what you know of his intentions - is he desirous of staying with you and are Ambrose and you willing that he should do so - and have you consulted with your Husband respecting the pay for board etc for him? - We have been - and are still looking for answers to the above - and also we are very desirous to be informed, whether he is following the excellent advice of his uncle in studying divinity? Which would be the best way of improving his time - or whether he is idling away the precious hours which God has given him, to prepare for the important work that lies before him? - what he is doing - and what his intentions are we should be glad to know - has he been to Horksley to speak to his Uncle and Aunt, and Mr Whitmore and Miss - with his brother? if not I beg he will go - for they must think it strange if he does not pay them the respect that is due to them - besides his very appearance there will remind them of their promise - if he has
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not been, and pays any respect to what I say, he will lose no more time but go directly - the last letter I addressed to him I sent to Cambridge by John Bailey, who offered to take a letter, or parcel - or anything I wish to send - I should not have accepted the offer if I could have been certain, that if I had sent it by post - I would have received if - as Henry kept is quite in darkness how long he might remain at Cam or whether he was coming home - or where he was going - which induced me to send by Bailey - at the same time requesting him to bring it back with him if Henry had left Cambridge - as he said he should not have gone but a few days - but we have neither seen or heard where he is since - nor do we know what became of my letter, I enclosed it in half a sheet of paper because he should not conveniently read (send) it - pray enquire of Henry, and say if he had it - poor Uncle Edw^d has been dangerously ill - with inflammation in his kidneys and confined bowels - his agonies were almost beyond human endurance - it affected his senses and was at times last? I expect these agonies could not last long many coercive means were means (sic) were used and it pleased God mercifully to grant a blessing on them - for the extreme danger was over before they could get Mr Ashbury from Enfield to him - (a medical friend of my Brothers) the pains came on in the night - there was but a hair's breath between them, and death. I wrote to him
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by the following post and requested him to write again as I was anxious to know that he continued better - and yesterday morning received an answer that he continues better but the action in his heart is not yet as it should be - I need not have written so much, had I considered I could send his former letter, which I shall do now - in his last he recommend reading Wilberforce's book on a Practical View of Prevailing Religious Systems XCC he adds that it is an admirable book.
The Carrier is just going I can only add our united love and best wishes attend you all -
May God forever guide and keep you all for ever
believe me your Aff Mother
H Liveing
Harwich March 6, 1829
boil the beef and keep it in a thin muslin bag in a dry place - I should think it might be hanged up in the closet by your Kitchen fire - it will grate best across the grain - and when it is dry.
write soon
dear Father complains of weakness and pain across his loins - which he attributes to rheumatism he certainly grows old very fast - I look at him and mourn - he of course is not less nervous

30. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 17 Mar 1829, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 136a-d LT12
In another hand "MA 1718 29 Thomas Liveing 70 on 16 March 1829 Henry at Harwich in disgrace. Trouble re-Uncle Henry"

Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester
Essex
My dear Julia
As you desired not to be brought forward in this scene of trouble I have avoided your letters, and name - except that I remarked you could not let him continue at your house as his hours overturned the ordinary course of Ambroses household, to which I heartily agreed to - I did not exactly come to the point of this sad affair till yesterday morning, altho I have had Uncles letter almost ever since H has been here because I wished to hear from his brother - I received the packet you mentioned - and I still am of the same opinion - that they were sadly overseen in setting forth his failings in full - and strong - colours to his Uncle - in which Charles letter is dedicated to his brother - I can but lament the circumstance - I have no doubt it was done in the heat of vexation - and with the idea then their exertions had proved ineffectual - added to the desire of bring him to a right mind, and in the hope that his Uncle's interference might promote so desirable amend, which induced them at all hazards to do this unguarded thing, I am fully persuaded that all his brother and sisters are quite alive to his true interest - and would most gladly contribute all in their power to promote his real - not his imaginary advantage - but this step was taken without due - consideration, and is indeed a sad addition to my trouble - in this affair I have arm'd myself as much as possible to bear up under such overwhelming calamity - I have strove to conceal my anguish for the sake of your dear Father in particular - but it would break forth sometimes, I could not entirely conceal it - and I think for my sake he has at present, borne it beyond what I could have expected, I thank God - Henry has only seen his uncles letter - nor does
Page 2
he know (actually) that I have any others, only he may guess perhaps from remarks that drop - I wrote to Ed^d last evening to say that it was his F-s opinion with mine, that it would be better for him to write me such a letter that I might show him, rather than to open the old wounds - and in particular as these letters are combined (as to his faults) - in his Uncles - I have begged him (if he can) to write at once as we are in the midst of this unhappy affair - and to mention the applications that has been made in various directions in his favour etc etc - I hope tomorrows post will bring a letter - I wrote to Ed^d as I before mention'd because I thought it would afford some relief to his mind to know that he had heard me pertiently (sic) and with feeling - I wonder that I got any sleep - but thank God I have slept, beyond what I could have expected, but as soon as I wake the thought of H - darts into my mind - and it is in vain to try to sleep - I was a good deal over powered before - and at breakfast - and I could but pour forth my distress in tears and lamentations - my sorrow reached his soul also, I believe.
Harriet has just now told me that he is fully determined to set himself to study (he told her when by herself) divinity - so many hours every day constantly - and so many hours to the making up his mathematics - and thus employ his time till something is procured for him - that he will conform to the usages of the house - in rising and going to bed etc - if Charles by his paying for his board will take him in - and then he shall be in the way of making enquiry for himself - I told him that he must cut acquaintance with his grand associates or they, would soon ruin him - he replied he did not keep company with them - I said no - because you have no house to carry them too - but you would like your F should hire and furnish one according to your mind and make your
Page 3
income up to support it - and that said you're F I - will - not - do - that point is settled - no I replied, we can't be so dishonest to give so much to one - to the injury of the rest - I did not forget to tell him - in full terms - of the little respect he has paid to his parents - and all the kindnesses of his other real friends - and all the duplicity of relying on his grand imaginary ones - I have told him, more than once, that I did not at all wonder that he had not succeeded according to his expectations, God had said that if children desire to live long and see good days they must honour their parents which he had not done - and therefore had no - room to expect - I am thus far happy to say - I have a dawn of hope that he is coming to his right senses - I am like a drowning person glad to catch at any twig to keep above water - I expect again it is only a dawn of hope - for I am aware - that real conversion is not acquired in a day, but God works by mea. . . and if he is kept from the associates which have been a means, I am persuaded, of leading him astray - added to those high hopes he had accustomed himself to believe would be realised - if these can be quashed - and he can be led to seek God with all his power - I humbly hope - and trust - that the Almighty will let full his blessing on the mean used for his recovery - I have used all my eloquence - enforced by precept - and promises in Scripture - with fervent prayer - in secret, and before him - that God would in mercy help him - I have endeavoured to call passages from the book of God to hold - us all up - that we ought always to pray and not to paint!! "That Christ sits as a Prince and the Saviour to give repentance and remission of sin" - "and that we are invited to seek God while he may be found" and many more remarks from the same holy volume - tending to deter from error and to encourage hope from amendment of life - O join your prayers to ours, we all need much prayer - don't let us want your petitions at the throne of grace - God Almighty helps us all notwithstanding this trial I think your dear F- is better in health - we have followed our own advice and he has for some time past taken two (or at times) three doses of quinine every day which we all think does him good - he looks better also - I thank God - yesterday he completed his 69th year and this day 10 years God carried him through a dreadfully perilous passage in which poor Capt Norris lost his life - you will join your thanksgivings with mine - these events afforded matter for capaciating (sic) on God's goodness - after dinner yesterday - and a large field was opened for beneficial remarks
Top page 1
look over mistakes I have no time to correct this - Ed^d must not see this letter as he will be hurt, then I am so vexed - I have been to walk with Henry and can add no more - he does not know that I have written this - remember us kindly to Ambrose - when I know anything worth communicating, I mean to write again as I doubt not but you will be anxious to hear how we go on - accept our best love God bless you and yours - your Aff^ly H Liveing.

31. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 24 Mar 1829.
Liveing Archive 144a-d LT12
In a different hand "1829 24th of probably March as mentions death of Mrs Eleanor Hearn Uncle H (Henry) at Copford reading divinity" Crosshatching and seal damage requires some intuitive guesswork for this transcription.

To Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester.
My dear Julia
I am not surprised at hearing from you for I have said several times lately that I must write or you would take it unkindly and indeed I had fully determined to write and send a piece of hung beef by the Carrier but something happened to prevent my doing so in time last Friday, for on other days I know not when you will get what I sent, but as Ambrose goes by Saturday why I conclude you will get the parcel then.
One reason why I defer writing was that I might be able to fix a day when we should pay you a visit but I can't after the delay? - as the weather continues so cold we are ready to say our own fireside is best - father desires his kind love and purposes being with you as soon as the weather gets a little warmer - I think and hope that change of ours might be reasonable to him as he justly says he is getting an old man and he is older than many men of his years - he complains of weakness across his loins - I never persuade him to lengthen his walks as I used to do because he complains
Page 2
of pain in his loins when he goes a little too far - he is now taking some medicine put up from a prescription given us by Edw^d by way of strengthening his stomach - he complains of weakness, and faintness in particular we generally get him something before dinner if he is at home - since his indisposition he frequently looks very pale - he has not so good an appetite to his breakfast as he used to have but at other times, I think he eats pretty well - you may suppose he is now less nervous than he used to be - I do what I can to make the best of common occurances - but I am far from making him always comfortable - I wish him to think less of this world - I bring to his mind that we have scrambled hard for our family and now so much has been done we ought to spend the remainder of our days in quietly providing for the life to come which is the great business of life - the great End we came into the world for, is to glorify God - and to work out our own salvation - God help us forward - pray for us - I often pray for you, and all my family God hear my prayers and help us all - I am not very well having a cold - and a return of cough - which annoys me much - I had lost it for two or three weeks - and I began to think I had
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gotten the better of it - I am again glad to have recourse to Edw^ds mixture, but I am also growing old and have no right to expect exemption from pain and trouble of one description and another again I repeat O God, help us quite through.
I am thankful to say that Will^m - came home on Sunday noon - from Heligoland, he had a good passage out, and home, and fine weather while he laid there there were two vessels lost in the ice in attempting to get up to Cuxhaven, thank God they have escaped all dangers - you saw by the paper the death of old Whiting - and of Mrs (Eleanor nee Crow) Hearn - the old and the young are slipping into eternity - they surely warn us all, to be also ready to meet God - the bride (Mrs . . . . Wadling) is now no longer a grandmother - Mrs . . . . Marsh has been confined with twins - one of them lived? a few days the other is now going to be buried . . . . I have been afraid to ask after Mrs Billingsley - as Mrs Logan took it in her mind that people wanted her to die - she told me as much, I replied you take enquiry in a wrong light, it is out of kindness that people wish to know how Mrs B - does - well she said, if anybody asks you how she does tell them she won't . . . . . etc - since that time she has been better - but last week she was not so well - and this morn^g Harriet asked Mr Logan how she did - and by his manner he has his doubts of her - but don't say so - for fear they should by some means learn that we said so, I should be sorry to hurt them Mr L said poor thing her lungs are very delicate - I think she must go out of town - to some warmer air - perhaps to London - I fear she is going pray God shield us against the Catholics - for they only want power to show that they are not changlings - we need cry for help
Page 4 crosshatched over page 1.
We have not had so much as a note from Henry - do you know whether he is coming home - or is he going to stay with you for a time if so - Ambrose must be paid for his board - ask Henry what his determination is for the present if to stay with you till a Cure can be obtained - consult with Ambrose what he can take for his board - he must have a fire by himself in those hours he devotes to studying divinity - which I hope and trust he does not neglect - it is his imperative duty to impress his mind largely with that important study - by way of fitting himself - for the great work which lies before him - or how can he direct others - to find the way to heaven - his duty is to read divinity much - and pray more to God for divine help - these are means of grace - and God works by means - therefore if he hopes to do well he must will the means - or expect to fail - therefore I hope he will comply with this advice of his best friends and not think this indispensable study loss of time - for so far from it it is the very best way he can improve his leisure hours
Page 5 crosshatched on page 2.
Tell him to remember that this was his Uncles advice to him as well as mine - tis his plain path of duty - O dear - I pray God to give him grace not to neglect it - it is of mighty importance it is at the peril of his soul not to be prepared - O sure I shall hear that he is not living idly but that he is diligently searching those pages that with the blessing of God (which he must earnestly pray for) may make him wise to win souls to God - not only by precept - but by a person's example - O Lord hear a mother's prayers and grant him help from above and guide him in the way everlasting - that he may be a humble means of saving himself with those that may hear him - and see him leading the way to heaven.
Uncle, Aunt, Miss and Mrs Whitmore all promised to look for a Curacy for him and remarked that they had no doubt after a little time they should find one - and till that time he ought to be preparing for the undertaking.
accept and present our united love - and believe me
your ever Aff^t Mother
H Liveing

32. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 16 Jul 1829, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 137a-d LT12
In another hand "1829 July 16 money matters C.L. had less fr Uncle Betts than the others" Postmark Harwich . . . 16 1829

To
Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester
Essex

Harwich
July 16, 1829
Thursday
My dear Julia
I write in part, to relieve you of your anxiety respecting money matters, I have not taken one step in the affair farther than what Charles communicated to you - poor Charles, he was rather uncomfortable at the idea, and therefore thought he had better raise the same flame in your bosom which was kindled in his own - I said, indeed, that I should very much like to make up his loss - when I consider the very great difference between your Uncles legacy - and mine - and not only mine, but all - my children's in addition - I say reviewing the affair with all these profitable advantages I feel a great desire to mitigate his hardships- and had I only myself to consider - I should not delay to do it - and with much pleasure I should do so - your F would not like to part with such a sum - in that way, for a constancy - I mean as long as I live - this bar - and the other strong bars you mentioned, will retard me from gratifying myself in this pleasing manner - I hope what I have said will unburden your mind, on this head.
Mary Ann and Mr Beaumont came by the Manningtree Wherry yesterday - they met Will^m and Louisa in the boat going on board the Packet to Holland they rowed up to the Wherry and persuaded Mr Beaumont to go with them they could not prevail on Mary Ann to go - Mary Ann tells me that the Chaplain of the Tower offered Mr Nixon a Curacy in the tower - but Mr N - could not take it - and they are in hopes that it may - not be engaged, Edw^d promised
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to write to the Chaplain - and also to some other friend in the hope that it may be obtained for Henry, it is a very good one - not less than £120 per annum, if - not more if it pleases God that it can be obtained how glad I should be if Henry would but endeavour to prepare himself for so solemn a charge - can he expect a blessing without this preparation? O Lord hear a Mother's prayers and send him help - O give him a new heart grant him a right spirit - had he all the good things in this world - and had not the blessing of God - he would have no real comfort - no gratulating conscience - don't tell me not to admonish him - it will be too late to try to bring him to a right mind - when he is lost - I beg and desire that he may see what I have written as I have before said we must wait God's good time - with patience - submitting to his Will - and not kick against the pricks - for by so doing you only wound yourself the deeper - I much want him to read an Ordination Sermon of Bishop Jebbs - I have promised to lend the book to Mr Graham - a very long time - and I much wish to send it on that account - I bought it from Edw^d he has had it so long to read - and could hardly part with it - he was so pleased with it - and after paying much attention to it - he then gave it to young Hand to read - and now I have it again I can't face? to send it again and again - it is so much to the purpose - it directs home - to the one thing needful - that I am particularly
Page 3
desirous Henry should read it with great attention the language is exceedingly pleasing - and Elegant - I must send it - and if he won't comply with my desire - he must go - I can't make him do as I ardently desire - I wrote to Edw^d yesterday and begged him not to delay writing at once - pray give my love to John and thank him for the trouble he has taken respecting the larks - and am sorry he has not succeeded he will have better luck another time I hope - I said in the letter you mention that the lace on the cuffs was not so good as I could have wished - but Harriet tried at all the shops here and could not happen of one we liked and so well as that I had chosen - but if you did not like it - when it was dirty it would make a cape for Miss Chapman had one of the same - which we thought looks very well pray don't spoil the cuffs by altering the bows you will make it look like your old ones I took pains to make it like Mrs Harold now don't spoil it - I like one I have trimmed like it - I have only time to add our united love to you and Henry Ambrose and children - God bless and direct you all right
prays Your Aff Mother
H Liveing
We are all glad to see the fine weather and hope it will last none looks more often it than Harriet nor any today? half so much - for many times when it has rained much she has asked people whether it rained near Colchester - nobody feels more for brothers and sisters than she does she has enquired after Canvas? all and everywhere likely.
Page 4
We are glad to hear that Tom's Arm is likely to do well - it was a sad thing to delay so long having it seen after - I can no more

33. Harriet's Letters: To Her Daughter-in-Law Catherine Mary Downing, 11 Sep 1829, Harwich.
Original in Fenn archive. Ref L04

My dear Catherine
I have sent a jar of mushrooms and four bottles of catsup which I hope you will get without breakage
Altho you said nothing respecting Charles being in the country yet we were persuaded that he was in your neighbourhood as we understood that he was coming to shoot but not knowing that he had left Town and having occasion to write to him I addressed my letter as usual and have gotten his answer in return wherein he says "I had purposed coming down to shoot but that is now knocked on the head as far as the eye can see we are all working against time without intermission for the Chancellor of Exchequer so much so that I am forced to employ Mary Anne and Mr Beaumont - if there is a
Page 2
possibility of getting job done perhaps I may take a week about the 10th of October" so he may be expected if he is alive and well enough you may be sure those terrible guns I have so often warned against will not be laid aside after all my fears strongly expressed - my sons are like Gay's Cock in their own opinions but not in mine or why this great desire I so often feel to prevail on them to avoid spiritual and temporal dangers? and now dear Catherine I have my fears that I have some cause to scold you for by what I gather I doubt whether you even gave Edward the letter I wrote and tyed to the stools if you did not you certainly were wrong and have prevented a step - I thought it an imperative duty to take my dear you know it was for your sake I write and not only for your sake but for his also indeed it's a case in which your children are concerned
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as well - for to enjoy the comforts of this life - and to have an appearance of the blessings of that to come - we must live in piety and spiritual concordance for to have a well grounded hope we must be consistent Christians - to be a Christian when in good humour and forget all religion went temper is owned, can we be in a fit temper to meet God and who can say that God will have patience to wait till we come to ourselves before he calls us into eternity to give an account of thoughts words and actions - nominal Christianity will not stand any of us instead - almost will not do we must be altogether - or we shall be deemed as sounding brass - these are solemn truths - who is sufficient for these things we may indeed say - it is not so easy a thing to be a Christian as too many suppose. O may All my dear family earnestly consider these solemn truths - and not suffer this world to blind their eyes - and harden their hearts - it will be at the peril
Page 4
of their never dying souls
I hope you have not destroyed the letter and that you will give it to him - you may believe that I have the true interests of you all at heart - may God send a blessing on my endeavours to serve you all.
Tell Edward the boat is done and that his father will send it when the weather is more favourable I am in expectation of a man to call for the hamper so can only add the affectionate regards of us all.
I remain yours ever
H. Liveing

Harwich
September 11, 1829
Give my love to my brother remember us kindly to Mrs Harrold and your kind mother also to Miss Allston tell her I enjoy reading her book - I hope when I return is that you and E will send it if I might keep it so long I would send it to Henry to read.

34. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 4 Dec 1829, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 133a-d LT12
In another hand "December 4, 1829 R Fenn taken into office Harriet Liveing 68 this day" and a sum of subtraction 9/- from 13/7½ = 4/7½.

To
Mrs Ambrose
Copford
My dear Julia
Knowing that you are feelingly alive to all that in any way concerns us - I therefore must write how affairs are going forward - on Wednesday we had a letter from Charles saying that Mr Higham had taken Robert into his office (to oblige him - and that he had made him the first offer - as an extra Clark - not an established one) while the public business is so pressing - and that he was to go to the Office on the next day - and added that Mr Higham said it was a good thing to get a lead at his early years into a Public Office - and young Mr Higham observed to Charles that a lad so setting his foot in Office, generally led to an establishment - Charles requested his Father would write Mr H - a proper letter of thanks - and I have sent you a copy of what was written - and also of the reply which was written by return of post - you may suppose how highly gratified we were - I can hardly tell you how pleased I was - so much so that I was proud to take myself to task - and said "woman this is the praise of Man" - but altho checking the exuberance of my pleasure - I said again to myself it is from a Man I have always been led to esteem as worthy - these considerations lead me to thank God - who is the giver of all mercies- and to pray that he might eventually be found worthy in His sight - and that I might be so happy as to know it -
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the good character and well doing of my family is the greatest earthly pleasure I can - have. I have written a long admonetary letter to Robert warning him many ways - endeavouring to guard him against rocks and quicksands - which might be found among new acquaintance - et cetera etc etc - I hope if we can but keep him in health that he may do - his salary is to be £80 per annum the old Clerks are ordered on extra work till Jan^y by that time they expect to judge how many new ones it may be necessary to establish - when we learn that they are going to be applied for - if your father lives he will, Boend Mr Herries by letter - as he terms it, at once - when we hope he may be established - and perhaps his salary may be increased as Charles was in a short time after he went - God grant that the event may be best - if I could have chosen I should have rather he had been situated here - for several reasons but we have much cause of thankfulness - O that we were more deserving - O! that we had but a due sense of all God's mercies, then we should not fail of being heartily thankful. where is Henry? Father says frequently I want to know whether he has given the Bishop warning notice I should have said - I hope he has not delayed doing so - do you know how his friend is - whether recovering or dead - is Henry with you? or can you tell me anything about him? we feel anxious for him and for you how do you manage with your girl? I want to know all about you, Will^m said on sending your letter that Henry might go to his house - if he don't like to come home which I should think most natural - Mr Webster called the other day said he had had a letter from his cousin Mary Bless?
Page 3
and that Mrs Elston was very lame and the complaint in her leg had confined her - I suppose Henry is not there now - Tom was very well and the school breaks up on Xmas Eve - Harriet desires her love and thanks respecting the print for Robert - Charles has not mentioned one word respecting Will concerns he is mum for fear his father should fret about him but I mentioned the affair when I wrote to him - so when he finds time to write again he will say something about it - he can scarcely find time to write he says, for the business is overwhelming
William expects to go to Holland tomorrow - thank God we are all pretty well - this day I have completed my 67th year - how many . . . . . I have received in the course of so many years - how near I must be to Eternity God grant me grace to prepare for it - Lord help us all on our way thither - poor Mary Cottingham I suppose you saw by the papers is gone before me - she was quite composed about leaving the world not at all unwilling to die - so I hope she was fit to depart - poor old MacDonough is I think in a bad way, he is dropsiclle? - all ages are dropping into the grave around us, there are loud warnings for the young, as well as the old -
Pray remember us very kindly to Ambrose - and to Henry if he is with you - May God Almighty bless you and all of you pray's your Aff^te Mother
H Liveing
Harwich
Dec 4th 1829.
Father says tell Julia to write I want to know how they are all going on

35. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 24 Dec 1829, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 134a-c LT12
In a different hand "December 24, 1829 troubled about money matters: reduced interest on land and property"

To
Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester.

My dear Julia
I write to relieve your anxiety, Tom arrived here yesterday before dinner, in good health and he has a most excellent appetite - a good indication of confirmed health - his aunt Louisa saw him before we did, we were walking, and she invited him to tea with Elizabeth - but he did not like to go after dinner, but Harriet persuaded him as Louisa had asked him - but no, he did not want to go he said at last Harriet said well, as your aunt has invited you I must go and tell her that you don't like to take tea with her - you will go with me and tell her so - to which he willingly agreed - and soon after he was there, he was so pleased with Eliz^h and all the toys, and not a little with dancing with and little Miss Dean - that he wished to stay, but Harriet found the reason why he did not wish to go was - that he feared the Wherry would be gone that would take him home to Copford - he has not said one word of going home today - he is gone to dine with Eliz^h today - and they are coming home tomorrow - we shall keep him for the present - for I don't know how long Henry may be away - O what weather the poor child can't get out much - poor Harriet is in much trouble for poor Tom whom we expect is on his way here on the top of the coach - it must
Page 2
bad travelling so today - poor Father is blaming us that he did not come withinside the coach - we tell him that we could not foresee what a cold day it would be or should certainly have ordered him to take a place within - instead of without the coach - and if he did not always keep worrying about money going so fast, he would have come in the most comfortable way - I hope he will get here safe and sound - poor Father is sadly on the worry respecting our funded property - it will be I fear a sad loss to us all - we were not all so thankful as we ought to have been - and we may look on this as a punishment, for my own part I was almost ready to say - (not altogether) "my hill is so strong I shall never be moved", but when such a thought came over my mind, I have ever checked it, and am still desirous to trust - and hope - that we shall have enough to carry us through - to our journey's end - which cannot be very remote, our power of helping our family may be limited much more - and our usefulness to our neighbour may be circumscribed, but let us bless God for what he sees fit still to allow us God gave us all - and he has an undoubted right to take his own back at his pleasure - we have already in one way or another lost a good deal of our property - by which God has shown us we have no steadfast assurance - or dependance on uncertain riches - we have felt the truth of this remark. O may it be a stimulus to make us take faster hold on the riches that can never deceive - that must last for ever and for ever
Page 3
Father says should Tom happen to come by the Ipswich coach and be set down at your home - send him on by the coach here - for two reasons, first, we shall be on the worry to know what is the cause of his not being here and next we do not wish by any means to encumber you more than you are already - Harriet ordered Mr Fish to send her bill when she was there, the amount is 7-5-10 for fire, medicine - etc etc We have not at present written to her respecting his return - thinking we had better see - and hear him a little first.
Will^m sailed on Monday for Heligoland - we have expected him back - F does not know what they can do - if they get there as there is so much ice - God help - and keep them. I have not time to say more than that prayer is, that you - and yours - and all belonging to us may experience Xmas mercies remember us kindly to Ambrose and John and accept our best love and wishes
believe me ever your
Aff^t Mother
H Liveing
Harwich
Dec^br 24,
1829
I wrote to Henry sooner (sic) after your letter that your father had consented to let him have 50 per annum - and that you had petitioned for him - should the reduction be very severe I can't say that he will hold in the mind

36. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, Cir 1830.
Liveing Archive IMG 5466/71/77/80/82/85

In another hand on a sticker "Water mark 1830 Mr & Mrs Edwards drowned in Ipswich River (20 Sep 1830) Rob & Tom Fenn to London" this obscures some text.

To
Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
My dear Julia
I doubt not but you wonder that I have not written before, one thing or another has occasioned to make may postpone doing so - Edward has been to see us, and the boys you know wanted something to be done for them while [?] they were ready for starting we had a letter from Charles last friday to say that Robt would be expected to attend at the office on tuesday morning of course he set off on monday morning and Tom set off yesterday morning (wednesday) his school opens today - they were fortunate in getting a place as the coach was filled everywhere on both days - and will be so every day this week - they put Tom within side, to oblige themselves as they had full many, as it was, without. We expect to have a letter tomorrow - I could not send John's plates by Tom - they were abundantly loaded - poor Mr Henry Dean died this morning about one o'clock poor man he had lost his sight for several days, nor did he take but very little notice of any body, or any thing - they never ventured to tell him that his cousin Joe was dead - they told him that he was very ill (I can't tell how long since) but he never enquired after him afterwards - although Joe was a very constant attendant on him poor man he has had a long and severe trial - which I hope has proved a blessing, in bringing him nearer to his God. All trials, sent to young - or old - are designed by the Almighty to sicken us of this world - or in other worlds - to make us set lightly [?] by it - and to increase our desires - and endeavours to obtain a world where there are no troubles nor no end to bliss
Page 2
a dreadful event took place last Monday in Ipswich River Mr and Mrs Edwards who have been here for the benefit of their health for some time past, took a boat to go to Ipswich (as the Wherry was not down) when sad to relate, a squall took them, and the boat was overturned, and these poor people with Stephen Hatch (the owner of the boat) were all drowned Mrs Edwards was picked up at Levington - and her husband is just found - they have no family - Mrs Edwards was an only child, her poor father came down last night, and is gone to Levington this morning to see his poor children, he is much distressed, they were about 35 years old or not so much - he was poor man a Hatter in large business - in the borough - what an awful event your father seems the more hurt about it I think - from reflecting on the desire his own family manifest to go in boats - says, he hates them - knowing that few people (among the many who go in boats) knows how to sail them - and when any who belongs to him goes in them, he is always uncomfortable about them till they return. I pray God to fit us and keep us in a prepared state - for a sudden change - which may take us away as quickly - if not in the same way - that these poor people were taken.
I have sent a pan which I did not discover I had packed up, till I unpacked my boxes at home - where I got it, or how I get it I know not - I hope it may be yours - as you will give me credit that I really took it without observing that it was not my own - which I might readily do, from its being so very like those many sent me from London - I only discovered it now from having more than my numbers and also its having been repaired - sure - I did not bring it from
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Fordham Church - not that I observed Mrs Russle [?] having one I had one when there I know - F says sure I did not take it from the person at East Thorpe Church who accused us of taking a hymnbook - I tell him no - I am sure I did not get it there, for we sat in a seat by ourselves - where I got it I cannot tell - could Mrs Walters leave it at your house pray find it out restore it to its right owner, for I am vexed about it, I was quite struck - and surprised when I found it.
I have sent the table - and the only sheets we had of poor Sally's, and also one of the two tablecloths we had - I have nothing else that I know of to send - had I known that either you, or Henry would have liked a featherbed I would certainly have kept them - but it is now too late. I have not yet heard what the things sold for, but I don't expect for much. Mr Barns told me the other day that as soon as he heard from the stamp Office he should bring the business to an end - this is all I can tell you about - since writing the above Mr Elston is come - being the clergyman of Levington he was requested to come in the boat with the rest of the party with the two poor drowned people - he takes a bed with us - he says they have no doubt that poor Mrs Edwards never sank - but appeared to have struggled in the mud - and had anybody been by they probably might have saved her she was up to her knees in mud - it was a distressing site to see her - her face showed that she died in dreadful agitation - horror marked her countenance - poor creature - her clothes kept her from sinking - she had a Camelot cloak on which helped to float her - as it would not readily take the water - her Father did not go as was reported - for he is an old man and in such grief that they could hardly get him up stairs when he
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got here, poor man - I have not heard that anyone came with him - Mr Edwards lived in Fleet street No 58 had lived there 10 years, told Mr Lewly (where he lodged) that he had been in business 17 years, and paid 300 per annum for his premises - Mr Elston says the parish of Levington is much agitated - for a man there (I forget his name) was taken in a fit and died at once - these awful events fall so together I think on them [?]
- and is a mean of bringing their own end to their minds - I suppose - and hope. God have mercy on us all God warn us all by these awful events to flee from the wrath to come, before heaven's mercy's gate is closed against us
Harriet did not go to London with her sons - this season of the year is not pleasant to be in London in - she does not like short days and long nights - she is so afraid when in London that she cannot get any sleep, till daylight I don't know at any present when she purposes going to Nayland she has not exactly made up her mind yet - I expect she may visit you before she leaves that part of the country - tell Henry that I have cut out one shirt for him - and have been taking pairs to get the collars ready for finishing - that it may be made as near as it can to the pattern - when the shirt is done I purpose sending it that he may put it on and see whether he likes the collar, before I have any more made - I suppose I may cut him some flannel waistcoat's by his Brother Williams - the lengths of his are made the width of the flannel - so the selvage runs round the waistcoat and takes in his waistband - it is wanted (vented ?) across the loins as much as any other part - if they are made short when washed they will most likely shrink and become useless
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I suppose he means to wear them next to his skin - or they won't be useful you will let us hear from you and then I purpose setting about the waistcoat's - for they ought to be put on very soon - Harriet has returned your shoes - she would have taken them if she could have worn them, but they are too tight across the instep, and one of her toes has a miserable corn - and she does not know how to bear the pressure of a leather shoe.
Mr Elston has just left us he says poor Mr Edwards must be lost within half an hour from the time he left Harwich - or thereabouts - he judges by the time his watch stop'd - O ! what a sudden transition from time to eternity - O ! if they were not prepared, if they had not made God their friend !!! O !what must it be to go into another world and not to find a Saviour there !! but let us hope they were in that happy state. As the poet says - "A lump of earth alone remains of thee tis all thou art - and all proud shall be" one would think, that the mere consideration of the sudden deaths - (which so often occur) would lay our souls low, would bring everyone to the foot of the cross, and humbly bowed to him who alone can ensure our Eternal happiness - He has directed us to follow Him - to imitate Him - and he came to teach us humility - how then can we make Him our friend, when we suffer pride to govern us unrestrained, as far as our limits will possibly allow ? this cannot be - while pride carries its full force we are not preparing for heaven - pride cannot enter there - there are indeed but few who will believe that they are proud - but there is no bosom but harkens it in some degree - ever since the fall - our bounden duty
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is to restrain it - and to pray for strength to keep it under - and to use our utmost endeavour to get the better of it - and so we shall do if we value our own souls I heartily pray God to help us, and to ever impress our minds that we are accountable creatures - and that we must stand before the Great Judge of quick and dead - God fit us for that solemn period which cannot be averted amen - we have just now gotten a letter from Robt they both arrived in safty [?] in good time - he says Mr Beaumont is very sadly and obliged to be kept laid, much, that his blood may circulate more freely - I fear poor man he is much disposed to a fit - Robert says his aunt is better
remember us kindly to all your party - May God be with you all and bless you all - is the prayer of your
afft Mother
H Liveing
Harwich friday morng
I thank God we are all pretty well at this time I have now heard of another awful death Wilson the painter - was carried to the wor. . . . about a week since, with a bad leg - he is no . . . he lived a sad sad life, if it has pleased . . . give him repentance - what a mercy !!!
Lord convince me - convict - and convert us all
Text obscured by a stick-on label

37. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, Cir 1830.
Liveing Archive IMG 5398/9/5400/05
In another hand "Summer time no date, after A Downes death Sally Stow's legacy Uncle Henry at Copford expecting a curacy"
See below precis of Will of Sally Stow [33848] Harriet's Aunt.

To
Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
My dear Julia
I have often thought I should like to congratulate you on this fine merciful weather when shall I see you at Harwich - I think you were never so long before from your paternal [?] roof nor do I hear when you are likely to come - Mrs Logan just now called to say that she shall send by Mr Logan on Monday some rusks for Ambrose - I suppose, (but I don't know) you are to pay for them - she has offered to put a letter into the package. I went with Harriet and Mrs Burns the Executor to take Sally Stow's things - such business does not agree with me and all - when I had to look over my poor aunt's it was done with much pain but this I dreaded more we looked close but could find no more money except a £1 note but don't know that it is worth anything as the bank stopped payment for some time - I believe it went on afterward - but can't tell about it at present - poor Sally has been most sadly cheated shockingly imposed on and her poor mother also - I have not the most pleasant time now for one another is calling for this and the other that Sally Stow has had for debt - they all want what they claim without the money - we have given the most of her things away which I have willingly done - but I can't be imposed on - poor thing I was ever unwilling to have a
Page 2
anything to do with her business - I held back till I could do so no longer - I am ready to think myself asking [?] for standing out so long as she was so so very desirous - I can't tell you the amount of property for Mr Barnes chose [?] to have an expensive funeral and the Doctor's bill is not small - the duty will be 10% and most people seem to have a right to partake of what there is - they even imposed when she was alive on her - and they appear to keep up the same spirit now she is gone. I shall be heartily glad when it is settled and done with
Top and sides page 1
Poor old Mrs Stone a good many years since had a good trade in her way and they ever lived very carefully no doubt the bulk of the money was saved in her time - I don't know that Sally earned anything so many wretches cheated her - one woman robbed her of all her earnings for 20 years - they have been robbed and cheated most abominably - when the business is settled- you shall hear - I don't like to have it talked of I wish Ambrose had said nothing about it some people say she has left us 2000 some say 500 others £80
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I have sent a piece of my gown - when you go to Colchester be so good to get me a piece for sleeves for the very hot weather has kept me in almost a constant perspiration - which has drawn the colour very much from the bend of my arms and wrists - if you can match it tolerably - so that it won't look quite a patch I should be glad - if it is not exactly the colour I won't mind that. I am glad Ambrose is better and wish you could say he was quite well - the fatigue of so much business, and the weather so hot: altogether takes a lot on the constitution - however desirable it may be for the sake of the fruit of the earth - yet cooler weather is much more comfortable and refreshing - let us bless God then we have hitherto been able to bear up under it - and let us beg [?] for a continuance of fine weather till the fruits of the earth our housed - I hope the French won't cut bloody work [?] out for us - we have
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been quiet a long time, God keep us so. We are sorry poor John's eye was not quite well when he left you - it's a great mercy that his site is not affected - I think you may look forward to its recovery as Edward does not think much about it - I feel the weight of the obligation he confers on me - I am aware what a treasure his rabbit is to him poor boy (Top of page: I would not have John kill his rabbit on my account it would give me pain rather than pleasure altho I am much obliged to him) and perhaps you may write to him then give my love to him and tell him I take it very kind of him in his taking so much pains to rear me some birds - poor boy he is very unlucky respecting them I think you should have helped a little if only to please him - as he was so desirous of bringing them up - I expect he did not know how to manage them. I am glad poor Mrs Am^y [?] Is better remember us to her and Maria [?] - tell them the plants grows nicely they were so good to give me - the handsome one has now blossomed the rest I have appears never to have recovered the winter's cold - they do not do well - if Maria saves me some balsom seed I hope should I live till another season that they may do better give our love to Henry - say we are very glad that his health is so much better - and that he does not raise his hopes too high respecting the curacy as it is so doubtful a case - I hope that he will hope still - that God will employ him when he sees him preparing for the great work - O may the Almighty help him by the grace of his holy spirit - then he will not fail if doing His work acceptably - tell him I hope he prays earnestly - and constantly for divine assistance to work with him when he works - I hope those people have given up the Chapple farm [?] as a bad job - any attestation you can preserve from those who know the matters relative to the business would be desirable to get - before any new attack is made - and before those are taken out of the world who are able to give the desirable information - Father purposes being one of the party with Mr Logan to go to Chelmsford
Page 4 address page.
I shall do Henrys flute [?] up as well as I can - and give it in change to his Father - if I can persuade him to take it - take care of my piece of silk it is all I have - buy two yards if you can get it if not I should be glad of a smaller remnant - perhaps they will let you look among their remnants - God bless you all prays your affectionate
H Liveing Saturday evening
William sailed last Wednesday for Cuxhaven with as bad a wind as he could have - we have not heard that he has arrived - feel anxious about him - as he had eight passengers - and we are so afraid that his meat would not hold out good as it has been so hot. Harriet desires her love and thanks - but cannot say when she can come as she does not know but Tom may be on his way home plenty of visitors without him - and he spent his last days with you the last time he ought not to trouble you again so soon - she is much obliged to you and Ambrose - also for your kindness to him.

Attested copy of will [for registered copy see D/ABR 33/372] of Sarah Stow of Harwich
china cups and saucers, to her lodger Mrs Mann six silver teaspoons,
14 July 1830; account of executor of will of Sarah Stow, 1830.

38. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing & son Henry, 2 Mar 1830, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 35a-e LT4
Noted in a different hand. "March 2 1830 Letter to Julia re Tom going to school. Mary Anne Liveing ill. Letter to Henry also Ambrose at Harwich boats and Wherry on River to Ipswich etc Mrs Bailey ill" Postmark Harwich MA 2 1830. Written on 2 sides of one sheet and sealed in red sealing wax, mark illegible

To
Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester Efsex
post paid

My dear Julia
Mr Ambrose had left us about an hour before your letter came Father thought I had better write that you might go on with your business in the way that you think best - I don't know when he will return but you may be sure he won't stay longer than he can get through the business he went about half way to Ips^h [Ipswich] in a boat as the Wherry did not go in time to take a coach at Ips^h I would not have had him gone as I found it would have been a rainy day - but I am glad he did go now as he was so loth to lose a day. I observed to him if he thought of anything he wished to say to you he of course could write from one place as well as another. Father has now s een seen (written twice in error) the man who carried A who says he set him on shore at Mr Barnefses Park about 10 o'clock I suppose he had about four miles to walk. Poor Mary Ann I hope earnestly that she will get well - she and indeed they have had a long and weary trial, after being brought so low it must take a long time to recruit. (archaic definition to recover strength etc) I have had not heard my Brother's opinion of her . I must not forg e t to tell you that A brought all the money. When he returns he will pay Mr Logan - Father would have stockings bought for Tom that he might be ready to go to school and lose no more time - he has new shoes and his old ones soled and heel'd - which are enough for the present we have done nothing to the pin clothes as we suppose they will not let him wear them - do as you please about sending them all - I would mention them when you go with him to school - if they will let them wear them you can send those that fit best about the sleeves and new sleeve the others and send them soon after him - if they won't allow them in general I would request he might wear one with his new clothes - his long tail - I think he must wear in commons and his old ones will do to wear at home in the holidays - he wants a shiny belt and buckle
Above crosshatching
to wear with their dress suits so unfinished without one - this of course I leave to you - his hairbrush does not answer the purpose I expect it has been washed with hot water which spoils them - should you buy a better I would regard that it might be washed with only cold soap and water - his com b had better not be used any more so I fear it will stick into his head - I bought 2 pairs of glasses one pair has only been worn a few times - God bless you evermore your affectionate mother H Liveing.
Page 1 Crosshatched
look if you can find a puse silk for a gown I have but one any thing like other peoples and th is is no t very like either Harriet says - I will put a scrap of Harriet s under the . . . . I admire the colour but I should like one of a good quality I don't like a stiff thready looking thing I would rather give more money and have a good one - if I can't have a puse colour - I should have no objection to have a green yours is a good colour I think all greens are so pretty wh atever I have I should wish a good one - I would say that the child is not forward as I wished - and would add he requires care and attention lest they should think you did not think him backward.
Page 2
My dear Henry
I am really very sorry to hear that you are in such a nervous state I hope and trust you will employ every means prescribed in the hope that it may please God you may receive benefit by persevering in the plan laid down. I suffered much myself some years since with a nervous affection. My Bro^r? gave me medicine and insisted on my walking out a great deal and in particular when I felt worse - then I was to go out at once, and I have gone many times when my legs would hardly carry me I told my Br^r "I felt as if my legs would stay behind me his reply was, never mind that - don't give way make yourself go - and so I did although I did it with great reluctance very often for months and months. I bless God after much perseverance it wore off by degrees sometimes better and I had a return many times, this I tell you to encourage you, to bear up, and strive against the complaint, or it will get the better of you - if you don't resist it with your utmost power, walk a good deal - it will help you I have no doubt every way, and when you come in - you can read and rest at the same, time proper books will amuse and improve your mind. Julia tells me a voyage with William is recommended by Uncle and Edward and I hope you will embrace the next opportunity and go with him we are expecting him home from Heligoland or Cuxhaven - he was not certain which, he should go to, your brother has patients who from giving way to nervous sensations have brought themselves to believe in most strange ideas - pray I beg you
Page 3
and entreat you take courage and when you feel a bout coming on, get out and run away from it if you possibly can - although even so much against your inclination - I think Capt Herrage will take a walk with you sometimes I much wish he did not swear so sadly - he puts me in pain to hear him - I hope and trust, you won't catch that dreadful habit, so offensive to the Almighty - and to the ears of those who fear to offend him - when Ambrose goes about his business you might sometimes walk with him - if I could but prevail with you to rise when A does, which is not too soon for young people, go with him if you don't like to go by yourself always, you love to go to Colchester - you might walk there take something in your pocket to eat, rest awhile and then walk back - pray do all you can to drive these miserable feelings from you, medicine I hope will help you but I am persuaded medicine will not do without your own exertions, which will do more than medicine can do - but the one with the other - with attention paid to avoiding things prohibited I trust, in God's good time will restore you - now I pray be persuaded - cease not to pray for divine help God is the great physician - he cures the souls and bodies of those who live in his love and fear - he sees fit to try us all in one shape or another, he knows what is best for us and when, he knows we need the cross no longer, and the design of sending it is answered he takes it from us - O learn and learn to look to God more - to lean on him more - and less on the arm of flesh - it's for want of considering God more for want of bearing in mind that all the evils, and troubles, we are called on to endure are permitted of God for wise ends, did we I say but duly consider that nothing happens to us but by his will - we should submit and bear up under them the better our Lord says the hairs of your head are all numbered - and not a sparrow falls to the ground without your heavenly Father be of good cheer you are of more worth than many sparrows.
Address Page
Below
if Julia did not mention you when she writes - we should scarcely know whether you are alive - I tr y to put your neglect out of my mind - as it is a recollection far from pleasing - tell Julia not to keep Tom at home - tis b est not every way - let John keep gloves on - Mrs Bailey is still very low, has not left her bedroom.
Top
I hope you will pay attention to what I have said I have your interest at heart whether you believe it or not. God bless you your Father and sister unite in love with your afft Mother
H Liveing

39. Harriet's Letters: To Her Daughter-in-Law Catherine Mary Downing, 1 Jun 1830, Harwich.
Original in Fenn archive Ref L06
Note by Gorge Downing Liveing re letter 1 June 1830: My grandmother Liveing to my mother on my fall from the nursery window 1830 (GDL)

Mrs Liveing
Nayland
My dear Catherine
We are all much surprised and truly thankful for the next to a miraculous escape from the perilous situation poor little George has gone through it is wonderful! that death - or worse than death had not been the event of such a frightful fall - let us bless God for his mercies - this event alone will show the necessity of daily nay hourly commending ourselves and all who belong to us to him who alone can keep us from dangers, we cannot foresee as well as from those we can.
I write to request you to give us a line, as we wish to know how the child is, whether he appears as well as he did yesterday, and also how you all do after such a fright, you must be almost petrified.
Page 2
Of course I need not say have the bars put thicker or rather nearer together adding as many as will fill up the sash for we think perhaps he gone over the top bar.
I pray God to bless and keep you all.
Believe me affectionately yours
H. Liveing
June 1, 1830

40. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 24 Jun 1830, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 40a-d LT4
Note in a different hand "June 24, 1830 journey from Nayland by Chaise to Mistley lobster boat to Harwich". Postmark Harwich 24 JU 1830. Written on both sides of one sheet sealed with red sealing wax

To
Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester
Efsex
post paid

My dear Julia
We have been thinking you would be glad to get rid of one of your boys - therefore send John to us, we think we shall agree pretty well together and I suppose he will have no objection to coming. I should think Ambrose when he goes to market may hear of somebody that would take charge of him at any rate he would come safely with Lambert the carrier if he was given in charge to him. I much want to know if Mr Turner has sent the money for the panel of bricks you sent? - I fear Ambrose has suffered him to take him in, how many did you send? If the first is not paid for shure ? (sic) A - won't send any more - if he does, he falls into the trap with his eyes open - in the full light of the sun, when a man has no, property, how, can he pay his debts?
I shall be glad to know what Mr Patterson says (perhaps I have not given him his right name - but I mean the attorney who knows something of the business of the Chapel Farm) - I hope the business will not run on to far - before some steps are taken to stop the mischief.
We are watching the weather - and thinking about your hay in particular, no doubt A will lose no time to get it in as soon as it is dry enough and he had need, for the sun does not bear a better appearance, and I am persuaded this fine weather will not last long. We came home on Monday and we were happy in having
Page 2
so fine a day, had we stayed till Tuesday it would have made travelling disagreeable in so much rain - we had the Stoke Chaise to Mistley, and waited there nearly two hours, if not quite, for the Wherry, when to our great surprise had only a little lobster boat to go in - a miserable stinking - and every way disagreeable and inconvenient conveyance - the wind was high enough to make some of the passengers cascade I was not sick, but we tossed a good deal from the wind being contrary, it was so cold that I was glad to creep down into a wretched place they termed a cabin - where we were perfumed by the distressing smell of stinking bundles of dried fish - I suppose we must be nearly four hours travelling in this way - Father thought we should not have reached the shore so soon as we did had it come on bad weather we should have been in a sad state, we repented heartily that we did not take a Chaise from Mistley - but I thank God we arrived at home in safety, how little God's mercy's are regarded - that Mighty God who keeps us by night and by day, who shields from thousands of evils - which we do not see - nor know, as well as from very many we might discover - and be humbly and heartily thankful for - if the love of God reigned in our hearts - and if that love does not dwell where - we are in a woeful state, and not at all fit for the Kingdom of God - which the Scripture directs as to seek first, alas alas that it is generally speaking - but a secondary consideration, so that by thus living and acting, we regard the body first the soul secondly - and God a far off - in comparison to the
Page 3
estimation we have for the world - and the things of the world, but, will this bring us peace at the last? surely not.
O my dear children remember that this - and every part of the Scriptures are written to guide us into the way of peace, and if we do not esteem them as the Voice of Almighty God speaking to us his poor blinded creatures, warning us not even to go near the borders of that path which surely leads to death and everlasting ruin, the fault rests on ourselves, and woe unutterable will be the consequence!!! not that in our own strength we can escape from the wrath to come - but God daily lengthens out our time of grace - wherein we may by fervent prayer seek the assistance of his divine help to carry us safely through the dangers and temptations - he may see fit to permit us to be tried with - but, if we earnestly, heartily commit ourselves to his keeping - we have his sure promise - that none ever shall seek him in vain, but observed the whole heart, must be concerned in this holy search - or we have no room to hope to find - remember it is for your life!! The life of your soul, the life of your eternal happiness, surely, in ought to be our first, our last - our pursuit at all times - and reason never to be forgotten interest, and however we may be engaged; eternity and the care of providing for it should ever hang on our minds if - we hope to obtain a happy one. I had purposed sending this with Henry's books, but the carrier does not go till tomorrow, and I thought if I sent this by the post perhaps Ambrose might contrive to send John on later perhaps Mr Pettrick will be at Colchester Market and would bring him if Ambrose asked him - I prefer sending the books by Lambert as he has always taken care of what ever I have committed to him and I think as it is such a rainy time the books may get wet if I send them by the post man - they will be directed to the Horse and Groom. I wish they had been sent sooner we were mistaken as to the carriers day - I am sorry any fault of mine has kept Henry from the use of them
Page 4
I shall write to Henry with them and should he not be with you when they arrive you need not send the letter after him I suppose Charles is with you - give our united love to him and to all your party - say we shall like to hear when we are likely to them (sic) - Father hopes he will bring his account book with him - that he may know how his account stands we shall be glad to hear how you are going on.
I pray God to bless and keep you all
believe me ever
your affte mother
H Liveing
Harwich June 24, 1830

41. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 16 Jul 1830, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 36a-c LT4
Noted on the address panel "16 July 1830 will and death of Sally Stow" Postmark Harwich 1830

To
Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester Efsex
post paid

Harwich July 16, 1830.
My dear Julia
I am happy to say thank God, I am now pretty well but am afraid of leaving off my flannels as my neck often reminds me of the pains I have recently experienced. I went to Church last night for the first time - and I went out on the day before by the desire of poor Sally Stow to attend at the making of her Will - she has given me a double chest of drawers, and to Harriet all that is in them, and requested that she might be buried decently, and to have a good oak coffin - did not wish any finery but to have the grave bricked up with foot and headstone - she has divided her Chinese bowls among her mistresses two to Mrs Logan and two to Mrs Jansen - and two to me - or to Harriet I forget which - and a pair of table spoons to one of us - to Harriet I think - and one to each of her sons - a large tablecloth to me - and some Delft plates too little Master who called on her many times - and seemed to like the plates - she meant John - she ordered that they might be packed carefully that they might not be chipped and sent to him - poor thing I begged her to leave her effects to her friends she said she had none - for those who had some relation to her had used her cruelly - and had robbed her shamefully. Mr R Barns made the will - while Harriet and I were present - and as I several times pressed her to leave them to her friends - Mr B - said I am come to make Sally's Will and you must let it be as she directs
Page 2
or she won't be happy. I felt very uncomfortable and heartily wished she had not fixed on me to take anything her mother and herself had earned so very hardly I may say indeed by the sweat of their brows, but it was forced to be so - for indeed she had told Harriet while I was from home when talking about making her will - that indeed it would not be her will for her mother told her that what she might have the spare to give it to me - so then on her account she had a double desire, poor thing she died yesterday about three o'clock past noon - 15^th - she was taken ill on the Friday before, and appeared to be struck with death at first. I feel quite vexed for her, and I heartily prayed she might recover - how I shall miss her - we had such dependence on her - I hope she is gone to a better place, she was not unwilling to die - said if she lived she should thank God and if she died she should go to God, and prayed him to receive her soul I hope her prayers were heard, she suffered much from pain in her body, and sickness, but retained her senses till the last perfectly - she told Mrs Logan lately that she was the same age as the King - it was rather remarkable that she should die on the day in which he was interred - this is also my age - all my old friends are dropping into the grave - within the last few years how many have left me - my departure must be near o god fit me for that solemn awful period, may the thought of the continual presence of God pervade all our minds, which will keep us many times from doing amiss - it will keep the end - in view - again I say o that
Page 3
God may grant us his holy Spirit to fit us for His Salvation pray God amen - amen -
we are very glad to hear that Ambrose is better - we have a bed for him if he can manage to come and take the air - we are also glad to hear that you are well, and that your clover has not suffered considerably. I think we may have had drier weather than you - Mr Cox has all his in - and Mr Powling says there were three in which the hay made quicker than ever he remembered it to do before - so I hope you were forwarder than you appear to be - by having grass to cut at this time - this is the fourth fine day we have had successively.
Charles bids me say that he left his watch at the head of the bed he slept in - he is rather worried that it has never been mentioned when ever you have written - he is sure that he left it there so trusts that it is safe - if you have not taken care of it - you had better do so now - we are very glad John's eye is better - and hope you will not keep him from school - and that you have sent Tom off - it's a false kindness to detain him when he might be profiting - such long holidays makes them idle and they lose much of that they have acquired.
My dear Henry - you have my hearty prayers - and these frequently put up to the Almighty that he would order all events for you spiritually as well as temporal interest - God Almighty prepare your Soul by his Holy Spirit for the vast change which appears to lay before you - remember, it is not an easy thing, to be a real Christian, and that God has promised to give his Holy Spirit to those who ardently and constantly desire it - O beseech him with your whole heart to help you, pray night and day to him - as Isaiah say's give Him no rest - be exceedingly importunate - wrestle with Him till you prevail with Him for Christ's sake to give you His blessing then you must do well. O do not lightly regard your Mothers fervent desires - and request - remember tis for your life - the life of your Soul. I wish you had Bridges on the Ministry - I am sending his comments on the 119 Psalm - my Br^r T .. sent it to me to read - it is indeed excellent - we are very glad to hear that you are well - and one and all write in love and best
Page 1 (address face)
wishes for your well doing - let us hear as soon as you know anything further - but you will come perhaps - I hope you won't go that long expensive journey if you can avoid it - pray consider every expense - and avoid as much as you can - we are only Stewards for all God gives to us - and must remember him and account how we laid out - for the eye of God is ever on you and on me - bear this in mind - your time also must be accounted for also - do not forget - but make the most of it - or the mistake of it will sting by and by like a serpent - when it cannot be recalled
give our kind regards to Mr Ambrose and love to the boys how does how does poor Mrs Ambrose?, remember us to her - Charles with his Wife and Miss Beaumont and with us and one all will
Harriet is but so, so, she is worried having been with poor Sally so often - she can get no rest - I can only say pray God bless you all for ever
your aff mother
H Liveing

42. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 23 Nov 1830, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 42a-d LT4
Written on a note glued to the letter: "Julia in London, Harriet to Ipswich, Mrs Elston , fears of Burnings , Cox has orders for arms on Packet "

Harwich November 23, 1830
My dear Julia
We are glad you are returned to your husband and home safety I think I may venture to say he was very glad to have you again filling your place - he must have missed you very much, I heartily wish that the purpose you went for have answered your expectations. I did not know that you had left home till I heard from Charles, and I wondered you had not written I had determined to write when his letter came and we shall be glad to hear again from you very soon - Har't (Harriet?) and I am afraid you have not gotten your money off Mr Turner - if you have not, and have reason to fear you shall not, when you write make a mark at the corner of your letter // for I don't like your F should vext about it - how does your little Captain, pray say that we enquire after him and present our compliments - you did not mention anything about the fan I returned, I should much like to know where I get it, don't forget to say when you write - you was also to have told us whether your great horse has recovered from his indisposition - I suppose you got the money I sent to pay any debts - you did not mention whether Henry's flannel waistcoats were to be made like William's the width of the flannel makes the length of the waistcoat - I have now sent a shirt I have made which I hope he will like I have not had any more made till I hear how he approves of this - Harriet has taken the trouble to plait the frill small - but Mr Beamont's was only laid in single folds - this irons very well with the Italian iron, of course it is quicker done - I did not know where the button holes were to be made in the bosom so they are left undone
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I have also sent him and another pair of drawers - I purposed asking you to come and stay a little with us but as you have been so long from home I suppose I must not now mentioned such a thing - it was a sad thing to be so unwell while you are away - it is particularly disagreeable when you are visiting - but it must be when it pleases God it was Bishop Ken (Bishop of Bath & Wells) - or Barnard Gilpin - who used to carry his shroud with him - when he went from home - saying " it was as likely to be wanted as any other part of his dress " they were both good men - and lived in readiness for their shroud always - O what a blessed state. God enable you and I and all who are dear to us - so to improve our time - that we to may be ready when the God of mercies see fit to call us out of this world. O may He grant us his holy Spirit to prepare us for a better, amen - you said that Charles could buy me a piece more of the green silk you was (sic) so good to buy me - I should like enough for another pair of sleeves - I had occasion to write to him and sent a small piece and requested him to get me a piece I said a yard and quarter but I wish I had said two yards - I don't know whether he knows where you bought - but I told him I was going to write to you and would ask you - if you should write to him before you write to me tell him how much and where to go - if you don't write to him soon - I shall have occasion - so tell me - we are thinking about Robert - our members are out of the way of helping him we are afraid (sic) have been writing to Charles respecting the business have you gotten the money on your mortgage - or have you no prospect of it? don't forget to mention it - I hope your health has been better since your return home - William had a long windy passage from Cuxhaven of 12 days blown I can't tell where
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he get in last Thursday in safety without other damage than much wear to rigging etc thank God - I felt very uneasy about him - Freshfeelos dinner was on Friday and W is sailed for Holland on Saturday - he get home in good time - and order on Friday evening, I thanks God for that - I wish Ambrose was well rid of his threshing machine - for fear of it bringing mischief on him, sad accounts of burnings - I pray God to keep you in safety - we may well say " the watchman waketh but in vain if God does not keep you" how necessary to put ourselves under the protection of the Almighty - or how can we expect to dwell in safety? Uncle H - has sent me a book to read chiefly on prayer - it speaks of wandering thoughts while in prayer - says could they be all written down - mixed up with our prayers as they occur - and we could read them afterwards - should we not be ashamed to present the composition even to our fellow creature"? how then can we expect they should be pleasing to the Almighty God and how can we expect then our petitions for safety - for comforts of this life - for pardon for peace and blessedness in the next life will be heard, and granted to such ungracious vile creatures? O Lord help us - and by thy great power enable us to love thee more - and serve thee better may such thoughts as these pervade our minds when we draw near to address the all seeing God in prayer - that we may strive to put away all thoughts, but those, that will be acceptable to the God whom we address - that we may not be worshipping that things of time and sense - those idols that obtrude on our minds - instead of the God of Heaven, which will make our prayers an offence, instead of a Christian sacrifice - Harriet went at noon to Ipswich as we had several little matters which wanted seeing after I expect she will stay two or three days with Mrs Elston
Page 4
I expect her back again this week - she would have liked to have stayed with you a little while but as neither she nor I knew when you were likely to return - I thought - and told her she had better come home I missed her very much - I also wanted her to go to Ipswich also I wish you lived nearer to us - but it's a vain wish for you can't come - and your Father don't like to remove - we are I thank God as well as old people must expect to be - aches and pain we must have I bless God they are no worse - I should get your Father to Ipswich more and then if our old friend was there - the change does him and me good I always think - we hear that Mr Cox has an order to have the Packet arms got in readiness to be taken on board when wanted - it does not look well - but I am afraid like war - things bear so bad an aspect - that F says he don't know what will be the end - nor no one die ? - God protect us - let us hear from you very soon and how you manage about money on the mortgages - accept and distribute our love - O that God may bless and keep you all for ever and ever
believe me your affte Mother
H Liveing
Then follows upside down
when I send by the carrier I mean to send your brushes etc ?
Top of page 1
Wednesday morning I have now a letter from Charles who says he has sent the shawl to you and shall send the silk I ordered to you also if he get it. Poor Mary I fear is in a bad way - he is very unhappy about her - and by his writing feared the worst - poor Robert is not established - and our
. . . . . . are gone out - but Charles still hopes, wither on good grounds I don't know.
Centre panel page 4
when I mentioned prayer I ought to have gone on with his remarks as follows, that we may take hope altho our prayers are imperfect yet through the intercession of our divine mediator so much of them as really come from the heart with humility and reverence we may trust will be heard for Christ's sake - and an answer sent, in God's good time - in the way that His wisdom knows will be best for us - for it would not always be best to have what we pray for granted, eventually - he trusts then what he has said, will not give encouragement to wandering thoughts or inattention to the great business of prayer, as formality in prayer - is always to be lamented - and heartily deplored - and when we rise from our knees, each one should ask himself, how have I performed my devotions? how have I thanked God for his mercies, and blessing? how have I entreated forgiveness and asked for strength to resist evil? in short has my heart been so concerned in my petitions that I may hope they will be heard - for the sake of Him who intercedes for me at the right hand of the all Holy - All Mighty God -
Entered later in the column: Nov 23 1830

43. Harriet's Letters: To Her Daughter-in-Law Catherine Mary Downing, 20 Dec 1830, Harwich.
Orginal in Fenn archive Ref L05
Written on a single page on four sides and sealed.
Rural stack burning

Mrs Liveing
Nayland

Harwich
December 20, 1830
My dear Catherine
We are sorry to learn that the wretched creatures who burn up the very bread which they stand in so much need of have visited your neighbourhood, what a strange inconsistency, it appears to me that they are determined if they cannot live as they would wish that nobody else shall live better than themselves and that by destroying all the property they can they shall in time bring all on a level.¹
I read Judge Taunton's speech to the jurors and I remarked that I thought the clergy could not do better than to preach it with a little addition instead of a sermon - it's a good plan to have it put up in all places of resort as well but all cannot read it it would therefore be a good plan to let people hear it from the pulpit it is high time to use every means to warn them as well as to detect the wretches -- it's become a National concern as well as individual suffering they are using the means to bring famine I pray the good God to have mercy on us - a passage in the psalms frequently comes into my mind and more especially when human means (however right) are anged "If the Lord keeps not the city the watchman waketh but in vain" no doubt my dear this is a visitation for our manifold sins (as you have observed) God spake once and twice but man will not hearken - so destruction suddenly comes and what can we expect less? "when God is provoked every day".
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Harriet don't like the idea of Edwd being a constable she is afraid it should bring him among the rioters. I tell her if there was a riot near him he would be there and his having authority I hope would lessen his danger but she replies now he is a constable he must go from home if he is called upon but I hope that is not the case. Troubles surround us - everyone as far as they can must make the best of themselves looking up to him who alone can shield from dangers. These sad events shows the great necessity of self-examination, it points to the heart of every one to consider their ways and to discover as far as possible in what way they offend the Almighty. To take shame - pray for help and repentance and the blessing of a new heart. God grant it to us. I thank God we have had not disturbance here - we have had a special Visiting to consult on some plan to employ those who were out of work and to raise a fund for their benefit by way of adding to their small earnings for its difficult to find anything for them to do.
We are glad to learn that you were when writing pretty well. I thank God that I am able to report the same of ourselves mercies daily mercies O that we had but a due sense of them then we should learn to be more thankful -- William came in on S(a)turday (sic) we were glad to see him after such windy weather. God's goodness kept him I expect he will take the mail on Wednesday and there are a family come to go with him, of seven. I wonder they should travel at this season and in these disturbed times.
Page 3
I hope the weather will be better for I am always in pain for him in bad weather - father sent his compliments to Mr Dutton (Datton?) (the agent at Cuxhaven) and requested the favour of a couple of hams if they could spare them they were so kind to spare them although they had but three - they are seldom to be had at this time of the year. They are partial to a father and like to oblige him I don't know what the price is, when William go shall commission him to pay for them.
Your French woman behaved very unlike a lady, Harriet tells me however that you have all benefited from her tuition. I am glad your money has not been thrown away for you will be better able to instruct the children give Grandpapa's and Grand M's love and a kiss to them all (and you must not leave Aunt out) we have sent them some figs which I know they all like.
Willm generally stays at home one voyage in the winter he talks of asking leave to do so now W says if you were to smoke your own hands with tars (sic) they would be as good if not better than these, we had a letter from Charles on Sunday he says that Mary Ann is better than she has been this year - what a mercy!! We expect Tom on Wednesday or Thursday pray remember us very kindly to my brother and Mrs Harrold pray tell my brother I am much obliged for the medlars (sic) I enjoyed them, and to your good mother and also to Miss Alston and present my thanks for the loan of her book I sent it in a basket to Julia with a request to take care of it and send it to Miss Alston very soon and hoped she would find time to read it as it is very worth reading we take care of your books. Oberlin² was an extraordinary good man - practised great self-denial - give our united best loved to Edwd and accept
Page 4
the same may God Almighties protecting arms defend and save you all and all those who are dear to us Believe me ever your affectionate mother
H. Liveing
I have sent you a brown silk hand/kt Liveing has made use of it it - has been washed twice - I sent this instead of one which has not been used because it is so much better looking - Father says the boat ought to be washed clean and put into the house for the winter.
Footnotes
1. The transcriber has taken this to be the "Swing Riots"
Ref's - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swing_Riots
http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/town/terrace/adw03/peel/ruralife/swing.htm
2. Pastor of Walbach?

44. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, After 1830, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 139a-c LT12
Date after 1830 Henry has had too much money spent on him - Sam Billingsley marries his houskeeper

My dear Julia
Accept our thanks for cream and apples and pears - by the way should you at any other time send us cream scald it before you send it for I am sorry to say that it is sour - I sent the goose last night with your love to Mrs Logan - her love and thanks are sent in return. We are really sorry for poor John - poor child he must have suffered great pain - as Miss Duke says, "he is a chapter of accidents" - you did not mention his eyes - see how apt we are to overlook mercies when passed - and to be swallowed up with present trouble - as I have had often occasion to remark - when in pain and distress of body or mind - we can bemoan ourselves and lament that we are called to endure so much trouble and should it please God to restore ease and comfort to us how we then as heartily thankful ? - And do we express ourselves to the God of mercies - as often as we before made complaints? - no - no - I fear not - this alone shows how disposed to ingratitude we are - "shame burn our face to cinders" - Lord give us a new heart's - that we may appreciate thy goodness and bear them in mind with an humble and hearty thankfulness - Edward has been to see us several times since we left you - from him I learned that John's eye is quite well - and that his eye lashes are growing also - both accounts are very agreeable the former of course is most desirable - but the want of the latter would have been disfiguring trouble we must have while we carry this flesh about - God knows what is best for us - he sees fit to send it - or permit it to be sent to us in one shape or another - sometimes for punishment
(Page 2)
at other times for trial of our faith and patients (sic) - God standby us and give us grace, that they may work in us the benefit to our souls which he designs in sending troubles on us - remember "God does not afflict willingly" his poor unworthy creatures. Mr Balls told us in his sermon last evening, that when God- reproves - and chastens - it shows he has not given us up for reprobate - may we so endure chastisement, that we may become more humble more obedient - may it bring us nearer to God - may it bring us to know more of ourselves - that we may discover the evil that lurks closely hidden in the deeper recesses of our deceitful hearts - Isaiah says "the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked" - Henry is a sad trouble to me - God convert and direct us - I am also very sorry that he should be so much trouble to you - you and Ambrose too are very kind in allowing him to be with you - I have it not in my power to remunerate you I know - sometimes it crosses my mind that Uncles money will not eventually benefit us - much of it was wasted on H - just to make him what he ought not to be: proud - and to do away the respect and duty due to parents, and friends who have not had as much money laid out on them to inform their minds - but alas !! alas !! if we don't learn the way to God - we had better never been taught to make us proud - Lord God convince - convert and save our Souls from death Eternal amen - amen. I have mended the shirt I bought home for that purpose - and made one pair of drawers - I have also gotten the new one home - but it wants trimming when I have done it and another pr [?] of drawers I purpose sending them - there are no buttonholes made in the bosom as Henry did not direct where they were to be made - and I was afraid of spoiling the shirt by not having them made to his mind
(Page 3)
perhaps you may write again shortly - before I send and then perhaps Henry can tell you how far from the top of the bosom - and how far distant the next buttonholes are to be made and I will endeavour to do them right - if not I shall send the shirt without them as it is a fine shirt and I won't run the hazard of spoiling it - also say whether one or more pr of drawers will be sufficient - if not I shall look further if I can find stronger cotton to make them of - this is 14^d pr yard very dear I think they tell me cotton and wooling goods are advanced in prices - I gave 9½^d for cottons that I don't know is much - if at all better them that you gave 6^d for when I was with you - I have been making catsup and pickling mushrooms they are not plentiful this year I have sent you two bottles of my best - and a pot of pickle - as I have put the pot as full as I can - perhaps they have not vinegar enough which you can add- but let it be good or it will not suit them - as I can trust nobody but myself to do them - they have added to the colour of my hands, not much to their advantage - I have also two brushes for you - and poor John's plates to send - but I don't expect I can send everything now - as I don't know when mats will be made for you - your father will send one which was made for us some months since - it has been laid down but never washed - so it's not very clean - but F - says it shall go - for poor thing she wants them I know - we sent last night to try to buy one but when they have any to sell they don't know how
(Page 4)
to ask enough of them to pay themselves for the work as well as stuff - William came in last Tuesday from Cuxhaven - and sales tomorrow for Holland I shall go to a shop where I can buy canvas and then shall request he will let his people thrum¹ them - when they are done you shall have one of them they have not always old canvas - and when they have it, it does not answer very well - I bet[?] this where I mean to buy more - pray did the old man [?] get a pair of spectacles that he could see in - I have endeavoured to recollect the monies I owe you I have measured the blue ribbon there is:-
3yds½ 1 - 9
Velvet Collar 5 - 0
Narrow ribbon 6
Eggs[?] 1 - 6
Spectacles 1 - 6
Borrowed of Ambrose 1- 0 - 0 which pray tell him I have sent.
1-10- 3
Brushes to deduct 2 - 9
1 -7 - 6 which I have sent.

I suppose you know that Harriet is at Nayland Edward came for her and they went away last Saturday was a week - (a fortnight tomorrow) have you heard that Sam Billingsley is married to his housekeeper he has made a good market of himself she has 11 children of her own - and two of her first husband's - I think I Sam won't want for company - well I am happy to say it does not concern me nor mine - if it pleases God we live and are well let John come to us when he breaks up if he does not dislike coming - William has just been home and catched up your letter - and - said he had gotten a mat for you partly made - I have no time to write any more than our love and good wishes to you and all of you God bless you all prays your affectionate mother H Liveing

1. Thrum is baring and plaiting edge threads to create a hem.

45. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, Cir 1831, Plus letter scrap re buying a shawl.
Liveing Archive 141a-d LT12

Harwich Thursday night
My dear Julia
Mary Ann, Miss Beaumont and Harriet all went to Ipswich to look for some silk etc for your bonnet and Harriet's with a few other errands but could find nothing they wanted - so they had to send to London for the materials - Mary advised with us respecting the shape and we all thought that the shape would hold on your head quite as well as Miss B-s as the head is made larger to make it fit firmer and it's being tied down is also an advantage and they agreed that it was a much more proper shape for a silk bonnet than Miss B'96s - I hope we have not chosen wrong for you - it is a becoming bonnet - Harriet has a plaiting of net edged and put on a white ribbon to tye hers with - but Mary observed that as you always wore a cap you would not want that appendage - or I would have had yours done like it - I think you had better have white strings or green - of hemover [?] ribbon to spare these [?] - or they will very soon be spoiled - I think the strings are short - I would advise you to let them down - and pin them at the end it will not be seen - they are all elegant
(Page 2)
materials so you must pay an extra price - the flower was one bunch Harriet had one third and you have two - the ribbon is at cost price although so high - there is a good piece of the green silk to spare which Harriet says you shall share by and by - when you have given up wearing the bonnet for the season it will be best to save it up in fine paper - to keep it from dust and smoke (you can air it every now and then without undoing it) and if you like till next summer it will serve you for the summer months - I hope you will get it safely - the box won't allow of its standing out to the full and should the trimmings be put a little down you you must sew it up - it will travel as well in this box as any I have sent I think - let us hear from you we want to know how your harvest is going forward etc and how you all do - Ed has sent a prescription for father to strengthen him and on the whole he is better - the weather is so very hot that it disorders - and relaxes many people - it does not suit me at all - I hope Henry is going for with his studies
(Page 3)
Mrs Scott's treatment is indeed very kind - truly like a father - it's more than could have been expected from almost a stranger Charles says Mr S - has promised to take him by the hand - (as it is termed) and introduce him to his Bishop - the Bishop of Rochester - and to assist him what he can - he is very generous and kind indeed - I hope and trust that Henry was not behind in showing thankfulness for such unlooked for kindness I feel grateful for it I am sure - Charles says he rejoices in this event and that he was an instrument in bringing it forward - but to conclude the full desire I intend Almighty God to order all - but for him - and I pray that He will endow him with His Holy Spirit - Lord hear my prayers - he is much on my mind - do you pray to God for him - it will be a sisters part to intercede with the Almighty for him - but after all there are no prayers so effectual as his own - give my love to him - and say that I hope he often chants up heartfelt prayers to Him who alone can lead him right - tell him to pray in season and out of season - and that I ernest hope that he is always in a praying mind - as the blessings before Him is of the utmost importance - to be made fit for the vast change of many souls - no business of such importance - none so glorious - when undertakers as in the sight of omnipotence
(Page 4)
O that he may consider it as he ought - and earnestly pray for Grace - and strength to prepare for so holy and undertaken (sic) - I trust he will not be idle - nor trifling - but serious - I don't mean morose or melancholy - he may be thoughtful and serious - without being solmn - devout without being formal - there is a proper medium which I fervently hope he will endeavour to practice - may the God of Heaven be his guide - by a letter from Charles we learned that the whole of my brothers family Amelia excepted are coming to Nayland on Wednesday or Thursday next - they are to sleep there one night and the next day Harriet and two more are to come to us - and stay a fortnight - when Mrs H and the other two are to come here and the before mentioned are to go to Edwds - father says tell Julia for perhaps they will call as a pass - but I don't think it likely - however F says tell her - we are poor creatures and not as all fit for company - but must do as well as I can - Mary Ann and her sister goes to Willms ]?] on Monday - that we may trim up a little - so you see my dear that we are not likely to pay you a visit for one while - but if nothing happens I hope we shall before all the fine weather is gone - I hope also that you will come to see us - and Ambrose also when you can - Henry will have a small duty and not many sermons[?] a great advantage to beginners God prosper him with our united love to all - believe me your Aff mother
H Liveing.
(Top of page 1)
Oh how I want a washing gown I spoil all my silk ones this very very hot weather
Don't let this layabout - burn it when it is read

This scrap of a letter is unidentified.
If you have an opportunity of buying the shawl Harriet will be obliged if you will buy her a thimble, that you had when here did pretty well one rather tight for you will fit her best - if there is one thicker than another take it, she so soon works through them - it matters not whether he has a silver, all steel tops, as she always works on the side I think you said you gave a shilling for yours - the smallpox is in several places - a poor woman came out with it the day after she was put to bed - she had it dreadfully - the child did take it till after her death the child had it like it's poor mother and is then also what a mercy
(Page 2)
and particularly as it had a bad father - he has one child who caught the smallpox - and the mother nursed it and caught it of her which was the means of bringing on rather premature labour - Capt Deans children have been enoculated (sic) and have all done very well - a number of poor people have enoculated their own children - I have not heard that any of them have done ill at present the medical gentleman will not enoculate but Mrs Dean managed to make Mr Bailey enoculate hers
The Mayors treat was on Wednesday William and your father came home quite well - after they came home they kept it up till three o'clock and had many sad tricks - O dear O dear that men should forget themselves so -
Father and Harriet unite with me in best love - remember us kindly to Ambrose - give my love to John and tell him I hear he is learning to be a good boy which is the way to make every body love him - tell Tom I hope he will leave off screaming also then I hope he will learn to be a good - and grow as tall as his papa and be a man - God bless and keep you all prays your Aff mother
H Liveing
Louisa and the child are pretty well

46. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing and son Henry, Cir 1831.
Liveing Archive 140a-d LT12
In another hand: "Date? Edward Harrolds coming to Harwich Miss Mary Deans married to rich Mr Bumstead aged 73 Letter to Henry also" Address face of the letter used for arithmetic, and writing in Harriet's hand "I was mistaken about Henry stocking's I have found three pairs more than I before mentioned out of which I have sent another pair"

To
Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
My dear Julia
We all thought of you in the midst of the dreadful thunderstorm you - as well as ourselves escaped unhurt (thank God) or we should have heard of the sad news how did your crops fare? and did you make hay while the sun shone? or did you stay till the rain came? we want to know how you are getting on - Mrs Harrold and her daughters are coming on Wednesday O! dear I don't know how I shall manage - she writes that she is on the whole better but is still a sad invalid - and is very desirous of getting to the water as it has been so strongly recommended - I fear she caught you in the midst of your bustle as Catherine writes they came through in the day, so if they called, it must be on the day before they expected - your uncle went through with them and set off early the next morning - I hope after they leave us that we shall have the pleasure of seeing you - we never were so long without seeing each other before - was not you surprised to hear of Mary Ann Deanes wedding Mr Bumstead (the bride's groom) is 73 years old - but then a good fortune has twice 73 charms - report says he has £1500 [a?] year and has settled £10,000 on his bride - there is no doubt of his having a good fortune - they say also he is a good sort of man religious and charitable - we think
Page 2
that Mary has made a good bargain of herself at last - he is likely to want a nurse, as he is much troubled with gout - she is pretty strong - and I hope willing to take care of him - they are going to keep a carriage and intend to travel till Christmas - report says - he has been a fine handsome man - he is tall and very stout I can't write any more - but shall be glad to hear from you - accept and present our love into God's hands I commend you soul and body may he ever be your present help in time of trouble and indeed the help of God is as much wanted in prosperity as in adversity - old Bishop Hall says (when speaking of a thunderstorm) "let me learn to fear God when he smiles on me - and trust him when he speaks so loud to me in thunder"
God bless you and all yours
believe me your Affct mother
H Liveing
Monday evening
I wish you may be able to bring me that beautiful geranium when you come

My dear Henry
I have mended one pair of drawers and one pair of stockings - I have not time to do any more at present - your sister has quite as much as she can do to prepare for her sons going to school so she could not assist me - if I live I will do the others as soon as I can and send them to Julia - if she has any mode of conveying them - you talked of having a great many pairs of stockings - I have kept only four pairs so if you have many, they must be at Mr Eve's ? - you had better . . . . . them when you return - I have not time to say much - I pray God to bless you and let me beg you will not confine all your thoughts to the perishable things of this world - but consider the immense value of your soul - take St Peter's advice and "give all diligence to make its calling and election sure" Mr Ball observed to us yesterday what a common thing it was to hear people say what sinners they were but hoped to be better when they came to die - but they ought to remember that if they were blessed with their senses at that awful time, they would have enough to do to die - without having the errors of their whole life to call to mind, and to repent of - and to entreat to pardon for - besides we are not only to repent - but to lead a new life, and bring forth the fruits meat ? for repentance - and how can such fruits be shown, when we are at death's door - O ! I beseech you pray night and day to God for his assisting spirit for you cannot draw near to God without his aid - Bishop Wilson says no one ever earnestly and constantly entreated God for grace - through Christ - without obtaining their petition - ask and ye shall have - that you may thus pray - and thus be answered - is the earnest prayer of your Affet mother H Liveing
God Almighty help you direct and draw you near to himself - and fix your mind more on heavenly and less on earthly treasures.

47. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 20 Jan 1831, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 37a-e LT4
Written in the address panel "Jan 20 1831 management of unruly children. Capt Deane wants particulars of Mr Plums school. Nancy Cope's death. John Clifton hangs himself fears of Rick burning." Also a column of figures with meaningless notations totalling L188 2s 2d. postmark Harwich 20 J A 1831

To
Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester
Efsex
post paid

Harwich Jan 20 1831
My dear Julia
I have been talking of writing ever since I received your last letter, I don't know whether you have seen Henry, he left us last Saturday was a week for Ipswich, and from thence to Hadlegh (sic), and he also purposed going to Nayland next - I have not heard of or from him, since he left us - I begged of him to return here - and not to go to trouble you - but he determined on the above route - he was so unlucky to promise Capt Deane to send him Mr Plumes terms for pupils - and all etc which he has not done, of course he has forgotten to do so, or he has not been at your home. Capt Deane has just now come to complain of his breach of promise, I have made the best of it and promised to write to you by this night's post - and to request you will write directly and let me bear the whole expense you have been charged and also whether he has a vacancy - and Capt Deane requested me to add if you could inform him of some convenient mode of conveying him from hence to Mr Plumes should other matters be concluded on - I replied that I did not know that you could do that - for of course you carried your son - however I promise d to ask whether you knew of any mode as being nearer that part you were more likely to know of a conveyance (if there is one) than Capt Deane he says. I hope as Henry has delayed that you will give me the wished for intimations directly say also when the school open 'd or opens - are your boys gone? what have you done with Tom?
Page 2
I pray God direct you for the best, he wants great subordination I know from experience, and if you, and Ambrose have real affection for him in the true acceptation (sic) of the term & you will both be determined that he shall - be made to behave well at home or if he is ever so well governed at school, if he is allowed to undo all as soon as he gets under his parents roof - he will never be a comfort to you - nor be happy himself - without he is happy in ill doing - the Scripture admonishes you to restrain your child betimes - to train him in the way he should go - that when he grows up he may not depart from the right way - at least then you may not have to accuse yourselves - for want of duty to him - pray don't split on that rock , or you will bitterly lament it when it will be too late. O ! do your uttermost to save your child indulgences alone won't lead him right - if you don't govern him now, you never never will - do all you can - they may not be by any means what you could wish them - alas I feel and lament it - but - if you don't do your utmost - much very much blame must and will fall on you - for which you must account to the Mighty God - O! do not suffer him to go with the people when he comes home nor with the boys - if he won't play in the garden don't let him go out at all - when you see fit to desire him to do anything - be firm - and make him - do it - I speak to his Father as well as to you - for if you are not both agreed - you will do nothing with your children - remember that the salvation of their immortal souls depends very much on the way they have been trained in their early days - a mistake in their first years is almost sure to lead to ruin - it's a momentous concern be more desirous (much more) to promote their everlasting well doing, than there temporal - the term of their natural life will soon terminate - but their eternal state can never end think - O think what everlasting pains must be, where no intermission can be found - no end can even be hoped for
Page 3
remember - children that won't obey parents - (I mean those who have their real interest at heart) will never obey God - you may see that this will bar them out of heaven - without a timely repentance. God of his infinite mercy help you - strengthen you and give you both courage - to be your children's real friends shall I add another passage of Scripture which strikes me - in this case terribly "let not thy soul spare for his crying" in other words - be their governess - and let them not get the better of you - they may be managed without many blows - be determined to be obeyed - and they will soon be sensible that they must - when they cannot be managed without stripes - they must have them - or your own souls are at stake as well as theirs - "if the rod is spared, when it ought to be used, you will spoil the children" but as I before observed there won't be occasion to use it often if you manage - being fully determined to govern - whatever you desire to be done - make a point of having it done - don't give way in this or you lose your authority at once - although it may be but a trifle - it's of much consequence - much more than you may imagine, advantage will be taken - on the next opportunity, depend on it you will lose ground directly as your children have governed you both - it will cost you much labour and much trouble - to bring them into good order - but don't let your courage fail - look up to God for help - and think you here him say, bring these children that I have given you up for me - strain every nerve to keep them from idleness and vice - I know it's a great work - but would you think much of any trouble you could take, to save them from being drowned or to save their lives in any other way Would you think your time lost or slighting some temporal concern of like consequence to their lives thus then think of their eternal all - and rule them if possible - or you will never bring them to God. The very thought is dreadful - I beg - I beseech you delay no longer - every day is precious - you know not how long you have to live how soon they may want a parent's hand to guide and to restrain them may God Almighty give you to see the great necessity of bringing them into subjection.
Address face
be not discouraged it's a great work but it is the very best you can be imployed (sic) in - but I must again repeat you must go hand in hand together - if you are not agreed to make them mind you both - you will fail most asssuredly - your countenance also must support your commands for if you smile when you ought to be serious - your authority is gone - once more I pray God to be with you, and guide you in this best of works - (in great measure ) saving of your children. O ! be their best friends
poor Nancy Cope is gone I hope to heaven she has been a great sufferer in mind more than body - John Clifton hanged himself last Sunday was a week - oh dreadful - he had no friend and I fear did not lead a good life - God keeps us all - and save our souls from death amen - is old Bateman able to go about your work. What a mercy that you have been saved from flames - poor old Mrs Osborne? hopes you will sell your corn before it is burned she thinks about you she tells me -except and present our United love yours ever affectionately
H Liveing
Upside down at the top of first page.
I hope you did not keep Miss Alston's book - for Harriet promised to send it soon for she has not read it when she sent it to me - say when you sent it - I am in pain fearing that you kept it.

Written on both sides of one sheet sealed with red sealing wax

48. Harriet's Letters: To Her Daughter-in-Law Catherine Mary Downing, 7 Feb 1831, Harwich.
Original in Fenn archive Ref L07
Written on two sides of one piece of paper

To
Mrs Liveing
My dear Catherine,
This morning before I was up as I was reading and admiring the 103 Psalm it came into my mind that I made John Ambrose get it by heart (the prayer book version) And why should I not with that my other grandchildren should do the same now. I know that your children have abundant lessons to learn but I think they may get one verse on a Sunday and repeat on the following Sunday the former verse with the second and so on till they repeat the whole - it is a most beautiful composition, showing the unbounded goodness and mercy of God and mans perishable state. I don't expect that the children can now, fully comprehend, the scope of this divine hymn - but if it is now and then repeated, it will be kept up in their mind, and here after they will be benefitted. They will learn to extol God's goodness and a bend their heart with their knee.
You will say but we must ask God's blessing upon the means used all we shall not glorify God - or benefit our own souls - this is most true. Ti's an imperative duty on parents to water their instructions by fervent prayer for the dew of God's heavenly Grace - accept this hint, though I hardly think you need it but we ought to bring to each other's minds
Page 2
the one great concern which ought to be ever going forward, ever building up till we mount to the highest heaven. I pray the good God to be ever with you may He bless your endeavours may He be your guide thro the world -- this troublesome vain world to a better amen.
We are pretty well God be praised for all his mercies and right in affectionate regard to our dear children with their Father and Mother give my love to my Brother, Mrs Harrold, your good mother and aunt present our kind regards
believe me ever Affectionately yours
H. Liveing
Harwich
February 7, 1831
we happened of these pigeons in our market and knowing you are fond of them have sent them with the ducks - we have had to brace of pheasants sent us - 1 of them we sent to Dr Miller and the other to Mr Highum which I was very glad to be able to do.

49. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 22 Feb 1831, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 105 a-d LT9
In another hand "Mrs Liveings letter Feby 22, 1831 Robert Fenn 17 yr old not yet fixed? at N Debt Office" Postmark Harwich 22 . . . 1831.

Feb-22
Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester
Essex
post paid

My dear Julia
I have thought of writing to you for some time past, as you have delayed coming, I have thought surely she does not wait to have me say, we shall be heartily glad to see you - notwithstanding we have been constantly expecting - and have again thought it needless to write, but as the time goes on without seeing, or hearing from you, I must ask you the cause of your not coming, earnestly hoping that neither sickness - nor misfortune, has kept you away. Harriet says O she is waiting because Turner has not paid them, we don't say this to Father, we shall be glad to hear that this is not the case - Father desires his love and bids me say he wants to see you, he was very unwell last week - it was I am thankful to say only from indigestion, which a few handfuls of Mr Logan's draughts relieved - with a little care not to put solids into the stomach directly, he is much better - I thank God - I have been very unwell with a cough which has distressed me very much - it is on my stomach - not my old cough - it is I thank God better, but I cough still a good deal in the night, I went to church last Sunday was v (?) week (sic) the last time I have been out, I have starved it but have begun to eat meat at dinner for several day's
Page 2
We are wondering where Henry is, if at Cambridge all this time what an expense he must be at!! - Father has mentioned him several times but we make no remark. Father sent John a shilling by Capt Dean - and the captain gave him another. I suppose - by way of making John Master Deans friend, they went just at the breaking up of the weather - when so much water was out - Capy Dean said (they had a post Chaise) he thought he should have been obliged to have come home without getting to Boxford - for he took one of his little girls with him and he thought if he was not drowned himself the children might - at last somebody advised them to go by Hadleigh - Mrs Dean would be so very glad to hear that her son bears being home tolerably well - for she has indulged him when Papa was away pretty much, but I suppose you know nothing about him - should Edw^d go she hopes she shall hear of him thro him. Will^m is at home he takes the mail tomorrow for Holland - he came in on the night before the last high winds - what a mercy to escape the stormy weather - what a sin it is to overlook God's mercies - because He commonly heaps them upon us for want of a due sense of them we are unthankful a great crime is ingratitude - Mrs Freshfield has another son - this is her fifth child - she has buried one - they have need of care for they have a prospect of a large family - Robert is not on the establishment - as we were sometime since led to hope - the extra Clerks are none of them established - but they live in the hope - that they shall shortly - but it is but hope - poor Harriet has fretted - and to oblige her has written
Page 3
who if, they are established, has promised to interest himself in his favour - which I am persuaded he did not want, should they be established Mr Highams interest was sufficient and I have been vexed that application should be made to Mr Herries - lest Mr Higham who has kindly taken him in should think we have overlooked his goodness and taken the credit out of his hands of placing him there, and on that account I fear he may look coolly on Rob on his friends account - but Harriet could think of nothing but getting him situated - she considers that he is 17 years old - and it grows time to do something for him in one way or another - poor boy he writes in good spirits that although he is not established - yet he looks forward to the next Board day of being then fixed - he says "I am happy to say I have not (lost?) the good opinion of Mr Higham - for I carried something that I had been doing to him - which he commen. . . . and said that I improved my writing etc etc" - Charles wrote lately that Mr Higham spoke of him as being trustworthy, and that he not only did what he was set about - but comprehended it also - I must say it is very gratifying, and I thank God that the boys appeared to be likely to be come useful members of society - I tell Harriet she hardly look enough at these considerations - her mind is so set on Robert being fixed somewhere - but she says she does. God knows what is best for us - on him I desire to depend to direct us right - whether he has this situation will not - I hope all will be ordered for the better. I pray God direct us all - in all our undertakings it seems long since I have heard of you and yours - and Henry - I dread the expense of his being at Cambridge all this time - good God have mercy on him and give him a new heart and right mind - and be his guide ever more - what a mercy that you have had no fires nor disturbances God preserve you always - if you cannot come let us hear from you directly - F - says tell her to write at once
Page 4
in all your troubles go to God for help for all our help is from him - we need every day help, every moment therefore in sickness or in health we equally need His care - and in our wealth we need his protection to be guided right, quite as much as in tribulation - God then is our Only steadfast friend - on Him then only lean to Him, ever pray in faith - in hope of His help and blessing -
to Him I commend you All - accept our united love, believe me ever your Aff^te Mother
H Liveing
ask and ye shall receive - if ye being evil know how to give good gifts to your children - how much more shall your heavenly Father give His holy spirit to those who ask Him - what a comfortable assurance keep it in mind
come by the coach

50. Harriet's Letters: To Her Son Edward, 28 Mar 1831, Harwich.
Original in Fenn archive Ref L08
Written on three sides of a page, folded inserted and sealed, faint postmark Harwich ?8 MA 1831. Damaged with words missing in places.
Note by G. D. Liveing "my grandmother L to my father 1831 as postmark shows feebly she says my grandfather completed his 71st year on the 16th of this month but does(nt sic) name the month"
Note by Alston A Fenn "references to Julia Ambrose also to Harriet and Robert Fenn"

Mr Liveing
Nayland
Suffolk

Harwich Monday afternoon (28 March?)
My dear Edward
The captain of the ship came here on Saturday (we suppose by land) but the ship has not arrived - yesterday your father heard that a large party were come to the White Heart in wagons and after church he went to speak to the Capt but he was much engaged with the overseer's (we suppose) that he did not notice him as he learnt from Mrs Blitzend that the Nayland people were not come - and then the Capt said he should send a man and horse to give you information of the vessel's arrival. They also said the Capt is uneasy about the ship the wind was fair on Saturday and Sunday, it is bad for them today.
With respect to canvass Father bids me say he has some but thinks that new, will answer better than old if you have to buy it. He went to look at some today - brown canvas is commonly used for tar paulings it is 2 feet wide at 11p per yard if you will say how long and how wide it is to be we had better get it made here as you have no sailmakers near you.
I thank God I have lost the violence of the cough - what remains has shifted its seat from my chest, to my throat the old place - I don't know how it is, every trifle gives me cold and adds to the cough. I never used to be so susceptible of cold, but I may say to myself, as I say to your Father when he complains of pains which he never had before "you never was so old before" he is I bless God pretty well he completed his 71st year on the 16 day of this month how near Eternity we must be pray for us, that we may be made fit for a happy one. I covert the prayers
Page 2
of all my family, they are much in my debt in that way, but I hope they will remain so no longer.
I am ashamed that I have kept your books so long, I purpose sending them shortly. I have not gotten through Wilberforce he requires to be read with great attention his work is a fine sieve he suffers no defects to pass unnoticed he clearly shows you that it's no easy thing to be a Christian indeed and to be almost, and not altogether, is ruin this consideration will make us cry mightily to God for help - or nothing will. Want of consideration was the complaint God made against the Israelites "my people do not consider" I heartily pray that you and I and all my dear family with their Father at their head may love God more - and serve him better as it is our bounden duty. Pray let this great concern ever rest on your mind it will stimulate you to govern your temper you will see things in a different light - it will make you a happier man and will enable you to do more good. Suavity of manner is very desirable especially among the sick it will sometimes do as much good as medicine I pray God to help you, and help me - and help us all for we have all great need and can do nothing as we ought without divine assistance let us not fail them to intreat God for it by night and by day the constant impression of the Eye of God being ever on us will act as a strong incentive to keep us from doing evil and to lead us to do that that is right.
Your father has now been to look for the ship - and learns that a vessel passed her about halfway from London - should be moderate weather your father thinks it probable they may be here tomorrow.
Page 3
I earnestly hope your patiens who has lost his leg will do well say when you write whether he is getting on as you wish - God guide you in all your undertakings.
Julia has been to see us she stayed a week, Ambrose came for her on Saturday night, and they set off on last Tuesday morning for Copford and took Harriet with them we sent their packages by the carrier. Ambrose said the horse would carry them very well a good deal of persuasion was used to make Harriet go, Julia was half angry that she had not been to see her of so long a time.
Harriet is very poorly she is so pale she vexes me when I look at her - she will fret fearing that Robert will lose the situation - should the reform Bill pass we . . . . . we can to make her hope for the best and to leave the event to God - I have observed to her that even if . . . . . he had it it might not eventually be best. I want her to lean more on God and less on man - Charles writes that he is much liked and he has no doubt but he will do well and if Clerks are appointed it is most likely he will be established.
Julia looks very delicate is much thinner she was never for so long from her paternal roof 16 months since she was at Harwich - what can be done with or for Henry? He is a great trouble to me - and to us all he is a trial if ever I prayed with my whole heart it is for him that God would make him fit for the great work he has been brought up for or never suffer him to go into a pulpit - O pray to him - pray for God's guidance. We are very glad to hear that you are all pretty well give our kind love to dear Katy and children - and remember us kindly to my brother and Mrs Harrold also to Mrs Downing and Miss Alston - I pray God to bless you and be with you all
believe me ever your Affectionate Mother
H. Liveing

51. Harriet's Letters: To Grandaughter Mary Kate Liveing, 19 Apr 1831, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 38a-d LT4
Noted on the address panel: Grandmother Liveing; Mrs Liveing of Harwich to Aunt Mary 1831 (Mary Kate Liveing)

To
Miss Liveing
Nayland
My dear Mary
I am much obliged to you for taking the pains to draw me such a very pretty flower, and another picture of horses and men - really you have performed much better than I could have expected such a little girl could have done - you will I have no doubt go on to improve, and by and by draw as well as dear papa.
What a good thing it is my dear Mary to have such kind parents - and friends to take care of you, and to teach you all that is right. God my dear child gives you all - your kind friends, then you must attend to all they say, and you must learn to thank God for them, and to pray to Him with your whole heart that He may preserve
Page 2
them to you in health, and that He may bless them, and also pray for a blessing on yourself - as well as for your sisters and brother.
Grand papa and Aunt desire their love to you - and to all my dear Grandchildren.
Think of me as your
affectionate Grand Mama
H Liveing

Harwich
April 19, 1831
remember me very kindly To Grand Mama Downing - and to Aunt Sally

52. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 22 Jun 1831, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 104 a-d LT9
In another hand "June 22, 1831 my grandfather and family at Harwich - Fanny ill Aunt Anna the baby" Postmark Harwich . . . . 1831. Also what looks like H Liveing in black ink beside the addressee.

Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester
Essex
post paid

Harwich
June 22^nd 1831
My dear JuliaI write because I think it will give you pleasure to hear of our invalid family Edw^d is certainly better - although not right - I tell him that he is better - as he can walk better and his breathing is with less difficulty - although he may have remains of that distressing sensation which it cannot be expected that he can get rid of at once - they get out as much as they can - but the weather is very hot - (for which let us say thank God it is seasonable) poor Fanny is very sadly still - very weak - and at times so low that she cries when she has spoken to, if only to ask her what she wants - or what she would like - but on the whole she is something better - Edwards says it will be a work of time to bring her round she is so much reduced - her face swelled - and her ankles if no other part - dropsycal - poor Catherine is sadly thin - and worn - I hope the change of air may help her also - she does not appear ill only hacked it will be a great mercy if she escapes an illness - the change will be a mean of preventing it I hope the remainder of the family are all very well the baby is fractious sometimes - I think she appears in pain I expect her teeth torments her she has a happy countenance - and loves Mama dearly which is not unfrequently a cause of trouble when
Page 2
she is invisible - lodgings are taken for a fortnight at Mr Goodwins he lives in one of the largest of those new houses Mr Graham built - where Mr Hibblet lives for Uncle Harold told Catherine he knew of nothing so likely to save the child as the change of air - and that she was not able to be kept out long enough to take enough of it - as we live in the heart of the town she could not feel the air so fresh as is desirable whereas in these lodgings she may sit in the room and take the air without fatiguing her so much Mrs Downing is going to the lodging - and Fanny and her maid Sarah - they are to pay two guineas per week I did not persuade them not - as the child is in so precarious state. Edw^d says she does not get fevered as might be expected from the quantity of food she has taken for the last ten days - that he appears to think of most I think as not being a good sign - she also makes bloody water - if it had not been for fear of the fever John might have come - we should have managed very well - but it would have been wrong to have run the hazard - as the after-effects are so much to be dreaded - the lodgings are still occupied - and cannot be had till Friday night - I think as the child is something better I think we might have managed without them - but so much was said - that they were taken at once, and glad to get them - nor could
Page 3
any other be had so soon that stood so well - they must be paid for - so they may as well be occupied - Edw^d is sitting by Fanny and looking seriously on her - I think - he has doubts of her recovery -
we are heartily thankful to learn that you are better and earnestly hope you will continue to improve - in soul and body - give my love to your boys and tell them I hope they will be very kind - and good children and mind what their friends say to them - tell them how ill - and sadly you have been and that if they vex you - it will make you ill again and then perhaps you may die - and what will they do them - without a kind and good mother - and they will vex papa also - I hope they will think about it - and behave well - if they do not - God does not love naughty boys and girls - and he will not take them to heaven when they die - and O what a dreadful dreadful thing that will be - I pray God to bless you all for ever - accept the love and affection of your father and mother with those of your brother and sisters
your Aff^t Mother
H Liveing
I have not heard whether Mary Ann and Charles and Miss B - are with you

53. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, Jul 1831, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 103 a-d LT9
In another hand "p.m. = 1831? Summer date? Mentions illness of Aunt Frances Edward Catherine and children visit to Harwich" Conjectured July?

Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester
Essex
post paid

My dear Julia
I hope you don't think that I am unmindful of you because I have not answered your letter - we are very sorry for your horse, and earnestly hope that you won't lose it - as you said the bandages were not displaced, let us hear of you and yours - all about you -
Edward and his household left us soon after dinner - Fanny has been apparently much better - but Edward is very uneasy about her, the cause is not removed, she is relieved by medicine for a time - and then relapses again, he could not stay any longer himself - nor could he go home and leave her here - as he is so very anxious about her - she requires great attention and watching I was heartily glad that he has been so much better himself - but the child had a bad night and that prevented his sleeping and Catherine, as well as the made - want of rest anxiety - and nursing Fanny - he was quite undone last evening - with a nervous affection in his body - faintness and in short complete vapours - I wish he did not feel so acutely for the child as I fear it will be a serious thing to himself, if he does not guard against it, she is in a precarious state - her body is swelled today in particular
Page 2
they had purposed to stay perhaps a fortnight longer had Fanny been better - he would have left her with comfort, but in the state she is in it was much better that they should all move together or Edward would have been miserable and he also much wishes his Uncle should see her and consult on her care - if Uncle thinks she will do well - it will be one means of making ease spirits better - I pray God to help him. I don't exactly know whether all your company have left you for Ipswich - or only the gentleman - Edward and Catherine are not much able to entertain company - their time is chiefly taken up in nursing - Catherine has only taken a few hasty turns outdoors since she has been here - where is the place of their next destination when they return from Napton? Is it to Harwich - onto Mr Freeman's? - I should like to know when they come here - I suppose they are all pretty well as I have heard nothing to the contrary pray write and let us know how you all do - have you heard them say anything about Uncle Edward - I have not heard from them - yet - what can be the reason I can't think - I purpose writing to them - tomorrow - now we have plenty of room so now John can come if you and he pleases perhaps Ambrose can come with him - Harriet is poorly Edward would have had her gone home with him to be doctored
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and had I not been expecting another part of our family I should have persuaded her to have gone with them - she is not quite comfortable respecting Robert for somebody told her today they heard he was so well that they expected he was come home for the benefit of himself - tell us what you know of him.
I bless God that your father and myself are as well as hot weather will let us.
I suppose the late rains have been very beneficial to your growing crops and this fine weather is very acceptable after them
May God Almighty bless and keep you all - with our united love to all
believe me ever your
affectionate mother
H Liveing
Harwich
Monday evening
We must wash - as it is very needful after having so large a family - but shall set about it at once
Page 4
don't forget to mention the horse

54. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 22 Jul 1831, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 102 a-d LT9
In another hand "22 July 1831 Uncle Henry's difficulty in finding a curacy Uncle Charles at Harwich." Postmarked Harwich 22 JY 1831 sealed with red sealing wax.

My dear Julia
We rec^d Henry's letter with the usual contents of matters on that subject, it is quite evident to me that these invented acquirements are insisted on as bars to prevent any additional clergyman to the super abundance of that class of Gentleman All I can say is, that God reigns - he orders or permits what ever happens for will ends tho' we are shortsighted helpless creatures - and cannot understand all his will - our duty is to submit patiently - praying for divine assistance to guide us through life - and for grace and strength to do our duty O that we did be see God more in all events - then, troubles would be born with more patients - and faith in God would support us in times of affliction and trial pray that we may love God more, and serve him better - it would be our great comfort now, and to our eternal bliss hereafter. I don't know where Mr Myal lives - I don't wonder at Henry's being dead hearted and unwilling to go after curacies - all openings appears shut against him - as I before said God has will reasons - O that it would but please him to direct us what plan to pursue in any other way that I might become useful - and his life be acceptable to God - God Almighty help him and help us all - and make us humble and thankful for
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the daily mercies and favours we are so constantly receiving. O may we be more mindful of them - have a deeper sense of them - then we shall be more thankful to the mighty giver of all good and then the sin of ingratitude will not be laid to our charge My design in writing is to say that Charles purposes setting off for London on Monday morning - and as Ambrose wishes to see him he purposes stopping at your house and taking a coach from your house to London in the same day - we therefore thought it advisable to give you information of his plan before the time that Ambrose might be at home to see him - we purpose keeping John till that time for the sake of returning him with his Uncle - I expect his shirts will be sent home from the school tonight - then I shall have to put the frills on - we shall have no opportunity to wash them - I have mended one shirt and patched another that will do a little while at home - if I could have helped you more I would John has behaved very well - and has been very quiet - I have not asked him to improve by reading as the time was short - I am like your Father, and can't help wishing that Ambrose did not encumber himself with more business - he has so much to think of in this world that a due preparation for the next I fear is nearly forgotten - the business and cares - and ceaseless anxiety for the things of this life entirely envelop your whole thoughts - and leaves no room for Eternal things O consider what is this world - when compared to the next?
Page 3
"Man giveth up the Ghost - and where is he"?
I have not time to say more than God bless you all accept our love
your Aff^t Mother
H Liveing
Friday evening
is Edw^d Fam left

55. Harriet's Letters: To her son Henry Liveing, Aug 1831.
Liveing Archive 106 a-d LT9
Note in another hand: "To H Liveing Wix curacy offer to Uncle Henry"

Mr Henry Liveing
Mr Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester
if not there to be opened by Mrs Ambrose.

Sunday written between Church times.

My dear Henry
This mor^ng past brought a letter from Charles - (who supposes that you are with us) before Charles left us Mr Scott wrote to your Father to borrow money on land etc - but before I go on your Father begs you will say nothing of this part of the business - as most likely Mr Scott would not approve of his affairs being published
your F - agreed to let him have the money upon the security being examined and found good - and Charles wrote to him on the business and appointed Mrs Richardson and Beaumont as Fars solicitors since Charles has been in London Mr Scott has written again to your father to require a larger sum than that before mentioned - as he stated that he was now more able to help his younger son than he was before his previous letters - as (he goes on to say) the Bishop of Rochester had most kindly - and in most friendly manner called on him and presented him with the Vicarage of Isleham in Cambridgeshire - and added that his Lordship desired him to continue in Bromley College as Chaplain - (where he has officiated many years) the Bishop allows him to put in a Curate at Isleham Mr Scott adds that "the Vicarage of Isleham which is a peculiar belonging to the see of Rochester and worth £500 per annum - I copied Mr Scott's letter and sent it to Charles, with a request to him to write to Mr S and agreed to the additional sum - upon the security being approved - which he
Page 2
lost no time in performing - and at the same time he did not forget your interest - but in a handsome manner requested Mr Scott to give you the curacy - or if he could not do that now, that he would hereafter help you to one when it might be in his power - Bromley is only 9 miles from London and Charles letter brought Mr S - to him - when Charles stated to him how often you had been disappointed etc and particularly how the oppressive examination imposed by the Bishops, tended to preclude all young men from the church, who were not favoured - Mr Scott told him that the Isleham Curacy the Bishop had promised to a Mr Mony, or you should have had it - but said, he came to offer you the curacy of Wix (near us) - which Charles says he will hold for Henry until he shall be ordained - if he will accept it - Mr Scott said he was sorry that he cannot give him a large stipend with it, the living itself is only £120 a year of which he will give Henry £70 the duty is one sermon on Sunday, and prayers in the afternoon - and an attendance once or twice during the week to visit his parishioners - Mr Scott added that this would admit him to orders, and that most likely Mr Mony would not hold his other Curacy long - as the Lord Chancellor had promised him (Mr Mony) a living - and had told him to be ready - saying to the friend who asked - "let your Mony be ready - for I will do something for ready Mony" - in which event Mr Scott will give Henry the better curacy - then Charles told Mr Scott - what I have before related - of the oppressive examination etc Mr Scott said he would get over that - for as soon
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as Henry returns his answer, he will call on the Bishop of London himself with whom he is intimate and explain to him the whole matter and state how long he had known our Family, and that it was one of those, who had long supported the Church and for the great respectability of which he could safely vouch, and he could also say that from his knowledge of you, meaning me, and my father etc etc he should assure the Bishop, that one of our Family would be likely to be a useful Pastor etc etc Charles told Mr Scott it would not be doing you justice not to say that, my Brother is in all respects a young man of excellent moral character - (I say O that your whole soul may be Christian - God grant you his holy spirit - and make you such every way as you should be Amen) Charles says Mr Scott would like to see Henry on Wednesday next, at farthest - at Bromley - which is 9 miles from London (but he does not say whether on this side or the other) Charles says "but - if he should not be able to come, write me by return of post, and of course you will thank Mr Scott" Charles supposes that you are here - and I suppose he would write to Mr Scott to explain the reason for your non-attendance - and if you cannot go you had better write to him yourself - and thank him for his very kind and generous behaviour - but I think if you can go in time it would be every way best, and it will be attended with as little expense at first as at last - the reason Mr Scott fixes on Wednesday is - that after that time he is going to be inducted to his living and will be absent eight days from Wednesday - so that if he meaning you does not come now, it will be nearly a fortnight before he can see him - if I send this by the post
Page 4
you would not get it till Tuesday - we heard that Mrs Graham is going in the morning to London - therefore we have requested the favour of her to take it and leave it and Ambroses - and she has kindly agreed to do so - if you write to Mr S - direct to him at Bromley College Kent -
upon looking in a book for information respecting Bromley we find - that it joins Eltham - and Eltham joins Black Heath therefore your best way will be to go to London - and take the Stage from thence to Bromley, which goes several times in a day - Charles is living at Mr Beaumont's in Clock Lane - there is nobody at Camberwell - Mr Scott kindly introducing the business and endeavouring to bring the Bishop to lean to you - I trust will make your task - much more easy - so take courage - I hope you will be able to go in time - to be there on Wednesday - Mr S - behaves like a Father - it is indeed very kind of him
Top of Page 1
Mr Mony is a son of Major Mony and whom your Uncle Saunders picked up at sea in a balloon almost 40 years ago Uncle was in the Argus cutter more than 40 years since Father says - I pray order all for the best for you God hear a Mother's prayers with our united love yours ever aff^ly
H Liveing

56. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 24 Sep 1831, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 107 a-d LT9
In another hand "September 24, 1831 mentions uncle Henry's lathe (now mine) Mrs E Harold and daughters at Harwich". Postmarked Harwich ... 24 1831 sealed with red sealing wax.

Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester
Essex
post paid

Harwich Sep^t 24, 1831.
My dear Julia
I thank you for your invitation and for the basket of fruit you were so good to send us - when I last wrote I was in a hurry fearing I should lose the opportunity of sending by Mr White so neglected to thank you then - I made the most of them - they were particularly acceptable them as our friends were here
we have had a very great call for money this summer and have not much to spare at this time and as I cannot bear to come and set my family up - and make them no compensation - I think it much better to stay at home - if I can persuade your Father to come I will - but I don't expect that he will travel alone - so don't look for us - Robert will (if it pleases God) set off for London on Friday - he had been very unwell before he came - he is now the better for the change no doubt - I don't think that he has grown at all taller - but he is much thinner from his indisposition Father is but very so so - having been much put out with so many visitors - not to say one word of myself - who you know dread company perhaps more than any body. Mr Scott's money business is not settled - which also unhinges your father - he will have no more mortgages for anybody and should we get through this well - I never mean to ask him
Page 2
again - for I think our business is never settled like other people's - I hope all will be eventually right. Father will be anxious till it is - he has been bitten once severely - which makes him anxiously desirous of going on surer grounds the more you are of the world the more you discover deceit and ingratitude
I have been much troubled for several days and nights with pains about me - at times - and often I have a bad pain in my chest and then between my shoulders and then in my right side on the end of my ribs - I have taken opening pills - I have had peppermint and I have taken once a spoonful of ether I have refrained from fruit - and not taken so much food as I usually take - but I can't get rid of these pains - I have no fever or chills so it is not inflammation - the pain in my side has been very troublesome to me for more than a fortnight I don't know how to lay for it sometimes - it is not much broader than a crown piece you may remember my complaining of it many years since - I thank God I am not ill - but the pains sometimes wears me - it appears like wind - Will^m tells me that Henry is looking very well - spoke as if the Lathers (lathe) that he has as being of service to improve his health - O that it may please God to give him grace - to prepare for the great work which lags before him there is much occasion for frequent intercessionary prayer
Page 3
to that God who alone can give him grace and strength to become a faithful and true shepherd of the flock which he may be destined to lead - O that he did not see the great necessity of prayer - and using every means to be building up for a faithful steward over God's household it is indeed a great work - and a glorious work if undertaken - not lightly - but with a hearty desire to serve God - and our fellow creatures - may he think much more of the work than the profit - or he will not be an acceptable servant - God Almighty help him and rule his heart and govern all his actions amen - but it is his duty to ask God - to have his whole soul concerned in the preparations - it not a trifling concern it is for his life - and for the lives of many souls over whom he may be made overseer it is a most important trust - may he look deeply into it - may his thoughts - much very much engaged on this important business - I hope you will endeavour to bring these things to his mind - do all you can to set him forward in his work - that he may not go on it with his eyes only fixed on man, but on that God who searches the heart - and can discern its deepest recesses - accept - and present our united love - God bless you all
your Aff^t Mother H Liveing
Mrs Harold was not so much fatigued as she expected - she is in very delicate health Julia is in the nervous way that I was once and needs much pushing on - the rest are very well - if they are not persuade they are ill O dear O dear I suppose Charles had the cheese and took the articles to Aunt Harold I have heard from them that they had a delightful journey home and they found my B tolerably well but noticeably anxious which they have no notion of preventing

57. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 7 Dec 1831.
Liveing Archive 108 a-d LT9
In another hand: "Mrs Liveings letter December 7, 1831"

Mrs Ambrose
Copford
written last week
My dear Julia
I don't know how to advise you respecting a school for your Tom, as your mind is so set against sending him to London, I won't persuade you to send him, lest all should not turn out well, as who can tell it will. I have before mentioned Mr Seeman of Colchester he was brought up at the same school - and I think at the same time, Mr Webster was, he has spoken well of him several times to Harriet - and Mr Randfield puts his son there, and by what I hear they approve of the school - I expect it's only a plain school - I think I have heard you say you wish only one of that kind for him I know not that he is a strict master - and I fear that none but one that will be a master can command his unruly spirit, so as to be of any real use to him - I beseech you to pray to God to be directed to place him where he may be better led and taught. O what a mercy that would be - it would save you many trials and sorrows - I heartily pray God to help you to manage him all right. Never forget that he has a soul that can never die - that he is an accountable creature - never lose sight of that - think not because he has a child that it is time enough to call these truths to his mind, remember the word of God - tells you, to train up your Child - in the way he should - go - so you are to begin betimes - while he is a child - for if you let him rule you - instead of your ruling him while he is a Child, what will become of you, when he is a grown tyrant? besides for his soul's sake - strive to rule him better - and don't as I before said think it's all in good time - for
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let it ever rest in your mind, that the small - as well as the great, must - stand before God. This is a momentous consideration, let it ever be at hand when you have the immediate management of him, that it may urge you to more strict attention to him, for his soul's sake - and for all your souls sake, it is said there is a book of remembrance kept before God - may we never - never forget this - may it so operate on us as, to make us take more heed to our ways, remember it's no trifle to gain - or love the kingdom of heaven tis your bounden duty to do All - you can, to save your child, endeavour to impress on his mind - that God sees all he does - and hear's, all he say's - and knows what he thinks, and that the holy God will not suffer any bad people to go to heaven when they die - and what a dreadful thing that will be, and that if he used bad words - and tell stories - and behave ill, God will not love him - nor anybody else - and what a sad thing it will be to have nobody to love him - at all times when he behaves as he ought not, these things should be held out to him, that his mind may be fully impressed, with these truths - and, in time, they may have the good effect so devoutly to be desired - mind, no opportunity should be suffered to pass, without pouring in good instruction - never let his faults pass off - without admonition - if not correction - if you do, he will take advantage of you, and you will be accessory, in some measure to them - a great fault will fall on you - for which you must give an account - I have heard it remarked that the great reason why many good parents fail in governing their children right - after great care of them, is - because they neglect to water their works by fervent
Page 3
constant prayer, for the dew of heavenly grace - without which, we cannot expect to succeed - for what can the arm of flesh do, without the help of God? to guard then go daily hourly, for his divine assistance that you may have help in time of need - and when - O when is the time when you needed not ? remember the end - it will often keep you from doing wrong - especially when you recollect that, God is present - always, think not that you are losing time when you are looking after your children - I mean when you are restraining them and keeping them under government - it is time - not spent but well used - and will be acceptable to God - do not suffer them to herd with the men, and boys, make them play in the garden - for if they get to the other side of the house, you will soon lose them - and of course you can have no command over them - this cannot be done without trouble but you must not mind that - you must be determined, you must not give way - if you do, your government ceases - the souls of your children are at stake - keep them from evil - as much as possible - you will say how can I do this ? pray for help earnestly God has promised to give to those who ask in faith - believing you shall have what you earnestly and frequently request - if, you do not ask amiss - may God give you grace and strength - to manage rightly - it's a great trial I know - perhaps you may learn the character by enquiry, of the person who is going to take his present school - I wish, I could help you to fix him - but I have very few acquaintance - and live much out of the world, and therefore am not likely to know much about anything.
I have thought several times of the gun that was hanged up loaded - but not when I wrote - pray let the person
Page 4
who loaded it let it off - as so many accidents are happening, I can but wonder Ambrose could let it remain in the house loaded - by and by someone will take it down who either does not know that it is loaded - or do not think about it - and if they do not shoot themselves - may shoot some innocent person - if it is not discharged - pray let it be done directly - don't put it off any longer - and let him who loaded it let it off - for no one else knows what is put into it - don't suffer a loaded gun to remain in your house if you know it any more - tis our duty to guard against accidents - accept our best love and present it to Ambrose - I refer you to Henry - for some sad news - God bless you all praise your affectionate mother
H Liveing
monday evening

58. Harriet's Letters: To Her Daughter-in-Law Catherine Mary Downing, 18 Dec 1831, Harwich.
Original in Fenn archive Ref L09
This letter is written on all sides of one sheet folded inserted and sealed. Postmarked "Harwi De 18 1831" it is damaged where the seal has been fixed.
A note in George Downing Liveing's hand reads "My grandmother Liveing to my mother relates to my Uncle Henry's ordination & expected losses owing to changes in the Post Office service"

It is readdressed to:
Mr & Mrs J Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester
Essex

Mrs Liveing
Nayland
Suffolk
December 18, 1831
Sunday after Church

My dear Catherine
Knowing that you take a kind concern in any thing that meteriable affects us, induces me to write, not doubting that you are aware of Henry's being at London for Ordination and, supposing that you may not have heard from thence we thought it would afford you and Edw^d (at least) pleasing satisfaction to hear, thro Charles, that Henry has had four days examination, and has passed very satisfactorily indeed, the Bishop personally commended him for his good Latin, (and there is not a better critic in England) and also, said that he was well read in the Scriptures, indeed he appears to have done very well. Mr Scott has engaged that Henry should have Surplice Fees - which he says are L16 per annum. The Bishop talk to him much about the parish of Wix, and gave him his advice thereon. Henry dines with him tomorrow (Saturday) with the Bishop - and will be ordained on Sunday morning with 20 others - thus far all in Charles words. O he is and has been much on my mind may the Spirit of God be ever on him that he may not do the work of God by halves. God Almighty grant that he may stand up in his name and do the work of the Ministry faithfully heartily and acceptably to God that when he has preached to others he may not be a castaway - O do him the kindness to pray heartily
Page 2
for him its a duty we all owe each other and you are all much in my debt that way - I pray pay me that thou owest me.
I understand that the people at Wix are quarrelsome and that there are many Desenters there. I propose advising him to live as quietly among them as he can and by soft and persuasive manners and methods to win them over when occasion offers - a quarrelling clergyman can never do any good to the souls of the people around him - perhaps you will advise him on the subject. God prosper His work in his hands.
Charles sent a note he recently recd from Mr Scott Mrs Scott died lately his son and his wife (he writes) will be in London next week when our mortgage business will in all probability be settled which will be some relief to your Father's mind, you have heard no doubt of the great loss we are likely to have respecting Packets - and as it is not brought on by our own misconduct we bear it much better than if otherwise - as all the good things are only lent to us, He who gave them to us for a while has a right to take them again when He thinks fit - thus I look at it and I bless the God of all mercies that he has still allowed us to hold a part - that he has not taken all from us this is the doctrine I often set forth - it's a great comfort to bear in mind Gods care over us our Saviour says "even the hairs of your head are all numbered" and "are not two sparrows sold for a farthing and not one of them falls to the ground without your heavenly Father"
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then be of good courage - Ye of more value than many sparrows we are also directed "to cast our burden on the Lord and he will sustain us" We have had no official account of the intention of the port master General perhaps he has not come to a conclusion on the business - should go forward as it has been reported I don't know what William will do it appears that he is in danger of being turned adrift as one of the juniors but as I have said we don't know how it may turn out God orders all things best for us - our Lord says "man ought always to pray and not to faint" Charles letter came in a parcel by a neighbour last night but we did not get it till just as we were going to Church - Father would not open it till we came from Church fearing there might be something to make us anxious. God be praised all was well as far as it goes. Charles says there will another dividend . . . . . Jackamans paid only the 3rd January - I sh. . . . . 3d in the pound - they have been no little time settli. . . . . this pretty business. I continue sadly deaf how thankful I should be to hear only as well as I usually do - I cant hear half the sermon - not enough to edify from it at all - I am a sad trouble to those who talk to me - I have had oil of almonds dropped in my ear - and I have had both ears syringed with warm soap and water but I dont find benefit at all. Mrs Graham tells meet Mr Graham has found benefit from warm rum being put in I have only had it once - for I have had a most violent stiff neck - I have been in agonies. Harriet ironed it nearly from morning till night which relieved me very much - it is not yet quite right - I propose in a day or two to try the rum again
Accept and present our best love to Edward and to all our friends
God be with you all prays your aff Mother
H. Liveing
Page 4
Harriet is very poorly - looks about the colour of a turnip I think she much want some pills like those Edwd ordered for Miss Beaumont - she puts me in pain to see her - our new troubles have not made her better
I don't know whether Julia has heard from London so if you please direct this to her and put it in your post.
Charles adds we hope you are all better should be glad to hear how you get on - one of us will write when Henrys affair is over.

Let me dear Julia have this letter again when you have an opportunity because I like to keep them when I'm not ordered to burn them - I wish I had many more for there is always something good in them - we are all well and unite in kind love
Your affectionate Sister
C. M. Liveing

59. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 22 Dec 1831, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 41a-c LT4
No envelope written on both sides of one sheet, a note glued to the letter reads
22 December 1831 Capt Deane out of PO service heavy work for rest Quarantine in Holland owing to Cholera here Uncle Henry ordained at St James Picc Uncle Charles bad nose

Harwich December 22, 1831
My dear Julia
I don't know whether you have heard any further of or from Henry, since you saw my letter to Catharine, which I suppose she directed to you - we had a letter from Charles last Tuesday - which I shall transcribe as (if you have not heard from Harry) it will give you pleasure - Charles says as Henry is gone to Bromley to Mr Scott I have promised to write - but I am so ill today although I am better that I have not been to the office today, I have had a very painful and inflamed nose I have been compelled to have advice - it is now better and will do very well, but it made my throat and head very bad - Henry has passed a very capital examination - the Bishops took much notice of him - and when he gave them the chance after the examination was over he said publicly that this year's examination altogether was the best he had ever known and that all the men had done well, very well, but that 5 of them were very superior - and he named them - and I am happy to say that Henry was one of them - which was very creditable - there were 36 men examined - although I was very ill yet I and Robert went to see him ordained - which took place yesterday (Sunday last) at St James Church Piccadilly - by the Bishops of London after a most impressive sermon to them. Henry is going to Cambridge I think - before his return to take his Masters Degree - providing Mr Barminster will officiate for him on Christmas Day, you will soon see him, and then he will tell you how kindly the Bishop was in giving him private advice about his parish etc" - you will I am sure partake of the same feelings with us on Henry's passing through so well - but O dear Julia unite your prayers with mine that he may be ordained
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of God - to stand up in His name to proclaim the glad tidings of the Gospel.
We have heard nothing more from the Post Office Capt Deane being out of the service makes the duty come more heavily on those who remain - I am really sorry for them all - for they are nearly prisoners in their vessels they are obliged to perform quarantine at Holland now the Dutch have learned that we have Cholera so they will not allow them to come onshore - William we learn had a good and quick passage to Cuxhaven, he sailed on Friday morning and arrived at Cuxhaven on Sunday and took the mail on the Thursday following - I fear he will not have a good passage back - God preserve him - God order all things best - for him - and for us all - for we know not what is best in this world for ourselves - we hope you are all pretty well we are much as usual - thank God not worse - I am still deaf - I am thankful that Charles could tell us that he was better - for I think the nose is a very serious part to be so inflamed - as I don't know where Henry may be I have added my letter to him to yours and I wrote to Charles yesterday - and said several things then that I wished Henry to know - thinking then he may yet be with him - perhaps you may know whether Edw has heard from Charles or Henry since his ordination if not they would like to hear about it you can cut this off from the other side and add half a sheet to it and send it to Nayland.
accept our united love and present it to Ambrose and your sons - hoping that they have learnt to behave well to everybody - but more particularly to their parents if not they cannot go to heaven when they die - what a dreadful thing that will be - tell them I say so - God bless you all
H Liveing
Inserted at the top of page1
how our time runs - another year nearer to eternity - are we better prepared for it - than we were last year.

60. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 3 Feb 1832, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 110 a-d LT9
Note in another hand: "Feb 3 1832 old Mrs Ambrose has cancer" Postmarked Harwich 3FE 1832

Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester
Essex
postage paid single

Harwich Feb^y 3^d 1832
My dear Julia
I am really ashamed that you should rob yourself of eggs to supply us - father says bless her heart she is very kind, and swallows the eggs, and enjoying himself. I am glad Ambrose has sold his mare - as the keeping it in London must have run away with all his profit presently - I hope the one he has taken in exchange will answer his purpose - I also hope that he will soon sell that, that he now drives before harm comes to it - as it is so full of spirits - and play, I am so afraid it should kick and lose it's good character - I hope he will be fortunate enough to sell it shortly - I have begged Henry not to use it any more - I am heartily grieved for poor Mrs Ambrose having suffered so much myself, by dread of cancer that I truly pity her - I suppose you allude to plaisters I had, which no doubt brought forward the hardness of my breast to a large sore - which I have ever reason to bless and praise God brought my trouble to an end, as the whole hardness discharged away. My breast had broken eight times before, I had the plaisters - but the discharge was not plentiful enough to unburden the breast - I constantly
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wore a poultice night and day for many months - except the time it was fomenting, which, was two hours in the morning, and two hours at night. If I remember right - and I feel quite sure - that I always kept a poultice to my breast even when I had one of the before mentioned plaisters on the plaister was of course next my breast - and the poultice over it - I shall readily do anything in my power to help poor Mrs A - but I fear her complaint is from a different cause from mine - no doubt that mine was never of a cancerous nature but from coagulated milk as your Uncle told me since - if it had, I should have had one - it astonishes me now, that I did not apply to your Uncle instead of Dr Clubbe. Uncle has since told me he should have covered my breast with leeches - O! What a world of anxiety should I have been saved from - my breast from the beginning of the hardness to the last great discharge was nearly 3 years - that I was delivered at last, is a matter of lasting praise, and heartfelt thanksgiving and if I am so wicked, as to forget for a time - to lift up my soul to God in remembrance of his great mercy - in delivering me from such a load of trouble - I always take shame to myself and renew my thankfulness - the plaisters I had were called family plaisters, which were spread at Mr Bannett's a farmer at Westerfield - a few miles from Ipswich - you pay a shilling, for the home keeper spreading them - I know not whether the people are alive - as it is 30
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years at least since I had them - but as they were set much by, no doubt the recipe was given to one of the family - I would have written to somebody at Ipswich and have hired someone to go to Westerfield and tried to have found out where they might be had - if the Mr Bannett is dead where I had them - but I thought as Mrs Ambrose has put herself under Mr Hagnes's care - she would not like to apply to any means of herself - but if - she wishes to try one - I will do what I can to get her one - I had one first, which they told me would bring the sore forward - but if not, the second would not fail - and which I was glad to send for - and which as I before said completed the cure. When the complaint is cancerous the whole blood is affected - a plaister you must know cannot remove the blood - but there is a state before the blood is generally affected - when a lump may be taken out - and the patient be restored - was I Mrs Ambrose - I should without delay beg of Haynes to be ingenuous and tell me his opinion - and I should also beg that he would call some other surgeon to consult on my case without further loss of time - as I know there is much danger in putting off to long - any operation will not avail then I would urge her all I could - her mind is now distressed - and it may be by consultation she may be relieved - I have looked attentively at Toms drawing - and with you I am surprised at his performance - in particular as it is his first attempt - perhaps by - and by he may burst out a shining man - O if you could but teach him to govern his temper - what a happy event that would be - at any rate it is your duty - your imperative duty to take every opportunity - not suffering one, to pass without laying hold on the means offered to bring about so highly undesirable and event - the salvation of his soul in great measure depends on the right government of the mind - for I am fully persuaded that a bad temper may be corrected - and in a great degree brought round - by good management strive to convince the mind to alarm the conscience - that there are no bad tempers in heaven - that it is impossible to go to that holy place - if evil tempers are not gotten the better of - bad tempers make people unhappy here and miserable hereafter - I am glad that he is penitent sometimes - you ought to write to him - and set forth how much he had distressed you by his behaviour and that God always knows - when he behaves ill to you - and to anybody else - and that he does not love wicked children - and add that you are very glad that he is sorry for his fault - and that you hope he will keep his word - and not use you ill any more - nor behave ill to anybody - or he cannot expect that God will bless him - which would be a dreadful thing - do pray lead his mind to God - and pray that your endeavours may be blessed - God works by means - let us use them with an eye to his blessing - our time may be short (mind must be) let us then not pass the opportunity - when we may do good - it may not occur again - leave no means untried
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if you can accomplish so happy an end - you will do him much more essential service than by saving him a fortune - for a good temper may promote his everlasting concerns - I mean that it may prevent his falling into many errors and on which the impetuosity of his disposition will lead him - I pray God to help you - much very much responsibility hangs on parents - strive to do them your children's good - use discretion and discharge your trust faithfully which God has committed to your care

Father is tollerable but has just seen that a small farm of Mr Scott's is to be sold - and has taken into his mind that all is not right I am to write by this post to Charles respecting our business I am pretty well except that I have had a good deal of strange pain - and commuld (?) Feeling in my head - God fit me to leave this world and all will be well - with love and our best wishes - that God may be with you and all of you - may his blessing eternally rest on all my dear family - prays your Aff^t Mother H Liveing

Did Ambrose bring any tea for us - which Charles went to buy.

61. Harriet's Letters: to daughter Harriet Fenn nee Liveing, 10 Feb 1832.
Original in Fenn Archive L10
Written on four sides of one page, sent in an envelope it appears.
Separate note by G D Liveing "my grandmother to my Aunt Fenn 1832 on birth of my brother Edward - various family matters"

My dear Harriet
I am thankful I ought to have said we are thankful that it has please God to bring dear Catherine thus far thro - Father unites his love with mine to her and say we join our praises to God with her as for His great mercies vouchsafed and trust Him for a continuance of them to her let us hear from you soon we hope you'll be able to give a good account another Liveing come into the world!! if he lives may he be a blessing to his parents - to his relatives, and to all about him, I pray that God may give him a right mind then he will be a blessing to himself - then God will crown him with blessings everlasting - O may these blessings rest on every branch of my dear family may the end be always kept in view, then how differently we should all act - in many things, how many words we should leave unsaid - how many evils, and follies would be avoided - how much more our lives would benefit others and eventually ourselves it has been strongly recommended to let three words ever hang on the mind "God is present" was the mind early imbibed with the sense that God is so near (always) it would be a means of leading them to Him. God direct and keep us all, may he never - never leave us. Talk to Tom - endeavour to impress his mind that the eye of the Almighty God is ever on him - and
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that if he hopes to do well in this world and to obtain the blessed of the next (thro atoneing blood) he must ever remember that not only the omniscient God sees him here but he must stand one day to be judged before that Mighty God - this impression will be a means to prevent his falling into many evils, and follies, and will leave him frequently to mentally address the Almighty on very many occasions in life knowing that He alone can lead him right - and can alone give grace and power to practice right - to Him may he look - to Him may we all look for help and comfort.
I sat up in my bed and wrote thus far - Mrs Logan led us to think we might get Mrs Whalebone to do for Henry but she is much engaged at home as her youngest daughter is in delicate health has been brought up a dress make (as it is termed) and cannot do hard work her son wants her assistance also, so she has enough to do - Mrs Logan told me she had set her brains to work to find somebody that would take care and do for him but can't think of anybody - I have written to Julia to exert herself for him and now request you to ask Catherine to turn over in her mind who are fit and likely to be willing to serve him - she ought not to be very young for the sake of character and if she is not careful - she will half ruin him - she need be careful clean and able to cook in a common plain way the boy he is to have is a quiet handy boy - remarkably to Julia he is as good as half the maidservants - which would accommodate the woman very much - I can't help feeling
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very anxious respecting him and should feel it a mercy should a proper person be found - a new servant is a formidable event to me - I dread having to do with one - or I should not always keep one so long - should you find one write to Julia at once.
Pray remember us to Mrs Harrold and Uncle - I shall be glad to hear that her good health is confirmed - I told Mr Logan yesterday of her arm - O a slight touch of palsy don't say I said so to Uncle - have you taken care of his letter?
I should have written yesterday, but as Tom's shirts are so bad I was willing to send the two Ive had made - we have had a wash, this rainy foggy weather and all the things I have bought for Henry in it - I have measured all the parts of the shirt and when you have seen them on and enquired how they are for length I purpose cutting more out as they can make the now at school - but you must let me hear from you first and say how many he wants - I would only have a convenient number as this is his growing time.
Willm came in on Tuesday noon and was liberated yesterday morning - he takes the Mail for Holland (as he has been four times to Cuxhaven and does not come on turn with bridge) he is pretty well - Father has been sadly anxious about his being so long behind - I feel he may be called to account for laying so long in Yarmouth roads but I endeavour to hope that the best he could not lay there for pleasure - for nobody could go to him nor he go onshore - dont say anything about when you write.
At last I have sent Ms Alstons book which I hope you will get safely
pray remember me very kindly to her and thank her for the loan of it so long I hope she is in better health.
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It's a fine morning I mean to take a walk I have given up figs although they do not appear (to me) to disagree with me but much to the contrary - as I cut them in thin pieces before I eat them. I suppose I may eat an apple as I cannot do so without scraping - I seem to want something but I will forbear if necessary - I seldom take any other vegetable than potatoes - not them without they boil well - or they would give me pain directly - I thank God I have not had any other pains (or but seldom) than those I complain of in my head except rheumatic pains which fly about me in various parts.
Father bids me say if you want any money you must let us know and he will send you some.
Give our love to all the dear little children - I suppose they are all pleased with their new brother, except Anne - remember us kindly to Mrs Downing tell her we congratulate her on Catherine's affair - my love to Edd and tell him I beg he will use every means to be rid of the cough he has - the damp weather is against him
God bless you all forever
prays your Afft Mother
H. Liveing
Friday February 10, 1832

62. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 20 Mar 1832.
Liveing Archive 120a-d LT11
In another hand "March 20, 1832 question of steamer contract for Holland mails" postmarked Harwich 20 MR

Mrs J Ambrose
Copford
Essex
near Colchester
post paid

My dear Julia
We were very glad to learn by one of the Market people that Henry was able to do duty on Sunday - the man also said, (at least your father understood so) that (he thought) there would be double duty tomorrow also. F enquired whether he was at his own house?, the reply was "he supposed so - but did not know" though he thinks hardly of me (which I am not at all conscious of deserving, but much - very much to the contrary, knowing myself to be, one of his very best friends) I do not neglect to pray for him, that God would be pleased to order all things best for him and that he may be directed right and that the blessing of God may come on him - and that he may become a blessing to the people of God's household - may Almighty God hear my prayers for all things are possible with him - I cannot repent of anything I have said to him - I did no more than my duty then - and I still think the same.
I hope to hear that you are much better take care that you do not take cold in these cold winds - it's bad whether for travelling - saw Henry took good care to wrap up well - when Edwd had to go out at the time when he was indisposed - he had not only a great coat - but a second - in all three coats two pairs of stockings and a shawl around his neck ears and mouth - and it is plain that care is very necessary. Mrs Deane asked your father whether John would come home for Easter holidays. F told her he did not know your intention, her reason for enquiring is, that her brothers horse has fallen down and broken its knees
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and they can't send him so long a journey, and said if you send for John she should be much obliged if you would bring master Deane with him as far as your house and her brother would send for him from thence - and she wished to know that provision might be made, so your father promised to write and ask you whether you meant to have John home. Your father would have had me yesterday but I put it off till today, now pray don't let what I have said be the means of your sending for John - for my own part I think it a bad plan to unsettle children - in this way - and it sadly breaks in on their studies - but, this I leave with you to do as you please - only don't let master Deane make you do what you otherwise would not, they must contrive some other way - if they are determined to have him from school. Last week the mayor received a letter from the post office requesting him to call the corporations - and anybody else and enquire whether any - or all of them would contract with them to find three steamers in a week, two to go to Holland, and one to Cuxhaven - what a request to make poor Harwich - if they can't find people more able they must - go without steam, so you see the alteration is not lost sight of, what the event will be we cannot tell, we have heard nothing more. Willm I hope is at Cuxhaven, Thursday is his turn home - God send him safely through the stormy weather, and through all the storms - and calms (also) of this life. O good God bring all my dear family safely home to the - with their poor old father and mother at their head, safely carry us all through sickness and also to help, for health - and prosperity has its temptations - and is surmounted by many trials, and very many dangers
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all why does our church direct us to pray to be delivered in all times of tribulation - and equally we beg, to be delivered in our wealth for prosperity is quite as likely to carry us away - and make us forget who, kindly gives us so many good things - (for from God every good and perfect gift comes) we are but to apt to call them our own, alas! alas! what may we truly say is our own, but our sins? Health - wealth - friends, this large fortune, how often it flees from us - and we can retain little - or no part of this great estate, this shows us, where, we should place our trust . . . . . be but one friend who can - always stand by us - who can always deliver us in pain - and in trouble - in the hour of death - and in the day of judgement, let us then in what ever state we are in - fasten our eye on God - as His eye is ever on us, O pray remember this it will be a great means to keep you from doing wrong, and leading you right - may God Almighty ever guide you - and all of you - and oh may his blessing be on you all forever - and forever, God hear a mother's prayers, Amen Amen - write as soon as you can as we shall be glad to hear from you - and Mrs Deane wants to hear your determination sadly? - H - does not recover her spirits - she has had no reply to the letter she addressed to Mrs Goodwin for information respecting her brothers affairs - I wonder they have not sent an answer of some kind - as she held out a hope of sending a few pounds - don't say anything about it when you write it's a tender point she cannot bear to be touched on - poor Mrs Ambrose I am heartily sorry for her situation - remember us to her and to Marie - it is sometime since we heard from London, do you know how they all do? I shall be glad to hear that they are all well - and I hope it will please God that your Tom may be well - and do well and that he may hereafter be a comfort to you - remember I never persuaded you to send him to London - don't keep him there against your inclination - for my own part I can't advise you where to send him - only it should be where he may be governed - you say write kindly to Henry I have never done otherwise - I wish he had even been as kind to us as I have been to him - he has never treated us as friends - and parents - only used us as necessaries - but I have chooked and swallowed and have stroved hard to look
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over it - and have smoothed it down many times to his father - and have persuaded him to do what he wanted of him - but he does not see things in the true light God give him a new heart and a right mind and all things will appear in a different aspect
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Pray remember us very kindly to Ambrose and say I think I shall not ever forget his attention to Henry - and that I feel much indebted to his kindness - accept our united love - once more I pray God to bless you believe me your ever Aff Mother
H Liveing

63. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 27 Mar 1832, Harwick.
Liveing Archive 109 a-d LT9
In another hand: "from Mrs Liveing Aunt Downes died March 27, 1827 Robert Fenn born March 27, 1814"

March 27th 1832
Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester
Essex
post paid

my dear Julia
I write merely to persuade you not to defer taking medicine to prevent such an attack as you had last year, if it pleases God to bless the means, I earnestly hope and pray that God will have mercy on you, and spare you if you are not likely to see Edw^d you had better go to him, pray don't put off, your father paid Mr Logan on Saturday we received a short note from Henry this morning, wherein he says that it is his intention to go to your house today - tell him I have written a note to him and put it in the parcel of linen and have also packed the looking glass with all the care we could and hope that he may get it without injury - I have also sent some potatoes, but they are not what the Dutch people call seed potatoes, such as we had I have sent - as I know not that any others can be had, as they do not go onshore when at Holland - so what ever they get - is what they choose to send they have no choice - I understand that the Dutch plant them whole and put them (I think) a foot apart I am sorry to hear that you have an infectious fever so near you - God keep you all from taking it, if it was Cholera a greater alarm would be felt, but, I should think the fever you speak of, must bear bad, it is no doubt our duty to avoid sickness, and trouble as much as we can, but, we cannot hide ourselves from God, with all the cure, we can use then, surely it is our duty, as well as our great privilege, to call on God for help, to grant us the blessing of repentance, the blessing of faith, the blessing of a new heart, and right mind, that we may live in a constant preparation for the solemn hour of death
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who can - reckon with certainty on tomorrow ? when tonight our souls may be required of us, man giveth up the ghost - and where is he ? O Lord work in us what ever is wanting, to fit us for thy divine acceptance, tis thou that must do all - for us, without thee, we can, and do nothing as we ought, consider your ways look well into your heart, pray for a due sense of God's mercies - pray for the help of his holy spirit - pray for yourselves - pray for your relatives for those who are near in particular, and O pray for your poor Father and Mother, we need your prayers our time is far spent - our day of departure is at hand according to our course of years - pray that we may be made acceptable, O Lord fit us for thy salvation for Christ's sake - this is a memorable day, five years this day my poor Aunt Downes resigned her soul into the hands of him who gave it - how time flies!! tis 18 years this day since Robert drew his first breath how many mercies have we received in these years ? let us call them to mind and be thankful, how many troubles have endured ? let us bless God that he has held us up thus far through them, let us not repine under them, but let us be humble - let us be thankful for the blessings he has still vouchsafed us, O that we did not love God more - that we did but serve him in Spirit and in Truth, for no other worship will be accepted, this spiritual worship we must entreat him to give us, from whom every good and perfect gift comes, O good God help us, be in earnest - and pray in faith my dear Julia, heartless prayers are more likely to bring a curse than a blessing - they must be an offence to omuiseience (sic), we have had many deaths recently here, two of them sudden, Horn who used to bathe people was struck with death at the Cups Tap - and was led home - but survived but a few hours - drink has laid the foundations of death for years past, poor old Holman died yesterday a day or two before he papered our house - pulled out his watch and instead of putting it into his fob he let it on the ground but did
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not attempt to take it up, but somebody who saw it fall took it up and gave it to him - he took it in almost senseless state - not seeming to know whether it was his or not - poor man his has been a life of trial indeed, his friend are very respectable people of property, they live in Sudbury - he had handsome property himself when he married, which was against their consent, they thought his wife an improper person for him, and so she proved, you remember how she drank - and some how he lost all - or nearly all his money - he had only one son - a fine handsome young man - but O a bad liver - drink bought him to his end, bought on consumption he died about two months since his mother died about two months before him and the poor old man fretted so long for his accumulated troubles that it produced not only indisposition but childishness - poor man I hope he has had all his sufferings in this world and that he has entered into his rest, I think poor man he can have had no comfort here Mrs Pool has chiefly supported them - best not compare our situations in life with his - and let us ask ourselves whether we deserved more than he did ? if any discontent arise in our hearts let us take shame and repentance to ourselves - and let us adore that God, who has bestowed so many comforts on us, and let us use them carefully, with thankfulness, and entreat God if it be his will to continue these blessings to us - and let us be careful not to offend him in even desiring more than he sees fit to give - or may we not expect that he will take from - instead of adding to them O that these important truths did but dwell on all our minds in due sense of these mercies, would make us heartily thankful tell Henry what I have said, and may he learn to live near to God - may he see God in all that befalls him - for nothing happens to him - or to any of us - but by his permission - O may you all keep this great truth in mind - it will enable you to bear up under all the events in life - when we consider from whose hand they come - and that he does not affect any willingly - O may we learn
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patience - and humility - and submission - then we shall learn to please God, then we may have a well grounded hope that we shall for Christ's sake find bliss eternal in the world to come O may your dear Father with myself when we stand before God say here we are with the children thou has given us we bless therefore all thy mercies
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we shall be very glad to hear how you and Ambrose does - don't make it long before you write as we shall want to hear from you - Henry does not say how he does - so we hope that he is pretty well - and I hope and trust that he will see all the events in life in a very different light - I pray God that he may look on them in the true light - and learn to be content and thankful accept and present our united love to Henry and Ambrose - may the God of heaven be your guide through this life to a better prays your Aff^t Mother H Liveing
I am glad that Tom holds in a penitent mind - when you see him - or write to him - make the most of it - and keep it up if possible - it will be his and your advantage - God help you in using the means
we are pretty well - fathers back is weak says he cannot walk much longer but he has walked to Dovercourt this afternoon - he often talks about a chaise say how Mrs Ambrose goes

64. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 9 Apr 1832, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 121a-d LT11
In another hand "Ap 9 1832 old Mrs Ambrose operated on Tom Fenn with E Harold Thorogood's and Elizabeth call."

Dear Julia
Harwich April 9, 1832
You are so often sending us some good thing, that I always say it is a shame to take them in, I have now to thank you for a bottle of cream - by your scalding it, it kept good as long as we kept it - and you're F, and indeed all of us enjoyed it very much - could I send you fish in return I should not be vexed at your sending - but it unluckily happens that when any tolerably good fish offers - the coach is gone and we have no means of sending it, so as to reach you in tolerably good time - we were indeed as you suppose struck at Mrs Ambrose's strength of mind - resolution - and nerve - to submit to so severe an operation so readily - and to pass through it so courageously, poor woman I heartily congratulate her - say we are all very glad that she was enabled to bear up under so severe a trial. God indeed is merciful. O had it been me, what should I have done? My weak nerves would have sank, I think long time to hear how she is going on.
I am very sorry to tell you that I have had a severe attack of Erysipelas again - I was taken as before with chills, and high fever followed - attended with a very, very bad headache and a burning swelled face which rose up in blisters - and Harriet said it was as red as the highest coloured beef. Mr Logan gave me calomet pill and a draft from which I suffered much - but eventually it did me good - the fever was much abated - the next day he told me he was frightened for me for he thought I was going to be very seriously ill. I had previously taken cold and had a stomach cough so altogether I felt it serious enough - but I bless God that I am so much better - I had a bad night last night from having added to my cough - which was bad indeed. I have not cough so much today I may
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heartily say God be praised - I did not get up till past noon I was in bed all Sunday - I have just now heard that I may after all this, have another attack next week. I am taking medicine every three hours. I pray God to have mercy on me and fit me for a better world if you have seen Edwd recently he has told you what Charles is looking up to all I can say is, God order all best for him - and poor Robert - who some time since wrote that he is satisfied with his earnings - and in particular as the country is in such an oppressed state, poor boy he bids fair to turn out well - I earnestly hope it will please God to be his guide - we hear no complaints of his brother - he writes that he thinks, he is in the good graces of his Uncles and Aunts - and that, he hopes by persevering and endeavouring to do his best, that they will go on to respect him. What a mercy it will be should they both turn out well. I preach to Harriet on the subject- of thankfulness, poor boys it a source of comfort to me, when I think of them that we have room to hope - the best, who know not - the event - but let us pray and hope, as long as we can. Tom says "Mr and Mrs Thorogood brought Elizabeth and dined with us - while John Ambrose was here" (the young ones enjoyed themselves very much had famous play in the garden, and yard, and John as much pleased as any of them, this Mr Thorogood told me - they had a day of romps) Tom added. I think John is much improved he is reading Virgil (I think) at an age when I was only in Latin grammar, and by what I could gather from him, for I questioned him respecting what he had learned, he appears to comprehend pretty well what he had been doing, I think he will be a clever fellow by and by, this is Tom's opinion of him - this is a good account of him, and I should think will make you thus far satisfied with Mr Plume. Mrs Russell (?) I think I told you before thinks very well of Tom's abilities - but added that he had been sadly neglected - now my dear Julia - and Ambrose take my
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advice when these children come home - be as kind to them as you can - but be their parents - be in your places - be their governor be determined - and when they find that you are so - they will learn their duty, and obey, talk to them, reason with them, tell them that they cannot expect that God will bless them without they obey their parents, and what a dreadful thing it will be to be without the blessing of God - they cannot go to heaven when they did - what a shocking thing that will be - lead to - and explain the fifth commandment - enlarge on it, set forth too them, how very kind you have been to them, and what a sad thing it would be if they lost their father and mother - and how often you were both indisposed - and when they did not behave themselves well, then it vexed you so much, it made you ill - and one day it might make you die with grief - and what would they do them?
Thursday Morning
keep their Eternal interest ever in view, use all your powers to promote their everlasting benefit, the task is a great one - and much care and attention is absolutely necessary - to accomplish so great - so good an end, for what would be great riches, if - you could acquire them for them, in comparison to their loss of soul - in comparison to heavenly riches, consider this for their sakes consider - for your own soul sake, lest they appear at the day of judgement against you and accuse you of not warning them sufficiently - of not guiding them constantly - of not managing them well, in short, of not being their governor the longer I live the more I see the necessity of living near to God if we would be gathering a well grounded hope of eternal rest - and after our own souls what concerns us to much as, the happiness, the bliss everlasting of our family? in bringing these important truths to your minds (for you had need to be of the same mind, to govern your children - join hand in hand - heart and heart to accomplish so happy and event - with frequent earnest, prayer from divine assistance - for you can do nothing to good purpose without God) I relieve my own mind - I feel that I am only doing a mother's part. God send his blessing with this my endeavour to serve your true interest. I conclude with the ardent prayer for his family of that good man Dr Alexd Waugh when on his deathbed "O that thou wouldest send the heavens and come down and crown them, with thy loving kindness"
I thank God that I am all the better for having a better night Mr L added laudanum to my drafts to still my cough as it was so very bad which as usual brought on headache - but I bless God that that is much
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since I have left the bed - thus you see goodness and mercy follows me through life - O Lord forsake me not - I have sent you two letters from Robert they are treasures pray take care of them that we may have them again, I think you will be pleased to see them - I have sent you a letter from Charles - full of I was going to say hopes - but he is as sure of the desired effect as if it was confirmed - but we have mentioned the prospect to no one - poor Harriet won't suffer herself to be elated till the event takes place. I had not at first thought of sending the letters - but again considered you would take pleasure in perusing them - what a change in the state. God order all events best for us, and keeps us from riots - it's best to be as quiet respecting the business as may be, and not aggravate our opponents - pray God that all may pass off well. What a change in the weather how cold it is - I don't know when my face will be shall be fit to be seen, but it is the hand of God - may I submit patiently to all the trials he may see fit to visit me with - give our love to Ambrose and accept of our affectionate regards. I hope your health is recovering
believe me your Affte Mother
H Liveing

65. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 19 Apr 1832, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 122 a-d LT11
In another hand "April 19, 1832 Question of steam contract for the Mails - Henry gives charity beyond his means"

Mrs John Ambrose
Copford.

My dear Julia
I am sit down to write lest you should think I have forgotten you, and also because we want to know how you do, I heartily hope you are much better than when we heard last from you - I never write to Henry without endeavouring to convince him the great need he has to use prudence every way, and that it must be wrong to spend what does not belong to us - and if we give more than we can afford - we give other peoples property for if I am charitable and give: and then, have not wherewith to discharge my just debts I give away what is not mine to give - but I rob to be liberal which must be wicked - if by denying myself I can save anything then I may help the necessitated and do good - but I observed that he could not do for a numerous poor population he might do what he could with prudence then send them to the Parish who is much more able to support them then (sic) he was, if he pleased he might recommend them to the Parish Officers - but I added - I would do it in such a way as not to subject myself to insult, for they are not the most pleasant people to do with. I have several times set forth his inability to do much. I told him to that if he gave wine it would soon empty his pocket - I told him I would give him a few bottles of mine, but I am very sorry to find that I have little myself, and am frequently called on to give. I would have made some raisin wine according to your directions, but on enquiry for raisins, they told us it was too late to make it - that they had sold all the fruit, so I was forced to give it up fearing that it would work till it was sour - I wish I had thought of it in time - and am very sorry I did not - for I should have been glad to have added to my own stock - however vexed he might be with these letters
Page 2.
I sent before he left you - still I am glad that I wrote them - it was right for me to do what I could to save him from debt as far as I could - I pray God to bless all the means that has been used every way, and from every quarter to direct him right - don't neglect to add your praying with mine that he may act in all things as in the sight of God, that he may become worthy of his vocation and may be a humble instrument of leading others to God - all things are possible with God - may He enable him to show the way to heaven by example as well as by precept - he is much on my mind, and so you all - I can hardly pray for myself alone - you are all tied and bound so close to me - that I can hardly say, "Lord help me" - but Lord helps us all - all my dear family.
poor Mrs Ambrose hers is a severe trial - God standby - and help her poor thing hers is a lost cause. I pray God to fit her for her great change which must come ere long, so you will say - and justly too that it must come ere long to me - but a cancer appears a particular distressing form. Lord support all through the dark valley - to the dawn of eternal day of bliss - O God fit us - work in us what ever is wanting to make us acceptable in thy sight through Christ our Lord Amen so be it poor Mrs Ambrose has she been operated on ? how did she bear it ? poor thing to go through so much and then not avail! O dear dreadful! you are right not to persuade any more - for they may think you are interested in her life - I feel very sorry for her
you have seen Charles no doubt and heard of your Tom - and Charles lost his ague when he returned ? Mr Witheats man called here today your Father directed him to leave two dozen of port with you when they sent your way - he promised to do so - so you see we think of coming to see you one day - and helping to drink the wine up - but we shall be very glad to see you here, and Ambrose also - you don't put us out - so we are glad of your company - last Friday I was reading some of the debates of council I put my head down to read, and when I left off I had such a pain in one side of my neck and such a soreness I could not touch it I hoped it was only spasm - but that side of my face burnt and pricked and swelled up - my head ached and chills came on and I felt unwell I put my feet in hot water at bedtime - and had to warm bed - but had a sad night from a good deal of fever - and an inflamed face rising in lumps - my neck was swelled also - I expect it is enysipelas - I have not been out the
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house till I went to church today - my face has been quite a sight - it is much abated not gone - nor indeed it never is - ever will be - I never was attacked in so violent and sudden manner before, I expect it was brought on from stomach ailing, for I think I may say for the last half year I have been often troubled with spasmodic pains in my side and back body and between my shoulders - and shoulder blade - neck and they have increased lately very much - it's very striking I have never since my face has been so bad felt any of those pains except once, and that was not much, so they (for the present) have worked out at my face, one cannot choose or I should have been very glad had they worked off out of sight, but it is the hand of God - let me not complain he is merciful - has kindly relieved me from breast ailing - His holy name be praised for ever more. I bless God that your father is looking so well - he complains of pain in his back - sometimes more sometimes less - when it is worse he complains more of weakness I don't know how it is - but he don't look at his infirmities so much from years - as from other causes - years I tell him are generally attended by a train of indispositions one producing another - but a worn constitution brings them forward I tell him God is letting us slip into our grave by degrees, O that we may see his hand in all that befals (sic) us, and may all our troubles loosen the hold the world has on us, pray for us, that we may be prepared to leave it - when He sees fit to call us hence, we need each other's prayers.
I some time ago bought a number of remnants of sheeting I have matched several of them as well as we could - and made them into sheets, I have sent you two of them, they are good enough for my bed, so I dare say you will think them good enough for your bed - I thought as Henry was so long at your house he must pretty well wear a pair of sheets so these will make up the loss that way - you said he had three more old calico sheets - did he take them with him - because I promised to mend them but they were not sent to me - if they are worn any more without turning they will be one rag - I wanted something to wear every day - for I have only had on my old blue - and my blue gingham all the winter - I have been in the shabby order for a good while - so I have just made
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up a cheap one - and we think a pretty one - I have sent you a pattern of it, it is 9p½ per[?] Yard - about the width of silk - 12 yards is only 9s-6d if you like one of it - and will send a gown that fits you Harriet and I will endeavour to make it - I have also sent another pattern the same price - they are both pretty I didn't know which to buy - but took the darkest because I thought it would suit me best - or I thought I rather liked the star best they have hardly cut enough for you to see the pattern - I think it is the finest of the two - it does not make a heavy gown - Mr C Hast one of our head reformers corresponds with Mr Weston the County member - Mr H requested him to enquire what was doing respecting the Packets - his answer is (for Louisa saw the letter) that a tender has been made to carry the mails by steam for £13,500 per annum - and if so it will most likely be accepted, but one would think they could not fulfil their engagement a year if more than half the year at such a low rate, the only offer that was made before was £32,000 and report said they were very indifferent whether they had the contract or not. Willm heard of the new tender just as he was going to sail last Thursday and comforted himself that he should be employed in the Gothenburg station, at least he look forward to it - for he knows not what will be done at present - nor perhaps no one else, it appears that something will be done - if there is it will be a sad loss for us if W loses his birthe and we lose the Gothenburg vessels, but whatever is, is by the permission of God, let us be thankful for whatever he leaves us, I suppose you have read the debates if the bill passes - woe - is denounced against all properly - the funded I think in particular - O dear we have a bad prospect before us I fear - God's forbearance has been great and long - and wickedness increase very much for many years past we must therefore expect punishment - O that it may bring us to timely repentance - Bridge came from Holland very ill he did not own that he had had a fit - but Mr Coates saw him - and he had great difficulty in getting up from the boat with the help
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of a stick and his mouth was so drawn on one side that it was frightful - Mrs Coats told Harriet this - and that Mr Coats asked him if he had had a fall he said no - it was sciatica - but Mr C - thought his whole side was affected - but he is gone to sea today - looking very ill indeed - should it please God to give him repentance of All his sins - what a mercy ! ! ! I can tell nothing about the wear of the crêpe - as I have never put on the gown till today - Wednesday night Thursday - I have by this post a letter from Charles wherein he says that Tom is well and spends his Easter with them, I suppose that matter was agreed on when Charles was down the other day, he says that Mr Russell thinks his abilities equal to the generality of boys and superior to some - this must be agreeable news to you both - when you go to Griffins pray enquire if they have a green and red [pair?] of bell pulls I am not in a hurry for them - only should be glad of a pair when I can get them
accept our united love and present kind regards to Ambrose - remember us to Mrs A and Marie
May God bless you all for ever
prays your aff mother
H Liveing
Harwich April 19, 1832
Father says tell Julia to have the bottles in readiness - as we don't know when they may bring the wine - I shall write some recipes which may be of use to you - don't lose them - put them into Ambrose's desk - that you may know where to find them

66. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 14 Aug 1832, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 123a-d LT11
In another hand: "14 Aug 1832 Harriet unwell to go to Nayland for change election Sir J Tyrell and Mr Bearing to be voted for Freeman's mention" Postmarked Harwich 14AU 1832.

Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester
Essex
post paid.

My dear Julia
Thinking you would be glad to hear how we are going on, I am sit down to inform you. I am very sorry to tell you that Harriet has been much more indisposed since last Monday was a week Mr Logan thought her so much better that he took his leave - but we were soon glad to call him back, her bowels are not as they should be, from great irritation in them greater faintness is produced, so as to oblige her to be almost always laid, not being able to to [sic] sit up - without danger of fainting. Mr Logan says great weakness is her chief complaint - she has expressed many times a dislike to leave home - and I am persuaded that it arises from an unwillingness to give trouble as she cannot of course always help herself. I think on the whole she is a little better just now if she should continue to improve a little - the best way will be to go to Manningtree by the Wherry and take a post Chaise from there to Edwds - as they have kindly invited her to go - and I must go with her - as I don't think she is fit to travel alone, where she will have the benefit of his advice and change of air also - if I see her recovering I purpose returning almost directly.
Charles writes that he purposes being at your house on Saturday evening and coming here on Monday - if I am not at home they must make themselves at home - with their Father, if I go from home it will be necessity that carries me away, which they may be assured of
Henry is come to day to dine with Willm by appointment
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he tells me that Mrs Freeman is in a very bad state she is so nervous as not to be able to see her friends - Mr Medicroft told Henry so when he was at Nayland the other day, he added that Mr Freeman said he should not be able to have his friends there to shoot as Mrs Freeman could not bear it, she says that she is one of the wickedest women that ever was etc etc poor thing I pity her. I should think perhaps it would be as well for Charles when he comes to see you to go over quietly, and see how they do - without stopping - longer than to make enquiry, for he can't pretend to visit there to add to the trouble they must be in - but perhaps Mrs Freeman may like Mary should be with her - we can't tell what may suit people so sadly afflicted.
Harriet thinks - and hopes that you are getting on well in your great concern of Harvest - have you come to any conclusion respecting Tom's going to school? We shall be glad to hear how Ambrose, and how you all do we hope that Ambrose will be ready to vote for Sir John Tyrrell and Mr Bearing - two men as likely to do good as any that can be found - Harriet is now going to crawl out leaning on father hopes to go as far as the shipyard - she looks very sadly - and is so - but Mr Logan presses her to get into the air - she bids me give her love to you - and adds tell her that I am better - or she may fret about me - I must go after her - so can only add our united best love to you and all of you and God bless you all
prays your aff mother
Harwich
August 14, 1832

67. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 16 Nov 1832, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 124a-d LT11
in another hand "16 November 1832 uncle William takes the Holyhead Packet" postmark Harwich 16 November 1832.

Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester
Essex
prepaid

My dear Julia
I am very sorry to hear that you are unwell again, I pray God to carry you safely through your trouble - I beg if you are able that you will write again directly - and if not request Ambrose to give us a line - as we shall be anxious about you - and sadly worried if we don't hear from you - Martha I am sure will keep a good lookout after you using all the proper means to promote your recovery - for which tell her I am much obliged to her and feel great satisfaction in the care I know she will take of you - I am very poorly myself having been very ill with Erysipalas, I was taken last Wednesday near a week in the evening while Edwd was here - and I did not begin to sit up till yesterday - I am I thank God very much better - but very often am very faint which is a common attendant of the complaint - even when young people have it - so will only worn constitutions feel the effects of such great debility - your father's throat would be better if he would use the gargle often - Harriet remarks that he does not speak so well on the day he used it - as he does the next day. Edward touched it with caustic - and then required him to go on to strengthen it by using the gargle - but it is not very pleasant and it prevents his tasting his tea etc after making use of it - so that it is not applied so often as it should be on that account.
Poor Harriet has been very kind to nurse me - I am only much afraid she should be quite done up again - she does not look very well - I hope that it may please God I may be able to go downstairs tomorrow, which will save many steps.
friday I breakfasted below stairs this morning - however I thought it best to return to my room for fear of cold - I am Mr Logan says much better than he could have expected after so severe an attack - thus goodness and mercy still follows me O may I be truly thankful - it is hard to be so in the true sense of the expression - poor Father has just returned from Mr Logan's who has taken his tooth out - H and I have persuaded him to do so as it became
(Page 2)
very troublesome to him, giving him pain when touched or anything he drank gave him pain, so that we are quite glad that it is out for he could not get his meals in any comfort, it was soon out when lanced - and gave him but little pain in the operation - Harriet desires her love to you and directs me to say that she is pretty well - what a mercy!!
As to Willm I don't know that he is distressed - at least he does not appear so - for the other day, I asked him if he could have had his choice whether he would have chosen Wadlings station - he replied that if he could have had that he is now appointed to he would - for as the adage has it that Fellow was born with a silver spoon in his mouth - would you believe it the Post Office has appointed him to the Holy Head station to Dublin which will be
£100 per annum more than that of Millford - they are both short passages - but dangerous ones - you know W - would have been rid of an old vessel which would have been an excellent job it's of no use now Mother talking. I replied very true I did not know how to advise so I said very little - for we don't know what is best - you were in the same storm with the Holy Head Capt his was a short passage but poor man he was lost and your life was spared he mentioned something about it the other day when his wife was here - I said it was an important point and that as it was I was afraid to advise - but, I added, had it been my husband I should have known what to have done at once - for I should have said, leave it - leave it - and we will live close - that we may live
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mother I should have had more than £200 per annum I replied and you might have lived on that, much more was said - for as I had them both together I did not spare much, but I doubt not but she hags herself - and says old woman you may talk - but I have gotten the day and your son he can help yourselves - but I pray God to help us.
Henry has heard from Mr Scott and has received £10 towards his stipend with a promise that he shall hear from him as soon as Mr S hears from his Tenants to whom he will write directly - it's a handsome letter - he sets forth his difficulties arising from the misconduct of his Eldest Son - I think there is no doubt but he will eventually be paid but some patience (required) - I purpose sending the bell pulls they have such very shabby tassels - of course I could have no other objection to them - the ribbon Harriet has put on her bonnet looks very well - I will also send the pins by Mr Thorogood if you have any fear about yourself your uncle H - says you ought to keep quite still in bed - and in all his practice he never had a patient in that way but did well - mind - pray mind - I shall be anxious to hear from you - pray does that young woman continue in her place (Scofield) I wish - I had tried her - for I am quiet tired of mine O that I had but one that suited me.
I can't write any more than our united best love and prayers that God may keep you and yours for ever remember us kindly to Ambrose. Your Aff Mother H Liveing
(Top of Page 1)
if A loves salt fish I can send him half a beauty say when you write.

68. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 19 Nov 1832, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 125a-d LT11
In another hand 19 Nov 1832 Postmark Harwich 19 NO 1832. TP6 [?] 2/9

Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester
Essex
post paid.
Monday, Nov^b 19, 1832.
My dear Julia
I am grieved for your situation - and was I at all in a state to come and look after you I should say I must go but although my health is much better yet I have much remaining debility - I am now taking quinine bills in addition to the medicine (which is decoction of bark only) Mr L sends me and also other I have a good appetite - and I think I had not so much headache in the night as I have had - my eyes are also something better and so that on the whole I have much more cause of thankfulness than of complaint. God be praised that I am thus far restored. Mr Thorogood purposes setting off for his home tomorrow morning by whom I purpose sending the bell pulls pins - and a shirt and stockings that Edward left - with a parcel for T Fenn - but as I know not how long it may lay before you get it I shall send this by post as I am so afraid that you should be tempted to get down stairs to soon - if you do you may be accused my dear child that you will gain only loss in the end - and serious loss too. You will say that you are much wanted below - I am aware of that. But we cannot go beyond what God permits - if we use all proper means, with our eye fixed on God for his blessing we may hope in his good time to obtain the desired end. Now pray attend to something more your Uncle mentioned to Harriet when talking to her on your state. That it is a change he has no doubt of - and that as it takes this effect on you, you have the more need of caution - that he had no fear but you will get thro very well but care, is absolutely necessary - don't pass what I am going to say lightly over but comply at once. When you are first taken - go to bed at once and then keep yourself as quiet as possible - it will not only only prevent your fainting - but will prevent a heavy loss -
(Page 2)
now my dear Julia as you are told by your uncle who has had much experience in the course of many years practice - do pray be advised - don't let anything - keep you up - remember - it is for your life - now you are told of the consequences you will be accessing to your own undoing if you don't comply - it will be leaping into a pit with your eyes open and in the broad day - these heavy losses if they go on will quite emaciate you - and will bring on other complaints - and the end will be distressing indeed - O surely you will comply at once - or the consequences will be very serious.
We shall be glad to hear how you are going on - but I do not ask you to write as I fear that sitting up in the bed is not right - Ambrose will be so good to give us a line - I beg and pray that you will take all imaginable care of yourself in your delicate state - God be with you and send his blessing on the means used for your recovery - when you see your Brother ask him if change of air when you get better will be necessary for you - I should be glad to have you with us - when you are able to bear the journey - now after being so reduced there will be much care necessary to prevent taking cold and bringing on ague - do pray wear two flannel petticoats - and ask E - if you don't require a flannel waistcoat - don't forget to ask him - it is an important crisis mistakes ought to be guarded against - leave nothing undone that ought to be done - nor do anything that may hurt you - I know Martha will do to the best of her judgement for you - that is a comfort to me. Poor old Mrs Goold I feel for her poor thing what a mercy to have her mind stayed on God - where - O where else can she lean? - Where can any of us lean, but on that arm which can alone support us - too Him may we ever look - on Him may we confidently trust - for grace and strength - O may He give you and me true repentance - may he give deep repentance to us all - for his mercies sake "only let it be thy pleasure Lord to work in us what ever is wanting to fit us for thy divine acceptance" that when we are called to leave this world we may
(Page 3)
find a saviour ready to receive us into everlasting bliss - Amen Amen come Lord Jesus and help us - mercy good Lord, mercy I ask - O let thy mercy come.
I am glad that you have the prospect of selling so many bricks and hope that you are in good hands with respect to payment - I hope some time is fixed for part of the payment at least - for the world is full of cheats
Will^m sailed on Saturday but the wind being contrary and the water low he could not get far - so returned the same evening - and sailed yesterday morning (Sunday) by 6 o'clock - we hope he will have a good passage as the wind has changed fair for him - he had you know the whole day before him to get into the sea - God go with him I am so glad that your sons are not at home to disturb you - and flurry you - Wadling and his wife and her sister Sarah went last week - Capt Hammond called this morning to say goodbye to your father they are going tomorrow Miss E Hammond goes to be company for Mrs Hammond who expects to be confined in about 4 months - a trying time for her - to leave all her friends behind poor thing - there are 300 ounces of plate in Wadlings sale - what doings he had in our vessel, can it prosper? remember me to Mrs Ambrose say that I am sorry she has been so ill.
I suppose by your hearing such a circumstantial account of uncle E - that you have been recently at Nayland - I really hope that you are right with respect to what Uncle T said to Uncle E to want so much assistance - and to do nothing to help themselves is too bad - you talk sometime since of Uncle T allowing them a certain annual sum - my opinion is if he did - they would want the same extra help they require now - for had they more to a certainty - they would surely spend more - nor would ends meet better
God keep and bless you ever more - accept our united love - kind regards to Ambrose - believe me ever your Aff^t Mother H Liveing.
(Top of Page 1)
I daresay you will find some opportunity ere long of sending the etc etc to Nayland
(Top of Address Page)
we hope that A will write very soon I have not heard of Mary Ann for some time past

69. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 18 Dec 1832, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 126a-d LT11
In another hand 18 Dec 1832 Postmark Harwich 18 ? 1832. TP6 [?]

Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester
Essex
post paid.
Harwich Dec 18th 1832
pray write
My dear Julia
I was so poorly that I could not write to you by Charles, but requested him to say all he could to persuade you to come as soon as you are able to travel - I am rather better today, so I thought I would try and write as a letter looks as if we were more desirous of your coming than a mere message - the change appeared before to promote returning good health - and so I hope it would now - so continue and come if you can - the only thing I think of is you will lose your Brothers visits, but if there is one plain path or rule to treat you perhaps his advice will be sufficient, write and ask him - and come if you can - we can get Mrs Webb to come and shall if it pleases God managed very well we shall all be very glad to do any thing in our power to help restore you. I thank God am better - but I much not expect to get my usual strength in a hurry - it is matters of wonder - and praise that I have lived thus long - much more than I should requires strength - I am so often taking good things that I am ashamed - but I can't be upheld without them - my disability is so great - but I have managed
(Page 2)
to get downstairs these three days, on Sunday and Monday I could only lay on the sofa - but today I have set up some time, so far better. God has been very merciful to too me and made by bed (sic) in my sickness - for I have generally for a good while past laid without pain - what a mercy - you and I have both abundant reason to bless and praise God that he has seen fit to spare us thus long - it is no doubt for wise reasons - that we might through sickness and weakness look to our ways - and call to mind Gods very great goodness to us - and our own sin - and great unworthiness - and be drawn to lament our sin and infirmities - and to pray with our whole souls for conviction and conversion that God would wish us in the atoning blood of Christ giving us repentance and remission - Lord hear our prayers and cast not out our souls for his sake who died to save us from punishment Amen
I am sorry to tell you that Capt Knocker is discharged from the post Office service - the Duke has not further use for his services nor for his vessel the case is that his wife was at Yarmouth visiting her Aunt - and when he came from Gothenburg he took himself onshore at Yarmouth to see her and sent the Packet on to Harwich with the mail - an anonymous
(Page 3)
letter was sent to the postmaster setting forth the case and enquiry was sent to Mclane [?] Whether it was so and if so why he did not report later [?] - Knocker made the best of himself - and his brother has been to London to Mr Towers to apply to Mr Westen whom he is very intimate with - as Mr Westen is with the Duke application was made but no answer was given so they hoped all would pass over - but this morng [?] the Official letter came to discharge Knocker and his vessel it's a sad thing - he has 8 children and another coming - I wonder who the malignant creature is who does these cruel things [defaced] think that they have enough trouble to go through - these long winter's voyages without ill natured additions
I thank God that Harriet holds out much better than I could have expected - father is tolerable - speaks badly - uncle says as well as Ed^d - that he want a snip taken off the uvula [?] or pin of his mouth which is relaxed and grown too long (A very uncertain transcription - what do you think?)
Remember us very kindly to Ambrose and John, who I hope will do what he can to assist you - and not do anything to vex and hurt you - give my love to him and say I hope he will do nothing to make you worse but be very kind and good to you which will help to make you better I can no more then say I pray to bless and help you and all of you
your Afft Mother H Liveing

70. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, Bef 1833.
Liveing Archive 119 a-d LT10
In another hand "Mrs Liveing letter to her daughter Julia" Read

To Mrs Ambrose
Copford

I don't know that ever you and I ever went so long without seeing each other, as we have now, since you were born - and without anything distressing happenes, I don't know when we are likely to meet, God grant all may be well when we do meet - it is past ten o'clock and rains very hard - more than it has done all the day I am thinking of your hay - we are expecting Willm from Cuxhaven - he told me he expects Lonica will return early in July - I should not wonder if she stays a day or two with you - good night, I pray God to be your guide and partner for ever more - and not only you but all that belongs to you - accept our best love and believe me your ever Affte Mother
H Liveing
Wednesday night
pray is Mrs Townsend still your tenant or have you another? - Are your new tenants get in - take care of them - I have not a general good opinion of his countrymen I should hope he is better than the generality of them -
Thursday I know what a multiplicity of business you are in and sometimes, when I think of it, I fear lest your thoughts should be wholly taken up with bodily concerns, and that you should not find time, to take care of your immortal part, which is the one thing needful - so repeatedly urged on us in Scripture - Job says "man giveth up the ghost, and where is he"? Now surely what can so
Page 2
much concern us as to know where we shall be after death? And as we are assured that our life hang but on a slender thread which may be cut - in a moment - what in this vain life can be of so much consequence to us, as to make us forget God, and the salvation of our souls? - Now most certainly over much business - as well as much pleasure, will be very likely to produce this awful effect - then as Job says where is he when he gives up the ghost - not but people may do much business, and serve God at the same time - if - he keeps God in sight - as David says "I set God always before me, for he is my right hand therefore I shall not fall" - so to remember that God is always present, at all times, and in all places - and upon all occasions - is the means to be used to keep us from falling - to keep us "in fear of God (of offending him) all the day long" - may this fear be ever with you and me and with all who are dear to us, this is a salutary fear and it is our bounden duty to cherish it - Solomon says it's the beginning of Wisdom - and that we may have this fear - let us intreat Gods help - for with strength from above we can neither perform this nor any other good act - pray God give give us his grace and guide us through this world of temptation to a life of happiness and everlasting rest - for Christ's sake Amen Amen
yours ever H Liveing

71. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose re Robert Fenn Snr, 28 May 1833.
Liveing Archive 128a-d LT11
In another hand: "May 28, 1833 Mr Fenn ill and applies for money 5 pounds sent by T L Mrs Fenn at Nayland unwell" Postmarked: Harwich May 28 1833. Calculation on front sheet totalling £201.11 shillings.

Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester
Essex
post paid

May 28, 1833
My dear Julia¹,
I have delayed writing till I fear that you may be uneasy so will put off no longer - we are heartily thankful that you are able to report so well of yourself - but I beg that you will not be unmindful, that care is still necessary - if you exert yourself all will be undone - and you may soon be as bad as ever therefore if as Mr Haynes often reminded you - if you value health and life - act cautiously - and do not exert yourself much - for fear of the ill consequences, remember if you do it will be at the peril of your life - I recd a letter from Catherine this morning written by Harriets desire, as I suppose she was not able to write herself - she says that Harriet caught cold on Thursday from sitting in a draft and brought on rheumatism attended by some degree of fever - but that Edward hoped she would be better tomorrow - and added that I should hear again shortly - I partly expected her last night - but had made almost sure of seeing her tonight, so shortsighted are we - she had been much indisposed from influenza for some time before she left us - and we hope the change of air would have carried off her cough - last Sunday was a week, a letter from Stowmarket was addressed to her here - and thought it advisable to open it - which we would not do till after church thinking the contents would annoy us - it came from Mr Hall's a Butcher at Haughley - written by advice of Mrs Goodwin² thinking it proper Mrs Fenn should know how ill Mr Fenn was having been confined to his bed for three weeks from rheumatism and that his legs were in a bad state and it was thought he would not get the better of - and also to apprise Mrs Fenn of his unfortunate circumstances - that he had nothing to depend on but the profits of his school - and that medical attendance etc etc was very expensive and if Mrs Fenn could afford him some pecuniary assistance it would be gratefully and thankfully received - and then followed an abundance of praises - "I have known Mr Fenn intimately from his first residing at Haughley, having had a family under his tuition - and for the last
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few months Mr Fenn has been a lodger in my house - and whatever may have been his failings he has always conducted himself respectably moreover I have always found him to be a person of the strictest veracity and integrity - and possessing inwardly the best of morals indeed no one of his friends but thinks him an object worthy their commiseration" - this is too gross to write to people - or rather to a wife who has so much cause to lament his directly contrary character no doubt that he is a pot companion - my poor Harriet I dread her knowing this, her nerves are so shattered from a former account of him - added to her ill-health I don't know how she will stand under it all - your F - wrote a cheque for five pounds - and I wrote under it to Mrs Goodwin - that Mr Hall's had written by her advice - and that he had in consequence of Mr F's bad health sent 5 pounds to her to manage prudently the expenditure - being afraid to send it directly to him thinking it would be squandered as all he ever possessed had been - and that he must not expect any more from him nor would have any more - that his wife had no money only what came out of my pocket - as she had placed one of her sons out for whom she had to pay a large portion of what her Uncle left annually - besides his clothes pocket money and washing - and that it was an indefensible duty to make provision for the completions of his studies after his time had expired - I enquired respecting the money he came too at his mother's death - if he was without - it must be because he had squandered it as he had done what ever he had before I requested a line to know that she got the cheque - and at the same time to say whether Mr F was better - I also said that Harriet had been in ill health for more than 12 month and was then from home in the hope that the change of air might be beneficial that of course she knew not of the . . .cept of Mr Hall's letter - which I was sure would hurt her very much and add to her indisposition - yesterday morning a letter came from her in reply - "with thanks in her Br[othe]r's name for the reasonable relief" you say it is the last assistance he must expect from you - what then is to be done he has no one else that can do but very little for him - no one but myself and we have a family - from whom we cannot withhold assistance - there is only one other to apply to that is his parish - and they will not do anything till they are satisfied that Mrs Fenn's Uncle did not provide for her - as well as her children - which information I shall be in possession in a few days" - so I suppose they have sent
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for a copy of Uncles will - she goes on "I was informed through one of your family that Mr Betts left Mrs F 2000³ - the same sum to the children - if that is true - surely it can't be no particular consequence to her to assist my Br[othe]r with a small sum now and then - if he had not been afflicted I would not have troubled you - I trust the time is not far distant when if both are spared things will assume a difference full more to the comfort of both parties" - she must allude to one or both our deaths - I don't know how this comfortable full is to come forth else - when this sad tale is told to Harriet she shall hear our advice at once - as her husband's affairs we rarely talk of - as we are careful not to wound her feelings more than cannot be helped - we shall advise, that when we die, if he must have a part of her money - to allow him such a sum - for as sure as he can finger the whole - the whole will go - as the former has done - the letter abounds with falsehoods - he pretends that he did not know but his wife was coming back in a few weeks - and that he did not know that all her clothes were taken away until after she had left him several days - and of course they must have been sent away before - I wrote a home? reply - for as we were falsely accused I had a right to clear ourselves - I told her that nothing was done clandestinely that she had not many clothes to bring - and that all she possessed he brought away with her to Shotley - and then left her to the mercies of strangers in a dark stormy night in the month of February to cross the water with his child only three years old that I wondered who could discover the aff[ectio]n of a husband or of a Fa[the]r in that transaction - she goes on, he had written several times - and that she saw Mrs F's answer to his last letter when he was he was positively forbidden to write any more - if she had not written - surely his children ought to have been taught to acknowledge him their Fa[the]r it must be their duty - my reply was that we had done our best for his children - and because he was their F[ather] although he had never behaved like one - we had been ever careful not to prejudice them against him - that his name had been seldom mentioned - because we could say nothing to his advantage she says her B[rothe]r came to Harwich once, but was denied seeing her which was illegal if he had been ever so bad he could demand an interview - my reply was - that it was a right down falsehood - for she went to Mrs Stevenson's to see him and they took a walk together, when he had opportunity to say whatever he pleased - she says a young man wanted his wife to sympathise with and restrain him - and that it was unscriptural to part man and wife - my reply - had he not broken the marriage vow which he made in the presence of God - to keep the marriage bed undefiled - to keep to her - and only - unto her - no one would have dared to put asunder those whom God had joined - but he had broken the solemn engagement he made before God - and then he was not indeed a husband - and as to sympathising with a man who lived in the course of such wicked habits - who would think of such a thing - she could not go to pot homes to sym[pathi]se with him and his pot companions - nor to the resort of common women to restrain him she says she saw him on Thursday - when he was much as he was the week before - the then sm [symptoms?] was subsided - his legs and hands were not so swelled - but are very much discoloured - not broken out - that he could not turn in his bed - his medical attendant told her he did not think it likely he would recover - if he did - it would be long first - he had bad symptoms - now I am afraid to hide all this from Harriet - for fear he should die - she would be more hurt yet not to know it before hand perhaps and she might like to see him - and would blame me - and then it would be too late - I could not undo what I had done and as she is so unwell and so nervous I think it will be more than she can bear - if E[dward]⁴ - comes to you let him know this - I have kept the letters and the copies of mine
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poor Capt Hunt is now dead - I have begged for money for their two sad living men O that God may have softened their erring hearts and have forgiven - pray don't let this letter lay about - everyone ought not to see it - I wish E[dwar]d may be with you - we - Father and I are tolerably well - not very well the heat don't agree with me - my stomach and cough annoys me - I take Mr Hagan's pills - but I am fast to have the pain - I don't touch any vegetable or fruit of any kind - F is delicate in eating his tooth troublesome - the Commissioners have ordered the Packets to be sent up tomorrow - they have put F - thinks 30 tons weight on board her Lady Nepean by their Lordships orders all the Packet guns - and balls and carriages are all put on board of her - F was afraid her decks would fall in and her bottom be driveout - but she still floats. I would not have anybody belonging to me go up in her - I pray God nobody may be drowned if her bottom does come out W[illiam] - says it won't hurt him - I hope not how stupid it must be to put all in one Vessel - and she was so fall of her own ballace and tackling etc etc - remember us kindly to Ambrose I pray God to be with you and bless and keep you all for ever and ever - you know Capt Moon is appointed - he has arrived at his place and part of his family - the rest are going - his twins are dead [deced?]
your Aff Mother
H Liveing

Top of front page
Ann was loath to leave us - my new maid is neat and good-looking and appears modest - but I fear she has no who rah in her - she did not come till Friday I don't think she can stir faster than I do - O dear
remember me to Mrs Ambrose - I hope you will be able to read what I have written it has made my eyes feel uncomfortable writing so small and close
Footnotes.
1. Julia Ambrose, Harriet Liveing's daughter
2. Mrs Goodwin, Robert Fenn's sister Elizabeth
3. Edward Betts, left Harriet £2000
4. Dr Edward Liveing, Harriet Liveing's son

72. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 14 Jun 1833, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 127a-d LT11
Date in another hand on an envelope June 14, 1833. Postmark Harwich of the same date. Further note "Read by EHL August 1919"

Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester
Essex
post paid.

My dear Julia
Not knowing whether Harriet is with you or not I write, with a desire to prevent her coming home with outside the coach - but sure she would not attempt so doing having been so ill - and is still very far from well I can find from her manner of writing. I wish your father had thought of it sooner and I could have written sooner - it did not come in my mind at all - have you heard Ed or Cath say when they propose coming - they would be as welcome to the house as possible if Cath would come and keep house as if at home - observe we would find money most willingly - but I am really so very unwell - and debilitated that I don't know how to bear fatigue at all - at the same time I don't like to tell them so, fearing they should be hurt - and think I don't wish to become - I have such pains in my body - and head - almost always night and day, that I am frequently very ill - on the whole I am a little better today - now if Cath would come and bring her cook they might have the whole house except one bed for our maid - the woman I should get, would sleep at her own home - and we would come and be with you - the change might be of use to us - if Ambrose will take us in - our maid know little of cooking - therefore if Cath would bring her cook they would have things as they are used to, without being put out - since writing the above Miss Chapman told Willm that Edw is in London and that he purposed staying 10 days whether her information is all correct I don't know - if Harriet
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is with you she can tell you more about the matter. We were very glad to learn by a letter from Harriet that you are looking so well - she says "you would be pleased to see her". What a mercy !! May God give you his Holy Spirit that you may love him more and serve him better - that you may have a due sense of All his mercies then your heart will be truly thankful.
I happened of a letter written by my kind brother Edw dated December but in the course of my serious indisposition wherein he says that he is of Edw's opinion "that the malady had not had sufficient time to expend itself, before I was exposed to the influence of the open air" he is speaking of the attack I had had a short time before this, the exposure I had was only taking a walk in the middle of a fine day which did not extend so far as the end of the new road for I was so weakened that I was afraid I should not get back, he goes on, "some constitutions are sadly liable to a sort of Volcanic Eruption of disease - which require prompt, as well as judicious treatment, and are all too apt to overpower all the efforts of nature - it is to be hoped that it has now fairly burnt itself out - she has providentially the best medical advice within her reach, I should lament more perhaps then I have ever, done the distance and the crossroads which separate us" now I am thinking as my face is on the whole better - that the complaint is fallen to my body - and that the Volcano is getting fire, which will by and by burnout again in my face, before I shall be rid of my pains - but it is as it may, I am in the hands of God. Who knows what is best for me. O may he grant me the grace
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of repentance, such, as he will be pleased to accept - with unshaken faith in the atonement of Christ and triumphant obedience. O how much we need the spirit of God, for of ourselves we can indeed do no good thing, pray my dear Julia for this great gift - pray for yourself pray for me - O pray for us all. "If you have not the spirit of Christ you are none of this" oh awful state - remember then God has promised to give his holy spirit to those who ask it devoutly and frequently, wrestling with God and taking no denial "God says for these things I will be enquired of" - O may we so ask, that we may receive - may we so seek, that we may find.
Henry was here on Wednesday, is pretty well says he shall be at Colchester next week - visitation time - he is pretty well - has not heard from Mr Scott - but hears that he has no money - purposes writing to him - as soon as quarter day comes - how did your corn and fruit endure the storm we had last Tuesday - Capt Dean says corn[?] had broken [?] as high as his shoulder when he stood in the furrow and that the wind has twisted together and laid it down. Henry says apples and plums are blow off - and branches of trees - there is much hurt done in the River Thames - we have heard of several lives being lost somewhere else I find there would be mischief - what a mercy that I and mine have been preserved - let us ever keep in mind Gods mercies - it must be wicked to overlook them, how ungrateful ? ?
Accept and distribute our united love
your Afft Mother
H Liveing

June 14 past going

73. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 19 Jul 1833, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 129a-c LT11
In a different hand "July 19, 1833 Nayland and Copford parties both going to Harwich. Postmarked Harwich 19 July 1833.

Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester
Essex
post paid

Harwich
July 19, 1833 5th.
My dear Julia
We are very glad that you was able to report so well of yourself - and sincerely hope that your journey home produced no ill effect on you
I wrote to Catherine on the same day I received your letter - and had her answer yesterday they purpose being here on Thursday next. I know not that we shall see you before Wednesday when we hope to find you as well as I have heard reports of you from time to time. I have been much afraid you would be critically undone again I thank God it was not the case. I am thankful to say that Harriet I trust is much better she says she feels stronger and thinks herself able to look to her friends. I hope and trust that she is. Father is tolerable - but is feeble and feels his years. I am much better having relief from those pains which has so long troubled me - but I can't boast of much strength neither F nor I know how to bear fatigue - and a very little does for us both - as I hope to see you soon if it pleases God. I shall only add our united love to you and Ambrose and John trusting to seeing you all pretty well, may God's blessings ever be with you all prays your Affectionate Mother
H Liveing

74. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 5 Sep 1833, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 131a-d LT11
In a different hand 5 September 1833 great storms E L & his wife at Nayland. Postmarked Harwich 1833.

Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester
Essex
post paid

Harwich
September 5, 1833
My dear Julia
We are very sorry that Mary Ann is so unwell Charles wrote from Nayland on Sunday and mentioned that she was indisposed but hoped that in a few days she would recover - of which we shall be very glad to hear - pray remember us kindly to her - your father is (I thank God) as well as when he left you - and I hope I may say that my cough is better - as I did not cough so much last night, as I have done since I caught this very bad cold - I think I never had so bad a cough in my life - at least not in my recollections - it is not my usual cough but it's on my stomach - and I have had nearly a constant headache - on the day Mr Thorogood was so good to offer to take us back to you (last Tuesday week) I was not able to leave my bed for violent pain in my head till evening - it has not been quite so bad since - but I have been ill, and worn with pain and cough very much - Mr Logan thinks I caught it when standing about the road - and walking to Henry's house in the night air. I suppose I did for I know of no other way of getting it - I thank God that I have hope to day that my cough may be passed the worst - Harriet is but poorly she is so nervous - and her teeth pain her - and she has worried about me - which has broken her rest - that is never of long duration at any time - Robert is pretty well - I am very glad that
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you have changed the silks I hope you have found one that you like in particular as I fear that I brought you into the scrape of buying one - now we are rid of this, she must please herself.
Father says bless her heart he means you tell her perhaps I may come and see her again before winter comes in - tell her the poor old town grows worse and worse - dreadful loss of lives we read of from these tremendous storms - as well as of property. God makes us thankful that we have thus far escaped - and have mercy on those who suffer loss of friends and property - poor creatures God help them - we have little shipping here now - we have not heard at present of loss or damage - only among poor men's boats stove - I must scold you for not getting Mr Haynes's bill - I promised to send a remittance when you made out the account of items - I am ashamed at leaving the place in debt - do pray get the bill and let me hear from you - and set down all I owe you for tea etc etc I owe you for two Harwich letters I think - you did not mention one word respecting your harvest, but we were very glad to hear by Charles letter that all was in, before the rain came, except beans - God is merciful to us - let us ever bear it in mind - or it will eventually prove a curse rather than a blessing from our ingratitude - I don't wonder that your garden and apples are spoiled the loss of apples you must feel, for they stand your friend in in (sic) the fruit way, when other fruits fail - we have still many deaths here - the tolling bell often reminds us to prepare to leave this world - but alas ! How few are admonished now find time from their round of announcements to look into their
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hearts, that they may see how their accounts stand with their Maker, who sees - and knows all their thoughts words and employments - and their idle - their misspent time - solemn reflections there - put them not easily away - for whether we are willing, or not - we must give a strict account to him - who cannot be deceived. Oh Lord renew a right spirit within us. I am glad to hear that Tom is a better boy - my love to him - and tell him that if he is determined to get the better of his bad temper - he will be much more happy in himself - and will make those who are about him love him, and more comfortable also - tell him that I am sure he must be very uncomfortable himself when he puts himself in such bad minds - and what is worse than all God will not own him for his child - and if so God will not take him to heaven when he dies - for none but the child of God can inherit heaven - now if he dies in a bad mind where must he - or any of us go - none but the heavenly tempers can possibly enter heaven - heaven could not be heaven if wicked people dwell there. Lord save our souls from the death of Sin - and lead us in the way to heaven - O guide us by thy holy spirit - and we shall be safe - poor Mrs Ambrose remember me to her I often think of her pray God to carry her safely through her great trial - oh how wonderful it is that we can forget "on what a slender thread hangs everlasting things" the thread of life - which may be snapped in a moment "man gives up the ghost - and where is he"? Sure tis wise to search our hearts and see in what state our account stand with God. God helps us so to do without further loss of time - for tomorrow may never come to his most sure to many it will not come - nor are we sure that it will come to us - let us not then trifle with Eternity as it must be at the peril of our souls - present and accept our united love to A God be ever with you
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All prays your Afft Mother
H Liveing
I have left my old lines in your ink stand draw - I want a new sheet - if I could get one of the same distance - which I have found difficult to obtain - I hope you will be guarded - and not lift anything that will cause exertion - you know how many times Mr Haynes warned you of the danger of doing anything that would cause exertion as it might prove very perilous to you - pray regard what has been said - why should you trifle with your life? Mr Haynes has said the same thing many times in my hearing to you - he could but have your interest in view. Don't pray don't bring destruction on yourself - it must be wicked not to pay regard to that that is to guard you from spilling your life - don't say dear mother I don't do anything to hurt myself - it has so happened that you have not at present - but you have done more than you responsibly ought - in my sight - you are not in such a state of life to be obliged to do so I beg you will not

75. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 30 Dec 1833, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 130a-c LT11
In another hand "Dec 30, 1833 letter to Tom and John"

Mr T Ambrose
Mr Ambrose
Copford
Essex

Harwich Dec 30th 1833
My dear Boys
Your dear and kind Mother writes me that you are both at home - may I hope that you are both of you determined, not to vex her, and your kind Father - they are desirous (both your Parents) to make you comfortable and surely now that you are grown great boys you are desirous of making them happy as far as his (sic) in your power, when you were younger you know you put them too much pain from your not behaving well - but now I would willingly hope that you know better than to do any thing to vex them - at this time last year your dear Mother was at death's door - think - O think what a great loss you would have had, if it had pleased God to have taken her out of this world and there was but one, step between her, and death - and now as it has pleased God to raise her again from her bed of sickness - and has enabled her to attend to your wants - I hope you will thank God for his great goodness to her, and to yourselves - think how comfortable your home would have been without your kind Mother - therefore do all you can to make your parents enjoy your company - and then you will enjoy theirs. I beg and beseech you both to be determined - not to give way to bad temper - you know from experience that when you are out of temper - that you are yourselves very uncomfortable - so strive to get the better of yourselves - as it will add to your
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happiness as well as to the pleasure of those about you - if you don't behave well your poor Mother will be made ill, remember this - could you be happy if by behaving in a way you ought not - you made your good Mother ill again - and it may not please God to save her life as he did before - think then what a grief it will be to you, to think that your unhandsome behaviour has brought sickness and perhaps death to so kind a Mother - remember God has taken care of parents - He commands you to honour - and obey your Father and Mother - and you have no hope - that you will have a long life - if - you do not honour them - that is - you are to mind what they say - and do as they direct you - and use your best endeavours to please and make them happy. I hope that I am not writing in vain - but that you will both attend to the truths I am setting before you - and behave accordingly for never forget that the eye of the Almighty God is always on you - he sees, and knows, all you do, and all you say - and hear's all you think - you cannot hide anything from Him - do both of you read the 139 psalm - in that psalm God's continual presence is set forth - I hope you will read it with attention that you may always remember that God is present and takes notice of your words and actions and therefore you will be ashamed to lose your temper when you consider that God sees and knows it - and also reflect that no unholy tempers can go to heaven - remember
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that should it please God to take you out of this world when you are in a bad temper - you would not be fit to go to heaven - and there are but two places to go to after death - either a heaven of everlasting bliss and happiness - or that place which is dreadful to even mention - a place of darkness and pain - and misery - and where there is no end to trouble - no end - but you must always live - in pain and sorrow - say to yourself when you feel a bad mind coming - I will not allow it to come - I will get the better of it - for I cannot go to heaven with a bad mind - and God knows when I am wrong, and when I die He will not take me to that happy place above - then you should say - I pray God to help me to behave as I ought - remember God hears the prayers of those who honour Him.
I hope to hear that you have improved in this last period of being at school - for every time you attend there is expected that you have built upon what you had before learnt - and that your progress would be every time increased - I trust that you will go on to improve while at home - in some branch of your education - and not idle the whole of long holidays away - you can read to your Father or Mother - and improve that way - you are to know that this is your time for instruction - your only time for education the time is coming when you must learn something whereby you may get your living - besides should you live to be men you will feel so little - and so uncomfortable
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to be looked down on because you are not able to conversant with those who are better educated than yourselves - consider this - and make the most of the opportunity now offered you to get your instruction - don't let it be lost on you remember that it cost your good Father a great deal of money every year for your teaching - and if you lose your time - you will lose that you can never recover again - you cannot call yesterday back to is gone forever - so make the best all of time while you have it - or one time or another you will lament the lost - and then it will be too late - your Grand papa and Aunt unites with me in kind love to you - and we hope that it will please God to bless you both - and that you may both be a comfort to your parents - and then you will be happy yourselves - never neglect praying to God to be your friend and protector - and give Him humble thanks for His goodness to you - in so many ways - your afft grand M
H Liveing
My last letter was directed to John I shall direct this to Tom.

76. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 31 Dec 1833.
Liveing Archive 116 a-d LT10
Letter not signed off by Harriet, nor does it have an addressee page.
In another hand on an attached sticker "Uncle Henry leaving Wix for Hadley, and Mrs Ambrose near death"
Henry's record shows he went to Polsted after Wix 1835, then Hadleigh in 1838.

My dear Julia
I have often said I wish Julia would write, it appears long since we heard from her Father joins his love with mine with thanks for a store of eggs - we go on to take them every morning Dear F - enjoys his breakfast - the eggs does not disagree with him - he is now and then poorly - and weak - but on the whole we have both great cause of thankfulness - for the health he has pleased to give us - and for very many blessings both temporal - and spiritual - as far as the means of grace are afforded us - pray for us that we may use them more to the benefit of our souls - pray for us I entreat for we need each other's prayers - our thread of life must be nearly span - the day is far spent - the night of death is at hand - according to our time of life. O that it may pleasure God to give us a new heart, and right mind - that we may be fitted for his salvation - through repentance - and faith in him who died to save us, from Death Eternal. My dear Julia let not anything put Christmas memories from your mind - the thought of them should be kept alive all year round - for we could not have had any comfort without them - no salvation without Christ - think, O think, what eternity is! To be forever and ever fixt - in agonies unspeakable - or in a heaven of bliss - of joys everlasting!!! Think more seriously of these important truths- that cannot pass away - heaven and earth may pass - but these shall not.
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your account of poor Mrs Ambrose has occupied my mind more than anything since your letter - poor thing, what a mercy that God has given her patience - ("for every good gift comes from him") - I hope her mind is duly impressed and that she has made her peace with God through the suffering of her Redeemer - do you offer to read to her - you may do her great kindness in this way if she is able to hear you I read a Village sermon yesterday - the text is "Christ the great Physician". I thought at the time I wish I could have sent it to her - try to do her all the good you can - lose no opportunity for her time must be almost gone - may the God of heaven have mercy on her- you did not mention her poor niece - poor creature had she had a friend to have taken compassion on her - and have kept her quiet - perhaps she might have gotten round again - if you have heard of her let me know. I hope her poor Aunt have not heard of her sad situation - poor Mrs Goold I am sorry for her - she misses many comforts which might help to hold her up under her trying situation - but she I have no doubt, is prepared to meet God - O happiness, supreme!! I have sent her a shilling tell her to buy six pennyworth of beer at a time, you can lend her a bottle if she has not one - tell her I sent it to buy beer - because I think it may comfort her - tell her not to lay it by - but use it now she wants it - tell her I pray God to help her through this life - to a better world.
I hope and trust that God will order all things best for Hennie - I hope this change in his situation will prove to his advantage every way - I pray God that it may - I think you have
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over rated the income - Henry calculated (I think) that it would be 30 more than that he now has - he was here a few days since - was in trouble about a curate to fill his place as Mr Scott does not come forward to appoint one - nor has he agreed to allow Mr Cooper when they have offered to take the duty - Henry has a right to give Mr Scott three months notice - the Archdeacon cannot wait so long - so H knows no other way than paying Mr Cooper two guineas a Sunday till the time expires - and also to let him be in his house - which he says he must pay rent for, a quarter whether anybody is in it or not - of course he must have him some furniture - this is the only plan he can contrive - without Mr Scott comes to some terms - Henry has asked many of the parishioners if they would take Mr C in - but they will not - not choosing to be put to inconvenience - as they can live without the encumbrance. I expect to see him again soon perhaps shall hear of some conclusion them - pray for him that God may make him fit for the importance of standing up in His name - I suppose the shirts I sent are going on - for his old ones are taking their departure - being much worn - since writing the above Henry has been here - he has had no answer from Mr Scott - has a letter from the Archdeacon to go directly - so he purposes going tomorrow (Tuesday) to talk to and advise with him - how to manage for he cannot leave Wix till someone is appointed to fill his place - the Archdeacon and Curate left him today - so that he is in a strait having nobody to help him through the duty - poor Harriet is so afraid he should lose the cure - F says between two stoles (sic) you will come to the ground - he is almost worried to death, with anxiety and pain had the face ache all yesterday - had no rest on Saturday night and to do duty with toothache was hard work - he does not feel well - which he attribute to anxiety - he looks unwell - but I did not tell him so - we ought not to add to his trouble,
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he asks when he can have his shirts - I told him that I had requested you to mark and button them - replied and get them done up for I shall know no body there - you can get Kitty to do them at least to wash them - will you get somebody to call on the person who makes them to let you have them as soon of possible -
tuesday¹ I awaked very early this morning and not being likely to sleep again I have finished a letter I began last night to Mrs Ambrose I have sent it unsealed that you may see what I have said - seal it before you carry - perhaps she may ask you to read it, and I wish you may read it to her - for I don't know what kind of readers they may be - besides I have as usual with me now, made many blunders I have written the chief of sitting up the bed,, say I hope that it may be read - O dear Julia this is the last morning of the year - let us ask ourselves what tidings this large portion of our time has borne to heaven - O look - with deep humility look - and lament that sin much abounds - let us pray to the God of mercies to heal ourselves - to increase in us true repentance and firm faith - Lord gave us a new heart and a right mind Vile I to the fountain fly - O wash me Saviour or I die - nothing in my hand I bring - simply to thy cross I cling - there let us hold - let us remember how God in mercy saved us from (nearly) the bed of death and gives us another whole year - to work out our salvation - mercy and goodness has followed us thro life - how have we employed the precious gift of time? To the honour of God - and the benefit of our souls or have we idly wasted it - or spent it in vanity and follys, to use the softest expression - O Lord we have offended the - O put away our sins and make us clean that we perish not, pray God I did not expect to have seen the first morning of this year - but thou has let me see the last morn of it - thy name is praised - Lord give us grace and strength for the time to come - and grant that we may
Continued top of Page 1
I did not think of writing so much or should have provided better paper - after breakfast F continues better - a dose of oil will bring him right I hope - his tongue looks very well
Footnote
1. This letter's year is based on Tuesday 31 Dec being the last day in 1833 and that Mrs John Ambrose (Mary) [26229] of Copford died in 1834.

77. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 30 Sep 1834, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 111a-e LT10
In another hand "Sept 30th 1834 2a[?] Henry packing for removal to Wix - cholera in Nayland and Stoke" Postmark Harwich 30 1834.

Mrs Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester
Essex
post paid

Harwich Sept 30th 1834
My dear Julia
I write to thank you and Ambrose very kindy for your invitation - Father says it's too late in the year - for his weak and poor state to travel - we do not think, it at all likely that we shall trouble you now - for in your situation - no servant and added to delicate health I don't know whether you would do with us - indeed we are not fit to be anywhere but at home - we have been enquiring of some of the market people for a servant for you - Harriet asked Mrs Fosdike whether she knew of one (she - and her husband are very honest people - strictly so we think) she replied no - but she knew of a very hard-working girl whom she employed to help her, two days every week - she having more to do than she can do herself - the parents of this girl lives next door to her she believes them to be respectable honest poor people - she thinks the girl is about 17 year old - her mother could not spare her before as they have 9 children in all - but wishes to get her out now Mrs Fosdike says she don't like to say more of her than she knows - says she has not been out to service but one 6 months where she was hired till another servant could go - she don't think she knows much about cooking without she learned something when she was out - but is a bustling hard-working girl and can turn off a good deal of work - has been used to it ever since she could crawl - to use her words - she can work well - and is a clean
Page 2
decent looking girl - and is a level girl - she don't know whether she can bake - although she always helps her - but she lays the bread herself - and she knows she helps her Mother but whether she lays her Mother's bread she does not know - now we think maybe as you are at present destitute you may be glad of this girl till you can get a better help - if so write - Mrs Fosdike will be here again on Friday - if it pleases God - as she keeps market twice in the week - we have I think no carrier but the Post Man now - he gets to Colchester late of course - I know of no other way to get to you but on the top of the Coach - if a good servant was out of place here they would not go into the country to hire - these people live at Bradfield
Poor John - I think with you that he has had scarlet fever - and if he has with sore throat - he is not likely to have it again - and you may thank God that he is so well gotten over it - I suppose you have mentioned the event to Edwd
I have had a note from Catherine - she says "Henry dined with us yesterday (she wrote on Friday) he complained of pain in his face and seemed very dull - he told me he had begun to pack up for removal to Wix" - this is all she says about him - he has not condescended to write to us on his affairs of any kind - we heard today, that he was going to the house again - but it was one of the market people who said that he heard so - and that he was expected to do duty on Sunday there - our spirits are not - nor have been, much exhilarated on his account - Christ has commanded is not to faint but pray - all things are possible with God. O may he hear a mother's prayers for him - all for you all - my spirits are not
Page 3
the best although - I well know that I have much - very much to be thankful for - I think the addition to your new house is money well laid out, as the advantage must be very much more than equal to the cost. I earnestly hope that you will be able to let it - it must cost a round sum - God direct you in this, and in all other things - both pertaining to this life - and that, that is to come - I think upon such an excellent character as you had of Mr Kitchen you must have done right in sending John there to finish his scholastic business - I hope he may be the means of influencing good principles into his mind - which may prove a blessing to him all through life - and may extend through Eternity - strive to keep alive when you see all right to him - these good instructions by kind parental endearments, strive to show him the good of them, and what the contrary course must and will lead to - lose no opportunity catch every event that you can turn to advantage of his well-being here - and hereafter - it's a great work to lead your children - O neglect it not - or it will be at the peril of your own soul, as well as theirs - you - and Ambrose too, are too indulgent to them - you may be kind - and yet have their true interest at heart - you may govern, if you are determined - and not be governed as you both sadly are - love your children - but don't ruin them by allowing them to usurp your place - strive all you can - set them the best example you can - and after all, you may fail - but if you don't put in the force the means that parents ought to insist on - what sorrow will after reflections bring on you - O use the means - and pray that the . . . . . of heavenly grace may water, and bring forth fruit, abundantly - never omit when you write to Tom - to set his bad temper in full light - and and that to behave ill and distress you - and then after a time when he has a little recovered - to be sorry, and hang, about you - is of little use - when any little thing will give him offence again and he will be as bad as ever strive to convince him of his duty to you both - God has ordered him to love and honour his parents - and that he will shorten your comforts if he does not shorten your days - ask if he will be happy in bringing you to death before your time etc - Your Uncle Edw Cath says has had a violent bowel ailing which greatly alarmed his family - but is quite recovered - what a mercy that we have escaped the plague - which I think must be the right term - I have a letter this morning from W - he does not mention healths - appears contented with his station - says although he had to take a house at once, he knows not that he could have gotten one cheaper
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that would have answered if he had had more time the ground floor are two parlours not quite so large as those in the house he left - one in front and one at the back - and two rooms over them and two above them and two attics above them two kitchens partly underground - no back way - a little courtyard - it's a respectable -looking new house - the rents are all high he says - they desires to be kindly remembered to you and Ambrose and hope to hear that your health is improved - poor Harriet is not so bad as she has been but can't get rid of the pains in the face she has it not on the side where the stumps are but on the other side one of the market women has promised today to cure her with herb John - it is next to taking out the tooth she says - and the next woman bore the same testimony - she has promised to bring her some on Friday - bowel ailing is abated - but not gone - the cholera is at Nayland - and also in Stoke Cath says pray God to spare us - but above all to prepare us - that we may not be called in a state unprepared - I pray God quicken us by his holy spirit - for we are but to apt to forget the End - man gives up the ghost, and where is he? This is an important question
our kind regards to Ambrose - and accept our best love
pray for us - we need prayer - God help us
your afft mother
H Liveing
Page 1
after all Father does not say he won't come - but I don't think that he will - I forget to say that Mrs Fosdike said she could not recommend the girl as if she had been out any time - yet she should say that under a Mistress she thought she might do - for she is a clean girl and does things clean

78. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 31 Dec 1834, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 112 a-d LT10
In a different hand "Dec 31 1834 Mr Logan's death Nov/34 Mrs Downing had had a slight fit but has recovered" also some £ s d addition.

Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester
Essex
post paid

My dear Julia
I am forced to write because you have not - as your father has taken it into his mind that you have not received the baskets - and a letter sent in one of them - as the fire set all the people in Colchester in a fright and bustle - if you have or have not you must write and say - we know nothing of Willm - have you heard of him? F thought thro Mr Thorogood you probably might have had intelligence - when you write say - I had a letter from Cathⁿ this morning in answer to one sent the day before - she writes that she is now quite well - but thinner - and not so strong - but is taking porter? and her appetite has returned - the children with the exception of cold are otherwise well - she asked whether Henry did not tell us that he slept there one night during her illness - I have not seen Henry since the day poor Mr Logan was buried which is full five weeks - I hope he is well - I am thinking of scarlet fever - Catherine don't say whether he had been to the Archdeacon's when he slept at their house - she says that Ed^w is hard worked night and day having many confinements and much sickness in the neighbourhood - she says her poor mother although much better than she could have expected after so serious an attack - yet she is much altered - she is very thankful to say that she is able to get to them for a few hours every day - I feel quite vexed for her as she has had one slight fit - I think it's likely she may have an other - we are come to such an age what may we not expect
Page 2
how does poor Mrs Walters - I am really very sorry for her but at the time of writing I did not happen to think of her poor thing what pity she did not pay a quarters rent and not gone into the house - I persuaded her not to go - I should be glad to hear that she is better - if I was her daughter I should reflect on myself for not looking after her to better purpose - say if you know anything further about her - this is the last evening of the year - O how have we spent this great period of our time - "it is gone and joined to the years before the flood" Dr Young truly says "tis wise to converse with our past hours and see what tidings they have born to heaven - where our very thoughts are heard" Good Lord give us true repentance and a lively faith in the mercy - and in the suffering of the Saviour,, there is no dependence on anything we can do - to save ourselves - there is but one Saviour - therefore to put trust in anything else- is to rob God of his honour the most pious praiseworthy person that ever lived cannot save themselves in part - any more than in whole,, God says "I am thy Saviour I know no other". Father is pretty well today - was but poorly yesterday his bowels are troublesome - and not willing to act - Mrs Logan is on the whole as well as you might expect after such a loss - she is very thin and looks very pale her spirits are better when she has company - says she can sleep but little nights are her worst time. The baskets were tied together and directed to be left at Mrs Dornells for Mr Ambrose they were sent last friday night.
Page 3
Pray remember us very kindly to Ambrose and the boys - and accept the same yourself - may the God of mercies send you all Xmas mercies - what better can I wish you - I did not thank you for eggs and apples you were so good to send - the apples are the best I have tasted this year - accept our thanks
once more I pray God to bless you the post is just going all I should have scratched a little more and my pen is tiired
your Aff Mother
H Liveing
Harwich
Dec 31 1834

79. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, Cir 1835, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 117 a-d
In another hand "? Date Uncle Henry going to Hadleigh" Some arithmetic on the face.

Mrs Ambrose

My dear Julia
I don't expect that you will see Henry as Hadleigh must be a considerable distance from you we had a note from him to tell us he should go there on Friday last - but I will send it, that you may see that he is disposed to go, if adequate to do the duty - I have cut the cloth out into shirts which I suppose he will want - but they cannot be done in time to take with him - we have only small children in our school at this time - and it takes them a long time to get through one - the holidays are coming I shall therefore send them to you - to send to the person that works for you - it won't be worthwhile to send them here to button and mark - which job I shall impose on you if you please - they can go (when done) by the Hadleigh coach if by no other conveyance - if the person can read I shall write a little direction to send with them - at some patients where Freshfield was attending - he heard the Gossips laughing at Henry's being duped by taking a whole family to maintain - Willm tells me that he told him of the circumstance - which put him in a fit, not liking to be a laughing stock - Willm added that he would be rid of them - the cloth cut just 8 shirts two of them I had sent to our school - so I shall send the remaining six - and your muff and tippet - Harriet took great pains to repair it - but she fears she has lost her labour - as it is generally moth-eaten - Louisa thinks every where - where it is knitted together is a moth nest - when H - tried to get it out with a pin the fur
Page 2
came off - and went down her throat and up her nose - and after all to have done no good - makes her vexed - mind where you put it - don't put your new muff an boa where this was laid - or you will have them spoiled - nor anything of wooling kind. Harriet says by what you say about your bonnet that she did she can find that it was battered about in the carriage and spoiled - it is made on thin past board she could not get card paper - has made the black satin on the same paper it does very well - and is I assure you a very smart bonnet - the green lining is a great improvement to it, we think the tea you sent as good as that we gave 6p
p pound for.
You gave a distressing account of poor Mrs Ambrose - and of her poor Niece - I am heartily sorry for them - I hope poor Mrs A will never hear of her sad state - it would add much to the severe trial she already has, that poor young woman has sacrificed her earthly comforts to save those poor children from cruel usage - and after all she has not been able to accomplish her kind design - poor creature - and poor children and wretched Mother, undeserving the name - for mothers are generally much more likely to ruin - their children from directly contrary treatment - what a sad thing that the golden medium is not adhered to to save poor children from being ruin'd, either way - poor young woman - if she had had some friend to have taken her in - and had had medical assistance perhaps she might have recovered from her nervous state in time - I am very sorry for her - I am but very poorly with a sad cold and stomach cough - I took two blue pills last night and I hope to be
Page 3
better tomorrow - indeed I am better than I was yesterday - as the pain in my head is much relieved today - but I have sent you my whole days work - Fathers cold is better - Harriet is but poorly - we shall be glad to hear that you and Ambrose are well - I heard from Dr Miller yesterday - but he tells me that he has written to you - accept and present our united love to A - remember us kindly to Mrs A - tell her I often think and speak of her - and pray that God made support her - may the God of heaven be your everlasting protector, your bliss through all Eternity - my dear child let nothing make you forget that you must stand before God, and give your account of all you you do - and all you say - and all you think - an awful consideration - but it is most true - May God work in you what ever is wanting to fit you for his divine acceptance - amen God hear a Mother's prayers
yours Afftely
H Liveing
Harwich Tuesday evening

80. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, 2 Jan 1835 Post Mark.
Liveing Archive 113 a-d LT10
In other hands "Mrs Liveing January 3, 1835 death of Harriet Harrold aged 25" Postmark 2 1835

Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester
Essex
post paid

Harwich January 2, 1835
Uncles letter is dated 1 Jany he sent it to Altham Cross or I should not have had it till tomorrow

My dear Julia
I have received your kind present of apples - but I should not have answered your letter so soon had I not had one from your Uncle Edw - he begins it with saying "I know not how to inform you of the greatest missfortune that has ever befallen us, we have lost our dearest Harriet who departed this life a few minutes after four this morning Dear Child she and her sister Amelia escaped measles when our other four children had that complaint - poor Harriet had it severely - but not apparently dangerously the eruption was universal about her and unchecked as she was carefully kept in bed - she was so far recovered that we flattered ourselves she would have been able to receive our family congratulations on Sunday last - the 25th anniversary of her birth - but it was indeed flattery. On Monday evening - (having fairly got through the measles so as apparently requiring nothing more than a few doses of physic) - she was suddenly seized with disease in the brain which the most active and powerful means were not able to remove - I had the assistance on Wednesday in the forenoon of my old and judicious friend Mr Colbeck of Hertford who gave me better hope of her recovering then I had entertained myself - we cannot but lament her loss to us - and thank God! We cannot entertain any doubt of her present happiness - removed from a world of sin and sorrow - to the regions of everlasting
Page 2
blessedness - for the love of Christ glowed in her heart - she was a sincere Christian, both in faith and in practice answered in the performance of every duty - I am afraid we loved her too much - and that the Almighty has taken her to himself as much to humble us - as to impart to her a happiness quite inconceivable to the brightest human intelligence.
Great as our loss is - we cannot at present estimate its amount - every passing day will make us more and more painfully acquainted with it - but this is too selfish - we ought rather to rejoice that she has fought a good fight - and having been faithful unto death - has obtained a crown of life.
Dear Child! Her delirium was violent in the extreme but yesterday morning about two o'clock - after a quiet sleep of above an hour (the effect probably of previous exhaustion from violent effort and excitement) she awoke - shedding tears - but quite herself - she prayed very fervently and witnessed a good confession of faith - we could not help entertaining I hope this gleam of light - might prove the forerunner of her restoration to us - but alas! no - her wandering and delirium soon returned - and after much suffering ended in that sleep which terminated in death - or rather as we hope in everlasting life and now my dear sister what can I say more? We can only pray that we may have grace and power to follow her bright example - Farewell my dear sister ever ever yours
Page 3
I was willing you should see the letter so thought I would copy it - I have shared many tears today not so much for her - for she is gone to the Paradise of God I have no doubt - but for myself and for my family because that we are not more like so true a Christian as she was - I contemplate her excellent qualities - and mourn for our defects - and fervently pray to be made like her in her spiritual life - I have many times said she was the most of a Christian I ever saw O what a mercy to live in a prepared state for a happy Eternity - had she not been ready where would she have been now she did not see the light of the New Year, as she died about four but she is ushered into the light of a new state amongst the redeem'd of the Lord - O blessed state of immortal life - O may I, and all my dear family, with their dear Father at the head of them, be always looking unto Christ, and earnestly praying to him who sits as a Prince and a Saviour to give repentance and remission of sins to bestow it on us - that when he sees fit to call us of time into Eternity we may be prepared for a blessed one - she is called in early days - when a much longer time is generally look forward to - but she did not think it too soon to seek God - and to grow in grace - she ever kept the end in view - which no doubt kept her in the heavenly road - and she was very desirous to lead her brothers and sisters in the same path - and all those she came in the way of as far as she modestly could - she was patiently persevering and endeavouring gaining them all to live to God - O God give us all grace to follow her bright example - as my brother says - it won't be much expense to you to put on mourning as you have a black gown and bonnet - you may buy a black and white one for little money - I wish you to show respect to the family - the mohair stockings we like very well - they look well
Page 1
and we find them strong - Harriet says she is much obliged but is not in want of a gown now - and she thinks she can join this so as not to be observed and make it long enough for you if you can get a little piece more she thinks there is hardly enough of the pieces - it is very pretty I think and so does Harriet - dear Father is much as when I wrote before - God grant that with the New Year we may have a new heart and reflect on his past mercies - and on our great unworthiness - may our souls be laid low at his footstool - accept and present our love believe me ever your Affte Mother H Liveing

81. Harriet's Letters: To daughter Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, Jun 1835, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 114 a-d LT10
In other hands "June 1835 uncle W at Holyhead" Postmarked Harwich 17 1835.

Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
near Colchester
Essex
post paid

My dear Julia
I am - we are, very sorry to hear of your diseased legs - I hope you will oblige yourself to lay them up do but call to mind how many people at your time of life have a sore leg, it will lead you to employ all proper means to prevent such a disaster - if you put something to sit on on the sofa just to raise you a little above your legs, you will be able to lay them up without cramps here and there - you may remember when I had my leg - when Charles was a boy - that I used to sit on one chair, and lay my legs on another - in the same way - I speak of this, as you may not always - be able to lay on the sofa, you will manage very well if you raise your seat - I think it's of consequence - as one great means to promote your well-doing - Father says I wish she could come and stay with us a month - I hope you will if you can - Charles wrote to enquire after our health - and had heard something of our paying you a visit - and said he should be glad to meet us at your house rather than to come to Harwich - as his time would be short - and added that he proposed being with you on the 20th - your Father allowed me to give him an answer that he would be at Copford if he was well enough - but it is put off again - at least for the present, as Mr Jackman called this morning to look at Mr Fisher's writings as he has sold the Estate your
Page 2
your F has let him have £500 - and the business is to be shortly settled - we expect also that in a few days they will want the writings - the most of them - it would be very wrong to be out of the way at such a time and you are sure your Father could not be comfortable under such circumstances - and I am sorry to say, that about Michaelmas Mr Hunt will pay his mortgage and - as he has sold his farm - so we shall have £1200 unemployed - and I am much afraid that your F - will have it placed in the Funds - and tis generally supposed that they will lower the interest again - so that it will be reducing our income again - Mr Jackson says no doubt but you may employ it in another way - I wish Charles may persuade his Father for the Funds are a losing concern I fear
we shall be glad when you have completed your house - finishing work is tediously slow and expensive - dear Father is often very poorly - he was so unwell this morning that he was sorry I had written to Charles and said he would not go - he was only fit for home I replied certainly not - but your house was as near like home as any could be - his bowels are sadly confined - he has no relief without much medicine he complains of increasing weakness frequently - he is much better since the morning I thank God when I was getting better of my late indisposition I looked forward if our lives were spared to visit you at this time - that we might not only have the pleasure
Page 3
of being with you - but we should taste a little fresh air a few steps in your garden, I think might suit your poor Father, and he would feel the air without fatigue - I thought when we left your house we should hardly taste it in Harwich - keeping always in the house we breathe the same air again and again -
Tuesday night - Wednesday
I think I have not written to you since you were so good to send us a parcel of pigeons - accept our thanks, I am afraid you disappointed Ambrose and yourself by sending them to us - Harriet says "tell her mother - to be sure not to stand or go about - it can't be right for her to make use of her legs if they are disposed to inflame" - Henry came yesterday to see us for an hour or two - the hot weather has taken hold of his stomach he does not feel very well - he is thinner - but not very ill - I feels I tell your Father not much stronger than he does - my stomach is so often badly [?] - I can bare but very little exertion without fatigue. Harriet is but so so we have nearly gotten through the troublesome job of a thorough clean - and a very heavy wash - I have been but a poor help - poor F bore the turn out the better, by reminding him that he might have been out of the way of it altogether, had gone to Copford - Harriet has suffered much with her ankles [?] - she needs change of air as much as any of us - I have just gotten a letter from Willm he has been there more than three weeks, and for what he can see he may be there a month longer - they are all very well - and desire kind regards to all their friends - they have been to see a most famous bidges,(sic) which is termed the eighth wonder in the world, Menai Bridge which connects the County of Caernarvon with Ireland of Anglesey - no description can paint its elegance and beauty he says - nor have I seen a print that does anything like it justice to the fairy lightness of its appearance - at a proper distance it looks like the finest lacework - he is so pleased with the view that he says it would have been a reproach not to have gone to look at it - and they were very sorry that Edwd was not of the party - he was much pleased with Falmouth Harbour also - it's most beautiful and completely landlocked and sheltered from all winds - it's a place he had often wished to see, but did not think it
Page 1
probable that he ever should - says they have gotten very comfortable lodgings - the Moons and the Wadlings behave very kindly to them says he does not think Holyhead near so dismal a place as has been the report we hear of it at Harwich - the Captains of the packets have the best houses in the place, with good gardens, green houses etc - and they are in no danger of starving - after all this part of Wales is but a very poor country - and the people tho very well in their way - not such as one would feel any desire to pass one's life amongst - he says they went into Falmouth very well by the chart - although neither he nor his mate had ever been there before I think a great mercy, in particular as it blew so hard - O that we would call to mind Gods goodness - his protecting care of us - his daily - hourly mercies - how ungrateful to forget them - how undeserving a continuance of them - God marks these crime's, for which we shall be called to give an account at the great day Lord wash us in thy atoning blood, that we may be able to stand before thee - O clothe us in thy righteousness - for as Bp Hall says, all other robes are too short - and to scant to hide the filthy rags of our own righteousness - Eternity !! O may we all think much of that important. And consider that we are living for a wretched Eternity !!! - Or for a blessed one - what are all the pleasures - the riches - the cares the honours - the trifles of this deceitful world, when compared with everlasting? God guide us safely through to the land of bliss where no change can take place - remember us all very kindly to Ambrose and accept our affectionate regards believe me your Afft Mother H Liveing

82. Harriet's Letters: To Her Daughter Julia Ambrose, 11 Jan 1836, Harwich.
Liveing Archive IMG 5552/54/56/60/67
In another hand "11 Jan 1836 " Post mark 11 Jan 1836. Random calculation

Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
nr Colchester
Essex
post paid

Harwich
Jan^y 11^th 1836
Harriet bids me say that she hopes A - is not backward in endeavouring to get in his bills.
My dear Julia
Your dear Father will make me write at once to ask you, how you, and all of you do - he is very desirous of hearing from you - he bids me say that he does not like the thought of your coming in an open chaise this cold weather neither does he like you should come in the Coach in such late hours as they travel - and with runaway horses - they ran away and overturned the Coach the other day - and broke the Coach - we shall be glad to see you - I need not say - but hope when you do come that you will pick milder weather to take so long a journey - in your broken state of health - knowing that you had your sons at home and George visiting you we could not expect you - but learning that George has left you Father was afraid you should attempt the journey - poor Father was last week very much indisposed, he had five restless nights - even one night never fails to and dispose him - I thank God he is now better and looks more like himself - he complains much of theamatison [?] - and is very weak - we do our best to keep him warm - we have a fire every night in our bedroom - soon enough to warm the room before bedtime - and sometimes we have it all day Harriet has her fears that you have not gotten
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Lord Ashburnhams money or you would have written I hope you will write without further delay pray say whether you have received it - and if not, whether you have a good foundation to hope that you shall - that man Coates is a sad fellow - we are sorry that you are all likely to suffer on his account - what can he have done with all the thousands he has defrauded so many people of ? I should think that he must have filled his own coffers - O dear! O dear! what a shocking way of getting money - if he makes it do for this world - it will not do for the next world - oh Lord keep us all from ruining our immortal part - for any of this world's goods - amen. We have had many deaths here lately - four lay dead now, if not more, John Bishop has not been dead two years, he left his wife with four children - she has buried two and the third lays dead, poor woman she has great trials - and is left in indigent circumstances also - you remember that fine girl of hers the same age as your John - she died last summer - there are several other persons lay in a dying state - and Capt Mason is in a bad way - Mr Bailey says he is worse than your Father - he has had to fits lately - and his recollection frequently fails him much - O what a mercy we enjoy in having your Fathers memory preserved - I bless God for His great goodness to us - Harriet says his is the best memory of anyone in the house - God give him grace to make the best use of such a blessing - pray for him - pray for me - let us all pray for each other - God help us all - and keep us in a praying state - we need prayer with our eyes - and heart first on God - for we know not how
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soon God may call each one of us, to render him a strict account, of what ? - even of all our words - actions and even our very thoughts - "for our thoughts are heard in heaven", these are solemn considerations - pass not lightly over these awful truths - for in God's time this examination will surely take place. "Judgement will begin at the house of God" St Peter says "and if the righteous are scarcely [?] saved, where will the wicked and unrighteous appear"? O may these alarming solemn truths draw us near to God and ardent prayer for the grace of repentance - repentance that need not be repented of - repentance unto salvation and a firm and lively faith in the atoning blood of Christ - not trusting in anything that we can - do to save us - for God has declared there is none that doth good, and sinneth not - no - not one - but although we can do nothing to rest our Salvation on - yet it is our bounden duty to follow the commands of Christ - if we would be saved through his merits and suffering - He has not only commanded us to worship God in spirit and in truth and love Him with our whole heart, but to love our fellow creatures as ourselves, love them, and be kind to them for God's sake - and hes graciously promised that when we relieve our poor neighbour in distress because that God has required it of us, He will take it is done to Himself - oh Lord do thou guide us in the very everlasting - O give us grace to remember the at all times - and sickness and in health - and prayer - and in business - and in all the concerns of life - do thou direct our paths. "O draw us, and we shall run after thee"
give our united love to your Boys, we are glad to hear that they are improved, and earnestly hope that they will both be determined to improve their tempers - they may be assured that if they govern themselves they will derive much pleasure in so doing - it will prove a blessing and comfort to themselves as well as to their friends and those around them - and more than all - it will be one great step towards heaven - I wish them to remember that there are no ill tempered people in heaven - O what a dreadful thing it will be not to get to get to (sic) heaven - there are but two places we can go to after death - as soon as our last breath is passed - our everlasting state is fixed - there is no repentance in the grave - as life
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leaves us - death finds us - for as the tree falls - there - it must lay - how much it concerns us to live in a heavenly state - there are more people die young than old - a very great many more - I earnestly hope that they will be dutiful to both their parents, who are so kind and good to them - it will be a torment to them when they lay on their death pillow to recollect how many times they have grieved their Father and Mother by unhandsome and unkind behaviour besides and so doing they break the command of God, who says "honour your Father and Mother - if you expect to see good days and live long -
the tea you sent is better than I get at the same price - so when you have opportunity of sending us some more do if you please when anything is sent from Colchester and does not cost much more than a letter - I heard from William about a week since e (sic) says they are well except colds - Elizabeth has hooping cough she has had it two months and expects not to get rid of it till spring - he does not say that she has it badly - he longs to see as all and is looking forward to the time as a child at School - desires to be very kindly remembered to all his relations and friends - remember us kindly to Ambrose - accept our affectionate regards May God bless you and all of you and send you Xmas merries [?] your Aff Mother
H Liveing

83. Harriet's Letters: To her son CharlesLiveing, 8 Feb 1836.
Liveing Archive 24a-b HL
In another hand "Mr L Feb 8 1836 Uncle Henry goes to Nayland Miss Whitmore ill Thomas Liveing very weak" Postmark Feb 8 Lower St
Insert marked with "my dear mother's last letters"

Mr C Liveing
National Debt Office
London

My dear Charles
Your Father directs me to say that he supposes you have gotten the money for Alexander's Check - he wishes you to buy it into the Funds, adding the money you have since received to it - and he wishes to hear from you when you have done so - Father has paid Mary Garrard - she paid a shilling the last time before this, and says she shall bring a shilling the next time she comes, which you told her she must do once in the year - dear Father complains much of rheumatism - and the cold weather takes great hold on him, we do what we can to keep him warm - he is sadly weak - for the greater part of last week he was more indisposed than usual - he is on the whole better now I thank God - this day week I was . . . . . grieved to see him - I began to think, he would not be able to get . . . . . own stagers [?] much longer - however I bless God that he is yet spared - by letter from Julia last week we learn that Edwd had written to his Uncle to send for Ewan - as he could not keep him any longer he requested leave to go with young Hand to Stoke church - and when he came back he praised the Preacher - they afterwards discovered that instead of going to church they spent the time in a Tap room - he - added that there never was a bigger liar or swearer - in the way Julia writes - we may suppose that Edwd said as much in his letter - but we are not sure he did so - I wish that he may have said so - as a shield for himself - for there is no knowing what lies he may forge to his Father - to E's disadvantage - I am sure he must have been a great torment to them to E - more especially who much wish to serve his uncle - in serving his son if he could have done anything with him - Henry with his goods went to Nayland last Friday week - I expect to hear from him shortly - I have not heard how poor Miss Whitmore does since last Thursday week when Henry was here - he said she was better but wondered sometimes - I hear that poor Katie is likely to add to their family - what a host of them - but it is the will of God - it is my desire that you should buy Baxter's Saints everlasting rest - I have handed some years and do but now begin to read it - I can't tell you why I did not read it before - I think it is calculated to make you think of your everlasting concerns if any book can - if you don't I hope Robert will - and that you will both read it with the attention it deserves - and may Gods blessings attend the employment - we hope Mary did not increase
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her troublesome complaint in returning home we thought of you both - how cold it would be to travel without side - and hope you would not for your health sake - we hope to hear you all both pretty well - give and accept our united love to Mary and our grand loves - May God bless you all for ever and ever prays your Aff Mother H Liveing
pray for us - I constantly pray you - Tuesday night 14 1836

84. Harriet's Letters: To Her Daughter Julia Ambrose, 15 Mar 1836, Harwich.
Liveing Archive IMG 5521/23/26/31/38
In another hand "Mrs Liveing March 16 1836 " Post mark 16 Ma 1836 1/^5/8

Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
nr Colchester
Essex
post paid

Harwich Mar 15th 1836
My dear Julia
By your Father's express desire I am sit down to write - as we are all wondering that we have not heard from you so long a time - I hope that sickness has not been the cause of your silence - pray write directly if you are able, if not I hope Ambrose will make time to do so - as we wanted very much to know how you do
TeeHee [?] - dear Father has been very - very poorly lately many times - and laments that he sees his children so seldome - I tell him as Edward is situated - I don't see how he can leave home to come to us - as he has no one to put up medicine - nor no Medicroft [?] at hand now to fill his place for a few days - I thank God he had a tolerable good night - last night - and is today better - he has frequently bad nights - he has pains about him which often prevents his sleep - shortness of breath - and the hiss also - we are come to that late period of life when we can look for little else but pain and infirmities - O that it may please God to grant us grace and strength - and the aids of his Holy Spirits - to be constantly preparing for the great change that cannot be smote [?] - we are often warn'd - for the death bell hardly ceased - last week we had 7 lay dead at one time on one day two was buried, and the next day another was added to those that remained - the most of them were old - still God has fared us a little longer - how great is his mercy!! may his long suffering bring us to a blessed Eternity amen - amen - Old Mr Tollerable [?] died a little time since - Old Prentice also both of them more than 80 - Wack [?] Johnson was buried last week poor Old Mrs Stevens died on thursday Morning - poor thing
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poor Old Mrs Fison died last tuesday she was 88 - Mrs Summers was upward of 90 - Mr Seagers was in his 70th year - Mrs Bacon Mrs Fisons Niece died on saturday - Miss Graham is dead and buried last week - she is a great loss to her parents - a very little person - Harriet saw her about a fortnight since - but she was 16 - and a child of Grices is also dead Mrs Graham has only one daughter alive and she is very delicate - does not appear long-lived - they have had much anxiety respecting one of their sons who has lost the sight of one eye - and there was much fear that he would have lost the other eye - this was occasioned by a row [?] as it is termed - troubles we must have while we live - I have heard from William lately which relieved our case [?] on his account - but we have continual stormy weather, so that I am always between hope and fear - Louise has sprained her ancle badly has been confined to the sofa for 6 weeks - Elizabeth has not gotten the better of hooping cough although better - she directed her Father to tell me that she is taller than her Mama - I have not heard from Henry since he was here - Catherine wrote about ten days since that she thought then heard the Whitmores were going on very well - and added that Miss W was on that day not quite so well as she had been do you know anything about them all - I suppose you don't see Edward very often now - tis long since we heard from London - they are all so much taken up they don't find time to write - nor inclination - as they have a pen in their hands almost from morning till night - have you heard from any of them? perhaps you have heard from your sons - how does Ambrose - with his multitude of various
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businesses - when I wrote to W - I told him that you were half ill in thinking about the poor laws - he desires his love to you and hopes you will not fret - for he is sure you have nothing to reflect on yourself respecting the poor - and you cannot - alter the law of your Country - he says he is not a worse correspondent than the rest of his family - for none of them write but his Mother - they hear from Colchester also - Mr Harwell according to his promise paid us the other £10 - which breaks our loss you know - I am the more glad of it as I have been often reflected on - for putting forward to lend it - Harriet declares her love and bids me say that the world is full of cheats and she hopes that you will endeavour to keep them from defrauding you - she had need be at . . defaced. . . . she says to keep reminding him and spurring him to get his debts in - and to be determined not to allow people to get into his debt as he has done - how does Mr White - pray say that I desired to be remembered to him I am I thank God much better - but I have not much strength I cannot move much without losing my breath - the pain in my body that I have so often - and so long complained of annoys me very often - although I am so careful of what I take - my stomach has not acquired its usual strength - everythings wont set well - I have attempted once to take a walk - but I could not reach the top of the new road, I was so weary - your Father is so often sadly I don't like to leave him - but I have been to church three times - and hope to be able to get there once in the day - in the morning the maid goes in the afternoon - and I read and pray with your poor Father - how does poor Bateman - make him up such another parcel of tea and sugar and oatmeal - and I will pay you for them - I forgot to mention the death of Old Mrs Haggis she was 80 or more - Mr Reak [?] is going away - so our house will add to the number of the empty ones.
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remember us very kindly to Ambrose - may the God of heaven be ever with you and yours - and keep you in the way everlasting - with our best love believe me
your afft Mother
H Liveing

Old Mr Glasin is dead - Old Mrs Lappage is dead she was 85 and poor Old Mrs Maud she was more than 80 - and many more that I don't recollect - death has made a great savage amongst us within a few months - Miss May has had scarlet fever which is turned to brain fever I hear - but they think her something better today
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if your dear father lives till to morrow he well have completed his 76th year - God grant that we may improve his long-suffering give us a new heart and after right spirit - O give us I beseech the Lord through repentance such as them well except - that we may glorify thee and be glorified of thee Eternally amen

85. Harriet's Letters: To her son Rev Henry T Liveing, 25 Mar 1836, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 26a-b HL
Written on two sides of one sheet sealed with red sealing wax, endorsed, Mrs L March 26, 1836.
Insert marked with "my dear mother's last letters"

The Rev HT Liveing
Nayland

My dear Henry,
You promised to write when you were last here to say truth I have thought it long in coming, however when it did come it was dictated in kindness, I heartily wish I could say that your dear Father is better, O, no, I cannot - I think that his infirmities and indisposition increases, we can scarcely get anything to suit, his appetite is so indifferent - eggs are his main support, I hope that he won't take a dislike to them, or I know not what we shall do - he has very often restless nights - and when he can't rest - he can't let me - so that we are generally in bed late in a morning, as I am glad to get sleep at one time if I can't at another, as I am neither well, nor strong. I am ever taking fresh cold, which always produces cough - and ever indisposes me very much - I am also much troubled with shortness of breath and am still hysterical altho not in so alarming a degree as when I last saw you - no one can tell the suffering I endured then it amounted at times to horrible despair. God almighty preserve you - and I - and all that are near, and dear to us (in particular) from so dreadful a state amen - God hear my prayer - poor dear F complains much of difficulty of breathing - I often think (not only from our length of years but from so much weakness, and from so many infirmities) that our own thread of life must be nearly spent - O pray for us - pray for yourself that you with us, and all of us may be gathered into one fold under the Great Shepherd. Oh may your father say, in the great day, here am I, with my wife and all the children thou has given me. Oh God for Christ's sake hear and grant this great request - amen - amen - yesterday morning I was reading God's command to Ezekiel (the third chapter) to warn the people - you have well considered the chapt I trust - you are an appointed watchman - O be careful to be a diligent one pray - and look up to God for help - that you may rightly divide the word of truth - that
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you may warn the guilty, (and who are not guilty? altho we are strangely apt to overlook our own faults, while the faults of others glare in our eyes) and encourage the weak hearted who are bound down under the sense of weight of sins - by lifting up weak hands and strengthening the feeble knees - as the Scripture directs - O be careful to represent sin as so hateful to God that he cannot not in endure it in his sight - set forth his exceedingly great love for man - that He sent His beloved only Son to endure such suffering on the cross represent the excessive weight of sin - of such poor unworthy creatures oppressed His Holy Soul so heavily that he swet drops of blood running down to the ground from His body - exclaiming was ever sorrow like unto my sorrow - all this and much more the blessed Saviour endured to save us from everlasting sufferings - think what a mighty mercy - what great kindness it would be thus to suffer for friends - but He suffered for his enemies, O wonderful!! Enlarge on the subject - be preparing a sermon for Good Friday - find the way to the heart if you possibly can - exalt Christ to the utmost of your power - and O dear Henry what speaks louder - or so loud as a pious life, let your sermons live in you - O humble self under the mighty hand of God put down pride make a point of it, or it will surely keep you out of heaven - no pride lives there it lives more - or less - in all hearts - let it be regarded by you as a great energy that will minder your everlasting happiness - when I am gone you will have no one to remind you of easily besetting sins - and I am not very likely to write many more letters welcome or unwelcome to you- we all need a touch stone to enliven our sluggish hearts who are dreadfully apt to sleep - and rest quietly in the sin although death is in the slumber - death eternal -perhaps you'll say I have drawn a sad picture - but surely it is a faithful one - may the God of heaven make you a faithful Minister - O entreat Him that He may give you his holy spirit without his aid you can do nothing as you ought - consider your holy calling, O may you honour God - O may you
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have the great blessing of winning souls to Him - and after all may you be converted - that your soul may be healed and saved with a mighty Salvation - be careful to be well prepared with proper portions of Scripture when you visit the Sick - may you be a blessing to them in leading them to God - by showing them what sin is - for many are insensible of very many sins - and draw them by kind persuasion to confess them to God - and to humble themselves under his Mighty hand - for all pain and sickness - no doubt is the fruit of sin and sickness is to reprove us for it - sometimes it is sent as a trial of faith - may God be ever with you - and send these truths home to your own soul - O pray for me - for I with truth acknowledge that I am vile and full of sin - O God wash me in the atoning blood of Christ - "O wash me Saviour or I die" - O wash us all dear Father dear Sons and daughters amen amen
I have not time add much more - we have had a great mortality among the aged in particular within the last month - amongst them old Mrs Stevens is gone. Should Edw come to see us have anything you have that wants repairing put together and send them - or bring them when you come - I am glad that you give satisfaction you must look over little things - so that great things go on well - for none of us can have everything right or rather to our wishes "the sun shines no where blessed? but in heaven" so that we shall be miserably disappointed if we expect it.
Once more God bless you - accept our united love
believe me your
affct mother
H Liveing
remember us to Uncle and Aunt and to Mr and Miss Whitmore
Harwich
March 25, 1836 Friday

86. Harriet's Letters: To Her Daughter-in-Law Catherine Mary Downing, Apr 1836, Harwich.

87. Harriet's Letters: To Her Daughter Julia Ambrose, 6-7 Apr 1836, Harwich.
Liveing Archive IMG 5501/03
In another hand "Apr 5th 1836 Gt Grandfather very poorly also H L Tom Fenn to visit Uncle Henry" By the signature "April 6 1836 Recied" twice perhaps because Harriet has dated this letter 7 April 1836

Mrs Ambrose
Copford
My dear Julia
I am obliged to write, because you will not - your poor father has been expecting a letter so long that it makes it uncomfortable he can't think the reason why you have not - we persuade him that you have nothing in particular to say - or perhaps nothing pleasant - he is poor thing very poorly today his bowels will not act naturally - nor indeed always when urged which is the case today - he is indeed very weak - he says he is daily losing strength - he is certainly weaker than he was - he has so often restless nights, which sadly undres [?] him - his appetite is indifferent - we can get nothing that he likes - I am thankful to say that he is not tired of eggs - O what a good thing I know not what we should do for him - I have been far from well myself the last two days today I am better I thank God - Harriet has as much colour as a turnip - but she says she is pretty well - I had a newspaper this morning from William which I am glad to see after such sad stormy weather - the bread has risen three times surely Ambrose won't wait to sell, till it falls again - we shall be very glad to hear that he reaps advantage from the additional price - have you been able to get the corn into the ground - I fear not, we have scarcely had a day without rain - I think the earth must be full of water - did you see Charles when he came to Mrs Freeman's do you know how all our London relatives do,? Harriet expects Tom will be down on the 14th of this month, his Uncle Henry invited him - as he could not receive him when he came down before - as he had not gotten into his house - I don't know that we shall see him "for when a lady is the case, you know all other things gives place" perhaps Edward will manage to come
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and see his poor Father if, Tom does up the medicine - he must be back by the first of May again - we have a good report of him when ever we hear of him - which is a comfort to his friends - I hope that it will please God that he may do well - every way - poor Robin works hard, he says when we last head (sic) from him - but adds - I am pretty well although sometimes a good deal fatigued - he works on Sundays also after the duty of the day, he assists and teaching the Sunday school children - he is religiously disposed - what a mercy, he will do all he can, to help his brother forward heavenward, I know. Mrs Logan has lent me a little book I should like you should read it - because I think it might urge you on in the right way - the Title is, The Anxious inquirer, after Salvation directed and encouraged By John Angell James - I don't know the price but it appears a desirable.
I hope you will be able to report pretty well of Ambroses health as well as your own - and I also hope that he has not to spend so much time as he has done respecting the poor laws - for if he does he had better give his own business up for he cannot find time to look after it - I pray God that you may both so pass through things temporal that you lose not things Eternal - pray don't neglect the care of the Soul - that one thing needful
with our united best love and best wishes
believe me your aff Mother
H Liveing
Harwich April 7, 1836 thursday
Death does not rage here so much as it has done - poor Howard is very bad with cancer in his throat - he suffers so much pain poor man - he cannot lay down in his bed - how does poor Bateman did you get for him what I requested? - If Maria is with you remember me to her - post going

88. Harriet's Letters: To her son Rev Henry T Liveing, 6 Jun 1836, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 22a-b HL
In another hand "Mrs L7 June 1836 gives ages herself 73 and more Her husband 76" Postmarked Harwich 7JU 1836
Insert marked with "my dear mother's last letters"

Harwich June 6, 1836
My Dear Henry
We are concerned to learn the death of poor Margarate (sic) - and are much vexed for your uncomfortable situation, which must have called forth much anxiety on your part - I trust you did your best, by endeavouring to bring to her mind, many errors that we are daily committing, to excite repentance for them, and to increase faith in the Saviour who came to save us. I often think of lines in a most comfortable hymn "let not conscience make you linger, nor of fitness fondly dream, all the fitness he requireth is to feel your need of him". I hope this event has not made you ill, for I am aware that you are a nervous subject - this solemn occurrence is the direct visitation of God, and therefore we have no right to complain, of what he sees fit to send, but suffer it to take the blessing effect of making you live nearer to God, as death has entered your house it loudly says, "be ye also ready, for I may come in and now when you think not". O may the God of heaven give you grace, to strive to the utmost to do all you can to bring those, (to whom God has made you overseer) to repentance, and enabled us so to hold up Christ that they may learn to love, and obey his will, in the Gospel. O be daily and hourly beseeching God to grant you His Holy Spirit for without his aid you can do nothing as you ought, and have we any hope to obtain so great a mercy without interceding for it with our whole souls, in season, and out of season, which may be requested at any place, and at all times, although we may not have the opportunity of bending a knee - I hope, and trust, that this may be much on your mind, and I pray God to hear your prayers and grant you this greatest blessing - and for your encouragement God has graciously promised that you shall not seek him in vain - pray, and be of
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with good courage and He will strengthen your heart, be assured, that the nearer you live to God, and the more you humble yourself - the happier you will be - because you will be more acceptable to God - and be more prepared for the changes that He in his Providence sees fit to try us with - you have the prospect of several which will come nearer to yet - your poor Fathers appetite is very bad, nothing we can get that is agreeable to him, what he gets down he is almost cram'd with - as your sister and myself are grieved to see him so faint, so weak, and so hypochondriacal (often) that we resort to every means we can think of to induce him to take enough to support him - he often brings me to tears - we can't persuade him to try your Bro^s medicine again, he dreads being sick so much, he says nothing tast's as it used to do, I remark that it is the decay of nature, by reminding him of Scripture, "can thy servant taste any more what he eats or drinks", and begged him not to mind the tast if not so pleasant, but eat to preserve life as long as he can - as it is our duty to do so - he is indeed sadly infirm. I am very far from strong myself - and but a trifle undoes me, even when at my best, a little thing fatigues me - I have been very poorly almost ever since I saw you I have had so much difficulty in breathing, my stomach and bowels have been much disordered, I thank God I feel better on the whole today I am certainly very weak - your F 76 and I 73 and more, what can we expect but pain and infirmities while the thread of life lasts, which must be nearly spun out, O for a happy termination, pray for us, we need your prayers - and the prayers of all our children, that God may grant us part from all our sins - which are many and great - and that we only have joy and peace in believing - pray God give us repentance and a new heart, and firm faith in the merits and suffering of our Redeemer - Lord hear and help us - for we have no help in ourselves - no - we are poor frail helpless creatures, vile and full of sin, O God have
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mercy on us for the sake of our Lord and Saviour amen - amen - your sister heard of poor Peggy's death by accident in the market on Friday, and that her brother was gone in a cart to bring her to his house that night - I ask you what you do now I suppose Mrs Harrold may have recommended one to supply her place - if she - nor Catherine knows not of a proper person - we will enquire for one - but it's a very difficult thing to find a suitable one in all respects - you want an honest careful frugal person of a good age - may the God of heaven direct the choice for you - I trust that you are determined not to have another to maintain and pay to wait of her wherever she may be, it's hard if they cannot do for one person, with a lad to wait on them besides, I shall be heartily vexed if you consent to such a thing - and shall say as poor Mr Logan said of Billingsley, that you will never l. . . . by a grey groat - for want of care, and good management. O do not pay so much court to self - which is so apt to protrude in every breast, if not checked, pay more respect to your better part, that must endure forever and ever - and get the better of paying such over attention to your frail body, which may be crushed in a moment. O how many troubles you would have avoided had you not gone to housekeeping - you might have saved money for better purposes. I have received a letter from Amelia on Saturday, she tells me her Pape has had two alarming attacks - and inflammation of the windpipe - and an obstruction in the bowels - and spasms in the stomach and Edward has had a sharp attack of influenza - and Louisa such a violent termination of blood to the brain that we almost despair of her life - but they all recovered sooner than we could have expected - Mrs Harrold is very poorly from the tenor of her letter I am led to hope that she is growing as pious as her happy departed sister was - what a mercy if she is!! I purpose to send you her letter - and a book - which I hope you will oblige me
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by reading with attention, as I am persuaded if you read it in the hope of benefiting that you will be stird up to do so - let us hear from you as soon as you can we shall be very glad to hear that you are pretty well - God Almighty bless and keep and guide you for ever and ever - accept our united love - and tell your Uncle and Aunt that we desire kind regards to them - remember us kindly to your brother Katy and the children - also to Mrs D, and our other friends the Whitmore's - ask E if he can prescribe some other medicine that may be likely to answer your dear Father that will not be likely to make him sick - he may write on the top of your letter which I hope to receive shortly from you.
Your Aff^e Mother H Liveing
I get a newspaper from William on Saturday O what frens (?)

89. Harriet's Letters: To Her Son Edward, 10 Jun 1836, Harwich.
Original in Fenn archive Ref L12
Written on four sides of one sheet, folded inserted and sealed, endorsed post paid, showing a postmark Harwich 10 JU 1836.
Note in George Downing Liveing's hand "from my grandmother living to my father on the birth of my sister Harriet June 1836"

Mr Liveing
Surgeon
Nayland
Suffolk

Harwich June 10, 1836

My dear Edwd
We are all heartily glad that it has pleased God to deal so favourably with dear Catherine and we all unite with you in returning the Almighty thanks and praise for his great mercy shown her - I pray God to take her and her baby under his divine care then O'time to eternity also the same earnest desire we have for you and all those who are near and dear to us. Pray give our love to her and say that her safety is much relief and comfort to our minds - I wrote to Henry a few days since, and requested him to answer my letter very soon so I expect to hear from him every post if he does write soon request him to say how poor Katy does, if not, I hope you all one of your family will write, for we shall be very glad to hear of her well doing - I thought by what you said yesterday that the event was nearer than you expected, the feelings that she generally experience told her so and me to - I was thankful but not surprised by this morning's account - poor Mrs Downing I suppose did not hear of the affair till all was over - remember us to her, and said that we congratulate her on this happy occasion - may the child prove a blessing to you and all of yours I think I should like her name should be Harriet if no one has chosen another name, whom it is right that you should pay attention to. I think the name may bring your Mother to your mind sometimes, when I am gone - putting aside palsy - I think I am as feeble as your father - and I am very much annoyd by difficulty of breathing pains of body and back and rheumatism in my limbs
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all these and many more ailings are the consequences of years - I often tell your poor Father - and that God is leading us both into Eternity by gentle steps which is His mercy and goodness He sends, that we may be warned to prepare for the great change - O may He grant us the grace of His Holy Spirit - for without His guidance we can do nothing as we ought no - although it is for our everlasting interest - for without divine aid and defence, the God of this world, will blind our eyes and harden our hearts - unite your prayers with ours, that it may please God to carry us safely through this world, to the world of rest, God Almighty give us repentance unto life - and firm faith in the merits of the Saviour, with the blessings of Pardon and peace Amen Amen we were much struck to hear of the death of poor Hent. . . . . for Henry said she had been very ill, but she was recovering and that you hoped she might have her general health better in future - poor Henry we are very much sorry for him as well - for it must have made him very uncomfortable if not ill as I know that he is a very nervous subject - Harriet heard of the solemn event at market by accident I wrote to him on the subject and observed to him that perhaps Mrs Harrold or Katy might have recommended a proper person and requested him to let me hear from him as soon as he could for if neither of the above had thought of someone - then we would endeavour to seek for one, and at the same time observed that it was indeed a very difficult thing to find a person in every way fit - I observed at his first going to housekeeping that he must be sure not to take a young person - for altho the parties were ever so innocent, in the eye of the world they would not be esteemed as such - and that a good name was much sooner lost then
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regain'd - nay perhaps it never would be recovered and in particular what a blemish to a man in his situation it would be, even to be thought criminal - my dear Katy I hope will impress the like thoughts on his mind, I know he values her, if she can think of a proper person I shall feel indebted to her to do her best for him for I really don't know of one - without Mrs Dick Westhorp would undertake it but I don't know that she would be willing to go out but she has only her wits to live by - she has a little house and furniture but nothing else - she is of good age and is a very respectable person above the common sort - remarkably clean and a good manager and caretaker to do the best as they were much reduced by long and severe illnesses. I don't know that her health is the best but she has held out wonderfully in nursing her husband for several years and after his death she nursed her mother for a year and half.
We have gotten the tincture - but have forborne to press the taking it as he has taken opening pills today which generally disposes him to sickness - indeed he often complains of being sickish when he has taken nothing to make him so. Harriet and I are frequently grieved at meal times to see him as we are much afraid that he wont take enough food to support his weak frame - we will get the medicine down if possibly we can - I pray God to send his blessing with it - Harriet bids me ask whether you have heard anything of Tom since he left Nayland - she has not - she has always her fears that he may cut himself remembering the danger you were in at the hospital.
I had a letter from Amelia and a few days since - she says her poor father has been alarmingly ill with inflamed windpipe - and again by spasms in his stomach and bowel obstruction -- and her brother Edwd has had a sharp attack of influenza and Louise such a violent termination of blood to the brain that they almost despaired of her life -- they all soon recovered - thank God - Mrs Harrold is poorly by the tenor of her letter I am led to hope that she may have become as
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pious as her truly Christian sister was - I told Henry that I should take opportunity of sending it that you may all see it.
that God may bless you and all of you is the prayer of your Affectionate Mother
H. Liveing
remember us kindly to Mrs Harrold and love to my brother - to be the father of eight children what an important trust!!! Oh think much - and pray more for divine help that you may set them a good example and bring them up in the fear of God, and to the love and honour of His name may God be with you and all of you for ever more Amen

90. Harriet's Letters: To her son Rev Henry T Liveing, 13 Jul 1836, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 25a-b HL
In another hand: "Mrs L13 July 1836 Mary Fuller a servant? for uncle Henry" postmark 13JY 1836
Insert marked with "my dear mother's last letters"

The Rev T. H Liveing
Nayland
Suffolk
post paid

Harwich July 13, 1836.
My dear Henry
Your Brother and Louisa left yesterday morning by coach to Colchester - Elizabeth went the day before with Mr and Mrs Thorogood, who paid their visit to the Misses Deanes - yesterday Mrs Coxes cook called to speake with me - she said that she had been told that morning that you wanted a servant - and thought yours would be a place that would suit her - she had no fault to find with her mistress - but the family being very large the work was so heavy that it was more than she knew how to get through - she has lived first with Mrs Baggor and since her death, with Mrs Cox 14 years in the two places - I asked her how old she was, as a young person would not suit she replied that she was more than 30 - but not liking (I suppose) to add too much to her years, she did not like to say 40 - which we think is about her age - I enquired what wages she said she had 10 guineas - I replied then you find your own tea - she said not exactly - there was some small additions - I answered that you gave £10 to Peggy and allowed her a guinea a year for tea - which she did not object to - I observed that I did not know whether you had engaged anybody to live with you, or not, I knew that you had made enquiries - I said that I would not have any thing to do with hiring any one who would expect to have another person to do the work for them. As you were very clean yourself - and was subject to be out sometimes - and always dined out on a Sunday which I remarked was a great thing to a servant - I also said that you did not keep company as it was not expected from
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a Bachelor - but once in awhile you had a friend but that you did not pretend to have much done - only a little addition to what you would have yourself - I observed that you had been obliged to have somebody very often as poor Peggy was almost always ill - and indeed she was not at all fit to go to service - and had I known how much indisposed she was I should certainly not have hired her - I thought her health was better than it was - and from her bearing so excellent a Character I was desirous of you having her - I observed that you had lived at more expense than I wished, that if you had her I hope that there would be no extravagance - Mam - she replied do you ask my master if I am extravagant - tho - Mr Cox has a large family they are very close - she said her master - for her poor mistress has (at times in particular) nearly lost her recollection - and would say one thing one minute and the contrary the next - so that her master - with the assistance of Mr Knocker takes the arrangement of the household affairs - Mr K - gives out what he thinks is necessary - and locks up the rest - at home also - he is and has been a most serviceable man in the family of the Coxes - I should have written by last night's post - but I wished to enquire about her from some other quarter. Harriet was directed by Miss Stevens to enquire of a married respectable woman who lived eight years with Mrs Cox - and has been as many more backward and forward, at times, when they much wanted assistance, since - she goes out cooking - and has been much at Miss Stevens - to visit on their lodgers, and she was quite sure she would give a just account of her as she thinks her very respectable - so Harriet called and said she wished not it should be mentioned what she called . . . . . she is of opinion that she is quite honest - and a good working servant and would be clean - but that is not possible at Mr Coxes - where there are
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so many in family - and many visitors - and so many dogs - and cats kept running all over the house dirty or clean - that she would defy anybody to keep clean - if they cleaned ever so often - and she quite agreed with Mary - that she had a very messy place - frequently 15 to sit down to dinner - made a great deal of work - she said Mary Fuller (which is her name) could cook very nicely and knew how to cook small things as well as large - that she was a much better temper than Peggy - and she thought she would be a person that would suit you - one thing she knew she had a dislike to do - as she did it awkwardly - which was laying a cloth and setting the table in order - but you have another to do that - she (Mary) told me that if you . . . . ed her she could not come for less than a month or five weeks - as she must give warning and not behave unhandsomely - she had told her master that she must look for a lighter place - and he told the person above that what he should do without her he did not know - Mrs Markham - also observed that Mary is a remarkably steady - that she would answer to anybody for - and was a very comfortable temper - by no means cross - and a hard-working person. Harriet says she never saw her dressed fine - this is all I can tell you about her - this is the only person that I have heard of likely to suit you - I pray God direct you - and put you into good hands - now let me advise you to keep your closet locked where wine sugared tea etc etc may be - if they find it so - they will not expect to find it open - nor think much of it - besides I think it only right not to run people into temptation - nor do not leave letters about - by what I can learn I think she may do for you - but I must have you to judge for yourself - only let me hear your determination as soon as you can - as Mary told me she should call again for if you don't have her she shall be looking for another place - Mrs M - said that she has no followers after her
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accept and present our united love to all our friends tell Katherine we are very glad that she can report so well of Edw^d and of our friends in general - May God be with you - and all of you ever more prays your Aff^te Mother
H Liveing
Don't fail to write as soon as you can

91. Harriet's Letters: To Her DaughterJulia Ambrose, 26 Jul 1836, Harwich.
Liveing Archive IMG 5575/77/79/82
In another hand "Mrs Liveing Jul 26 1836 U William visits Harwich & Copford on way to Weymouth Heavy rain after drought" Pd 6 Post mark Harwich 26 JY 1836. Some scribbled arithmetic

Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
nr Colchester
Essex
post paid

Harwich July 26^th 1836
My dear Julia
I am set down to write for the sake of asking you how you, and yours doe (sic) - Father is worried at not hearing from you of so long - he is much as when you saw him, some days better than another - in mind and body - my poor Harriet is but very so, so, has been in your way, is in that respect somewhat better - but her stomach is in just such a state as when she was so much indisposed at Edwards some years since - when there were but few things she could bear on her stomach - however I thank God, that she is not brought down so low, as she then was - and I hope, and trust that she will not - but great care is wanted more than I fear she is willing to take - we thank you and Ambrose also for your kindness in inviting us to your house - which I should take much pleasure in accepting could your Father persuade himself to take the journey - but he says, "I shall never go any more" - he wishes to know anything you may know about William I suppose they came to see you - they also talked of going to Nayland - if we mistake not, this is the day that he travels to Weymouth - we think that his sailing day is to morrow - they talked of staying at London a few days also - tell us what you know about them, and their movements - we thought that they were all looking very well - only that W - is too fat. I said all I could to persuade him not to take so much beer - but I fear to no good purpose - I told him that I feared he would have a fit - what a very great girl Elizabeth is!! 12 years and a half old only - I hope she won't do on to grow much longer -
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Father says tell her how glad I should be to see her - I need not say so we should all - and hope you will come as soon as you can make it tolerably convenient - for quite so, it cannot be, I know - I am often much indisposed myself - my stomach is so full of pain frequently night and day - and I have very often much difficulty in breathing - and sadly hysterical so that I have not much pleasure - but it is the hand of God, who knows what is best for us all - O that he may give me grace to prepare to meet Him - then all will be well pray to God for us - we much need each other's prayers - as well as our own - pray write directly - Harriet has long anxiously wished to hear whether the late rains has hurt your corn - she has read of great damage being done by thunderstorms - and ice storms cutting whole Farms of corn off - she has also had her fears that you had not the rain in time to save your crops - and since the rain that you may have had too much - I beg her not to worry - she says she thinks she is the only one that worries - I replied that in so doing she had done no good - that your crops are just as they would have been, had she not troubled herself so much, and that I wished she had more trust in God. I have heard a bad account of turnips - that the black jack has spoiled them - I heard that it was not too late to sow some kind now - so I hope it will please God to send a blessing on your next endeavour - that you may get food for your cattle - is Edward gone to London? I know he wished to go, and bring his children home - Harriet has not heard from Tom since he came from London - he is so taken up with his new made friend that he forgets his old ones - till need makes
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him call them to mind - I have experienced this long ago - this want of feeling will one day recoil in the mind - for a day of reflection will come - but sometimes too late - when does Tom go to his new school ? I hope he has learnt to behave himself well - and that he does not grieve you - tell him if he does that he will shorten your days by making you ill - and I trust that as he has grown a just [?] boy then he will see the necessity of making the best use of his time by laying in a good stock of useful knowledge - which should he live to be a man he will find the great advantage of - and will lament the want of it - if he don't take pains to gain it now - with heart and good will and not be dragged to his books, for their acquirement [?] are but small - if they don't use their own endeavours without force - I would have them consider how much it will cost their poor Father to give them the opportunity of gaining useful learning - it is to their profit to make the most of it now - as they must soon be doing something whereby they may get their living - give my love to them and say that I hope they keep in mind that God is present everywhere - and sees and hears all they say - or do - or think - by night - and my day - and will - stand before the great Judge of quick - and dead - to give an account - and they will be rewarded according to their behaviour - whether it has been good or bad - I hope they will never forget this solemn truth - it must be so, for God has said it - who cannot lie - remember us kindly to Ambrose - and accept our best love - may the God of heaven bless and keep you and be with you all for ever and ever - prays your Aff^t Mother
H Liveing
if your handsome geraniums are grown, bring me some cuttings - all cut some and set them and bring - and one of your old handsome ones - for I am not likely to see your garden

92. Harriet's Letters: To Her Daughter Julia, Aug 1836, Harwich.
Liveing Archive IMG 5489/90/92/94
In another hand "Mrs Liveing Letter Aug 1836 Tom Fenn going to Nayland - Read 2 Sep 1919 EHL"
Harriet writes her age is 73 in this letter, which if her birth date is correct at 1762 would make the year of this letter 1835 ?

Mrs Ambrose
Copford
My dear Julia
We were very glad that you could report so well of yourself - but as you were but in a poor state we much wish to have heard from you again and long before this time - why have you not written ? you know that we think anxiously about you - Mr Halward's - obligingly called yesterday - to say if we had anything to send to Copford he would take it today - and also said that he should return on the same night - by which I suppose he purposes to bring us a note back, we are much obliged I am sure - we are willing to hope that you are much better - but we shall also be glad to have it confirmed - Tom Fenn also is going by coach with Mr Halward - but of course he turns off - for, Nayland - I suppose Edward will (if he can) come and see us - poor Harriet is again very sadly - she looks ghostlike - she is rather better, I hope - dear father is much as when you saw him - God's mercies being yet held out to him - O'may he make the best use of the remnant of time allowed him - O! may we all do the same - for as I wrote when a girl - "every moment is a moment of money" and must be accounted for, may the Almighty impress this momentous truth on our minds, that we may not pass the hours kindly given us for our everlasting benefit idly, or un-profitably, but that we may grasp them as a great boon and employ them as in the sight of God - and may that blessed God be our guide - our help - our everlasting rest and comfort, amen, amen, so be it.
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I cannot brag much of my own health - I really suffer very frequently from difficulty of breathing - and langour I certainly feel the weight of years very much. I never was strong, I cannot expect to be strong at 73 years old - I bless God that I am still able to do a little, although it is but little - and done with much inconvenience and trouble.
I have time only to (sic) we desire to be kindly remembered to Ambrose as well as yourself
God bless you and all yours
your ever affct Mother
H Liveing
Harwich
August wednesday morning

93. Harriet's Letters: To her son Rev Henry T Liveing, 6 Aug 1836, Harwich.
Liveing Archive 23a-b HL
Postmarked Colchester 7A 1836. Sealed with red sealing wax
Insert marked with "my dear mother's last letters"

The Rev H T Liveing
Nayland
Suffolk

Harwich Saturday past noon
August 6, 1836.

My dear Henry
I am sorry that you should think that I always scold you when I write - what ever I say I always feel a mother's duty guiding me - if I think you err, who but near friends will point out where you are wrong - Fathers and Mothers - whose affections are lively, (if they deserve the name) eagerly endeavour to prevent danger - or misconduct - whose true interest have I hand at heart, thank you ? surely your own - I am desirous of doing kindness to all my family, on every occasion, when I am able, believe me there are enough people to make remarks and to deride et - but very few that will prove friends to your true interest - however I have done on the subject - one day you will believe that I have done only right and as a mother - and as far as I have done I have delivered my own soul -
I venture once more to mention that while you keep your old attendant - you keep a girl in your house - which I expect will bring you into trouble and disgrace - remember your young man - and this girl are often left to themselves - you cannot always be with them - or be their keeper - they lay under temptations very frequently, and older and wiser than them have fallen - and I shall not be surprised should this be the case with them, depend on it that you will be reproached and censured for misconduct - if the crime is not
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laid on your own shoulders - you will be highly blemished for leading them into temptation - it would be scandal enough to anybody - but to a man in your situation, it will amount to a great error - and a blemish that you will not easily be rid of. I don't know what you may term this letter - in my mind it is a friendly one - I design as such, to prevent you much trouble - these remarks are much better given in time - than to come when the mischief is done. Harriet saw Mrs Coxes servant the other day and told her that you had an old person with you, whom you had had ever since Kent (?) was ill - she replied that perhaps you might wish to try another before long - and would take her on trial for a month - she thought she could suit you - and that your place would suit her - Harriet agreed that if you did she would let her know - so here the matter rests - I shall not, after what I have said above - persuade you to try her - but we cannot help thinking that she would do very well for you, as far as we can judge - she speaks very respectfully of her Master and Mistress and should be very sorry to use them unhandsomely - and has warned the family that she must look out for a place of less work as she is not able to get through with tolerable ease I must once more repeat that you have another servant to pay and maintain - which everybody will allow must increase your expenses - to get a good servant is next to impossible - speak to any respectable person - and you will find - they will agree with me in this respect - this person is a very steady respectable person - and what is agreeable - she is a very comfortable temper - and the person of whom Harriet enquired said she thought
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she would be clean if she could - but where she was it was impossible - she well knows - as she is good-tempered it is most likely she would endeavour to please you - now I have said all I shall say - I leave you now to your own judgement - I pray God to guide you - your Father was very unwell yesterday - his bowels and physic together made him sick and sadly - four days before he has had a thick coat on his tongue till yesterday I could not persuade him to take pills - unfortunately they did not operate - this morning he took more which has had the desired effect and he is relieved but complains of much weakness - Harriet is better on the whole but looks sadly - and is very delicate - and has but little appetite - she won't hear of having Mr Bailey - if she would - she just now could not - for he goes here and there - it gets out of the way and leaves Mr Bird to fill his place - people don't like - to be forced to do anything you know - I am good for little often very unwell - I am almost worn out I often think - it's time - to think so - I am sorry to hear that you have been so much annoyed by toothache - but by Tom's account I hope that you are recovered - to wash your mouth every night - and every morning with strong salt and water - never neglecting the practice, will cure the toothache I have heard - we are sorry to learn that Mrs Whitmore is unwell is she better and able to go to Aldborough? give our love to Katy and the children and our friends I suppose your br^t and childⁿ are at home by this time
God keep and direct ever more prays your Aff Mother accept our united love
H Liveing

94. Harriet's Letters: To Her Daughter Julia Ambrose, 26 Aug 1836, Harwich.
Liveing Archive IMG 5591/92/93/95
In another hand "26 Aug 1836 The Gt Grandfather last illness. He died on 30 Aug 1836 " Impression on page BATH within a ring of posies.

Mrs J Ambrose
Copford
My dear Julia
As Mr Hallward has obliging said that he would call to take a message to you or letter - I thought I would write that you might hear the state your poor Father is in - I am grieved to tell you that he is much reduced by bowel ailing - which at present it is not at all stopped - I sent to ask Mr Bailey to come see him as a favour (for I suppose he has quite left off visiting - is shortly going to France for half a year, to prepare for taking a Diploma as a Physician) poor dear - he took his pills as usual, last Monday which seldom set on his bowels but once - but on Tuesday - his bowels became sadly disordered - with great shaking - and he brought up shear [?] bile - we gave him brandy and doses of laudanum - and after much persuasion he allowed me to send for Mr Bailey - who ordered him port wine, mixed with spiced water half and half - hoping it would comforting his bowels - and might go off without medicine - poor dear he ordered me to write by the same post to Edward "and beg him to come directly, or he would not see him alive" these were his words - I wrote them as he suggested - but at the same time told him - what Mr Bailey said, I had found that he had another attack of palsy, but he said no - nothing like it - or was it caused by the pills he had taken - but it was a bowel complaint - which prevails much at this time - Mr B - said he had no fever - no pain in his head - nor much pain in his bowels - now and then - not often - a nipping in his bowels - neither had he many motions - but - although all these favourable symptoms - he was very faint and much exhausted
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and although he had not been up long - we were very glad to get him to bed - Edward came (set off) soon after he received my letter - and Henry came with him - Edward had much converse with Mr B - and left us yesterday some time after breakfast - much more comfortable than he should have done - had he not seen him - as he is assured that Mr B - knows what he is about and will do all he can for him - thinks him a very clever man - from his conversation - I feel grieved at the idea of losing him - he has just been here - says he has no fever nor in pain, but it's a debilitated state - and that the bowels must be stopped - I pray God they may - he has had four motions since 9 o'clock last night, till about 7 this morning he sleeps a good deal between times from the laudanum - he took the medium Mr B - sent according to directions - and has more sent - mercy for us, may the Almighty God help us - poor Harriet is very poorly in body as well as anxious in mind - Edward did know (sic) how to stay so long as he did as he has several patients bad in the same way - we will write to you to let you know how he goes on - if it pleases God tomorrow - God bless you
your afft Mother
H Liveing
friday morng
Aug^st 26, 1836

95. Harriet's Letters: To Her Daughter Julia, 20 Sep 1836, Harwich.
Liveing Archive IMG 5508/10/12/14
In another hand "Mrs Liveing Letter Sept 20th 1836 per Miss Stevens Ha [?] Uncle Harrold at Harwich advises removal" Some £ s. d. calculations

Mrs Ambrose
Copford

Harwich Sepbr 20, 1836.
My dear Julia
I must say when I learned that you had written to your Uncle to come I was very sorry as the weather was so bad - I feared that he would be wet through - it made me quite vexed, and I thought also that I should not be able from one thing and another to get there - but I thank God that I was enabled to go twice, but not without feeling much - my brother also escaped the rain pretty well - he took shelter and managed between them I had expected - Katy put off coming till tomorrow fearing that the children might be troublesome to Uncle - she thought he would have stayed till tuesday but he left us some time after breakfast saturday - he behaved very kindly - and said much on the sense of going amongst you all - stay a few weeks amongst us, first with one and then with another - take time and be looking for a house and don't come back again - and left a charge with Harriet to persuade me to do so - he directed me to look at Harriet's countenance - and go for her sake if not for my own - she is indeed very sadly - I should be heartily glad to see her better - she goes almost without sleep - enough to wear her up alone - uncle has prescribed for her - in the hope of making her sleep with laudanum - I hope that it will please God and may have the desired effect - Tyler brought the cloak and net - and said that he thought you did not get wet - which I hope was the case - and I am thankful that you did not get injury from siding on the outside of the coach - (if you took no cold) this sure you would not
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have prosecuted your journey, if Emma had not had her cloak on, to have lent you - we hope that you found Ambrose pretty well - and affairs going on as well as you might have expected - give my love to A and say that I take very kindly his allowing you to stay so long with me as I am fully aware that he much wanted your assistance at home as well as your company - we hope very soon to hear from you, I hope you will be able to tell us that you are not more indisposed than when you left us - nor have been - I have just now learned that poor Blizzard has just breathed his last - he was tapped either on saturday or sunday - they only took five pints from him poor man I hope it will please God to support his widow and children
I have sent a comb which we suppose may be Elizabeths when any body passes by Mr Thorogood's from your house let them have it - with our love to her - we have not at present found your hand les - Harriet desires love to Ambrose and hopes that he won't miss an opportunity of obtaining the money for the church bricks - she also hopes that if he does not get the money for those they have had that he won't allow himself to be robbed any further - Harriet thinks Elizh had better be asked whether the comb is hers - for I don't know - whether it does not belong to Louisa Harrold - I am very glad Uncle did come it was so satisfactory to have him go with us - and he behaved so friendly and kind to us - Pray hm Ambrose make the People pay you, for the sake of your children
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I have sent your comb also -
accept our love - and believe me your ever affectionate mother - though bereaved and sorrowful - God mercifully upholds me - but I cannot forget,
H Liveing
I must feel the loss of an affectionate husband

96. Harriet's Letters: To Her Daughter Julia Ambrose, 3 Oct 1836, Harwich.
Liveing Archive IMG 5541/42/47/49
In another hand "3 Oct 1836 after her husbands Death Mrs Barnet drowned in river"

Mrs John Ambrose
Copford
Essex

Harwich Oct^br 3^rd 1836
My dear Julia
Knowing you would be glad to hear how we are going on I have requested Catherine to have this put into the post, she purposes setting off today by 2 o'clock - I am thank God quite as well as I might expect to be, under such a loss - I bless God that when I am much oppressed I can get relief by shedding tears - which is indeed a mercy - I am thankful to be able to tell you that Harriet is certainly better, respecting her stomach ailing - she also looks much better - she has on the whole for the last 2 nights had more sleep, she goes on taking the dose my Brother prescribed for her every night - O what dreadful weather we have - I long to know whether William is safe - we shall hear of dreadful
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mischief I fear - most likely you have heard of the drowning of Mrs Barnet - they are bankers in London of Note - they were visiting at Archdeacon Burnesses at Wolverston Hall - she was their niece - Mr and Mrs Barnet came near to Harwich for they could not reach so far as a squall overtook them - and as they had four sails - and only one man they could not let them go in time - so dreadful to relate they overset and would all have been lost - if a captain of a French ship had not seen them and put his boat off directly and saved Mr Barnet and the man - Mrs B - had floated by a stiff cloak she had on - they took it up supposing it had only been a cloak but she poor thing came up with it as it was clasped round her neck - but she was quite dead Mr Freshfield says she was strangled by the cloak - as there
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was a black mark around her neck as if she had been hanged - they used every means to restore animation but without so happy an effect - her husband was almost frantic he was in great agony poor man!! she was a very fine woman about 28 years old has left three young children one about 5 months which was taken from her breast just before she stepped into the boat - a shell was made to put her in . . . she was carried back to her hants [?] the same evening - set out in good health in the morning and carried back a Corps (sic) at night - O how dreadful - if the weather does not improve I think you won't expect me - I must be best at home in the midst of such stormy weather - I shall be glad to learn how you all do - tell Miss Stevens that I saw Mr and Mrs Hails at the Alter yesterday but did not speak to them - her Brother was at Church Harriet says - remember us to Miss S - accept and present . . defaced . .
Page 4
our love to Ambrose - may God Almighty take you all under his care through time into Eternity - O pray for your poor Mother bereaved of her kind friend
I can but lament his loss - I am your supported - but Afflicted
Aff^te Mother
H Liveing

97. Harriet Harrold: Will, 27 Nov 1836, Harwich ESS.
THE WILL OF HARRIET LIVEING of HARWICH
Dated 27th November 1836
This is the Last Will and Testament of me Harriet Liveing of Harwich in the County of Essex widow. I give and bequeath all my estate and effects whatsoever and wheresoever whereof or whereto I shall or may happen to die possessed or entitled, unto and between the several persons and in the several proportions following - that is to say, one sixth part thereof unto my dear son William Liveing, one other sixth part thereof unto my son Edward Liveing, one other sixth part thereof unto my son Charles Liveing, one other sixth part thereof unto my son the Reverend Henry Thomas Liveing, one other sixth part thereof unto my daughter Julia Ambrose and the remaining sixth part thereof unto and equally between my two grandsons Robert Liveing Fenn and Thomas Harrold Fenn (children of my daughter Harriet Fenn) as tenants in common and appoint the said Edward Liveing and Charles Liveing Executors of this my will, hereby revoking all former wills by me made. In Witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty seventh day of November one thousand eight hundred and thirty six.
Harriet Liveing - signed sealed published and declared by the above named Harriet Liveing the Testatrix as and for her last Will and Testament in the presence of us - Wm Chantry of Copford Gent - E. Theedham of Copford Essex spinster.

Proved at London 1^st March 1837 before the Worshipful William Calverley Curteis Doctor of Laws and Surrogate by the oaths of Edward Liveing and Charles Liveing the sons the Executors to whom Admon was granted, having been first sworn duly to Admr.
Copy of the Will on this file

98. Memories of Harriet's death: From Anna Marie Howard & Edward Liveing, 1 Jul 1898.
Liveing Archive - Family Notes.

In 1836 died at Harwich old Capt Liveing, my grandfather, whom I can remember.

January 1837 my grandmother, nee Harold, his widow, died of influenza (bronchitis) epidemic, at my father's house at Nayland. My sister Fanny (at 13) escaped influenza and waited on her grandmother.
Mrs Liveing was taken ill quite unexpectedly while staying at Nayland and she and her daughter Mrs Fenn were still in occupation of the house at Harwich and she was on the lookout for a house in Colchester to be under the ministrations of an excellent evangelical Divine Mr Carr of St Peter's Colchester also to be near Copford (her daughter Mrs Ambrose) and Nayland her son Edward.
I well remember when she was dying my father getting . . . . . inhaling apparatus for her, and we small children (I was five) being sent over the way to my grandmother Downing's to be out of the way.
Uncle Henry T Liveing MA was curate at Hadley Suffolk when his father died (1836). He was born in 1805: died 1884.
E. L.
Memories by Anna Maria Howard my sister, July 1, 1898.

99. Notes on Harriets Wedding: Author Unknown, Undated.
The transcriber has not identified the author of these notes, the writing is very like that of Capt William Liveing, Harriet's son ?, possibly part of the notes are by Julia Ambrose nee Liveing. There are two sets of the notes, which vary, in different hands.
Crowden has not been traced and does not appear to have been the owner of Michaelstow Hall Ramsey ESS at that time. Little has been verified, the tone and interest in the garments suggest it was written by a woman, but the hand suggests a man, the description of relationships confuses.
E L Fenn 2014.

Notes on Harriet Harrold and the Liveing's by an unidentified Liveing
Mr Crowden came to Harwich to enter as being MP (was appointed Collector of Customs) and went a great deal to Gt Grandf Harrold - she got him an old servant (a widow Read) for his servant. She put her daughter to board at a Fisher? Mr Crowden's saw the daughter and thought it a pity her and said to Mrs L if you will clothe me I'll send her to school. So she went to school with Grandmama Liveing at Emsted Market. Mr Crowden also ye called Grandmama Liveing (Miss Harold) his daughter Little Polly Elizth Reid spent holidays at Harolds. Mr Crowden made her his ward when about 20. She died in her confinement, child lived 10 months lie in Harwich. Mr Crowden then left and went to Hull. Mr Harold was Mr Crowden's chief clerk ("Blaze" (John) Batten nicknamed for light in ? sent on a wild goose chase to Mr Crowden dying bed at Hull.)
Miss Harold's marriage. While Mr Crowden was at Harwich this took place. She was aged 24. The wedding was to be very grand and Mr Crowden gave the feast and was very liberal and kind on the occasion. He had always made a great pet of her. The Post Chaises were at Harwich to take them off to Michael Stow Hall, Ramsay where Mr Crowdens country house was, all the clergy in the County invited and were there.
Our Grandfather dearly loved to have his head combed, used to say Julia come and comb my head for a penny sometimes it was 6d. He had a six inch pigtail tied up with ribbons a little bit of leather at top where it fixed in
Page 2
These pigtails were the natural hair a little piece of leather tied round at the base and a piece of ribbon half inch wound up and down bows at top the end turned up like a drakes tail the used to call coft sic (cue) liveing the A ? ?
He also had a house in Harwich invitd to all people in neighbourhood and a large assembly. He gave her a silver teapot and other things never was such a wedding seen there bells rang at 3 churches en route poor Captain Liveing was so abashed by the display he would have sunk into an egg shell. Mr Crowden was court dressed in blue satin Swale clothes, waistcoat. Why Aunt Ambrose was This wedding of course took place before Mr Crowden own The young lady ? he had brought up did not ? marrying him.
Miss Harold (ye bride) was dressed in dove colour silk dress, open in skirt over a blue satin petticoat. The body to a ? and little straps of trimming round. Long white lace aprons High-heeled narrow shoes 2 and three-quarter inches ? And coming down to 1 inch ? red ? on every ?
She also wore bell hoops made of brown holl^d and ? (sketch of a bell) sleaves to elbow with 3 deep lace ruffles just below elbow such sleeves and single ruffle were commonly worn
She was only half a yard and half a quarter of a yard round the waist. She was a very fine figure, and falling shoulders, beautiful hair curling naturally, dark brown. The said to Mr Crowden "I can't walk through the streets he said oh my dear you must it is quite right to let the people see you and know you are married".
The Deave paid Mr Crowden sums of money for, getting them command of packet boats. At that time Captain Liveing would willingly have paid L200 a year to him to get him command as
Page 3
the command used to make thousands a year. He did get Captain Liveing office of mate in Cutter Captain Liveing got this command of Packet much later.
Mr Crowden was godfather to Aunt Ambrose and Uncle William and Uncle Thomas. He sent Aunt a £5 note when 14 old. This she thought was only introducion to what she was expecting, it however never came. She was named Julia after his mother. Mr Crowden lived after his first wife's death at Hull he was worth L40,000 himself and then he married an old maid worth 60,000. He left his property to Thomas Crowden his nephew. Mr Crowden used to ask if his friends and knew the Yorkshire ? Coat of arms - a flea a fly and a magpie. A flea bites every mans back, a fly dips into every mans dirt, a magpie chats about every mans business.

He gave Mrs Liveing when he left all his first wife's beautiful baby linen Aunt Ambrose has one cuff now. In Michaelstow Hall they danced there was an organ the pipes of which went up to the roof. Our Great grandmother Liveing always had a white satin dress to sit up in and receive company with tea after her confinements. Such dresses were kept laid up after use. It was afterwards died pink for our Great aunt Saunders and trimmed with foxes fur.
Page 4
The best chintz prints at that time were 4 shillings and 5 shillings a yard the ladies embroidered skirts used to be cut up and shared for gents waistcoats; beer very strong; 3 combs of malt cost 27 shillings and was made into a hogshead of ale (now,1870, malt 32 shillings per comb) half a pint of beer need to make you queer.
The money made by Packets was by passengers, that being almost the only commission in the contract. My Grandfather made L600 in 7 weeks; the most he ever made.
Once a dead man lodged on boat as they pulled in once they had at Harwich a cargo of fish worth L100 instead of going to Gravesend they went into Harwich harbour which was then all covered with ice most severe cold bout Grandfather xposed and got facial palsey & ? up he never ?
Great grandmother Liveing died when our grandfather was very young. His mother was 43 and he the Benjamin¹ when she died. His sister Sarah died of smallpox. He had 3 brothers Phillips who all died. When his mother died his aunt Saunders kept house and an old woman. His father lived later - he used to go to bed at 10 o'clock every night after a hot supper. Grandfather was once out 14 days for gales of wind off Dogger Bank without changing his clothes. He was once washed off deck by a wave and washed on again by the next. When he got to his fathers and knocked he looked down and said oh boy I never expected to see you again. They used to get codfish and killed by knocking on head. Once he went in a rowing boat to London to catch the market, probably from below Gravesend. Smacks never went ?
Footnote
1. The last born see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin

100. Further Notes on Harriets Family: Julia Ambrose nee Liveing, Undated.
These notes largely mirror those above and have been added to the individuals involved where appropriate.

101. Liveing Family: Various notes by Family: Harwich Essex.
Notes on Harriet Harrold and the Liveing's by an unidentified Liveing
Mr Crowder came to Harwich with the intention of becoming a MP (was appointed Collector of Customs) and went a great deal to Gt Grandm Harrold - she got him an old servant (a widow Read) for his servant. She had a daughter Elizh that she put to board at a Fisherman. Mr Crowder's saw the daughter and thought it a pity her and said to Mrs L if you will clothe me I'll send her to school. So she went to school with Grandmama Liveing at Emsted Market. Mr Crowder also ye called Grandmama Liveing (Miss Harold) his daughter Little Elizth Reid spent holidays at Harolds. Mr Crowder married her the ward when about 20. She died in her confinement, child lived 10 months lie in Harwich. Mr Crowder then left and went to Hull. Mr Harold was Mr Crowder's chief clerk ("Blaze" (John) Batten nicknamed for light in ? sent on a wild goose chase to Mr Crowder dying bed at Hull.)
Miss Harold's marriage. While Mr Crowder was at Harwich this took place. She was aged 24. The wedding was to be very grand and Mr Crowder gave the feast and was very liberal and kind on the occasion. He had always made a great pet of her. The Post Chaises were at Harwich to take them off to Michael Stow Hall, Ramsay where Mr Crowders¹ country house was, all the clergy in the County invited and were there.

Our Grandfather dearly loved to have his head combed, used to say Julia come and comb my head for a penny sometimes it was 6d. He had a six inch pigtail tied up with ribbons a little bit of leather at top where it fixed in
Page 2
These pigtails were the natural hair a little piece of leather tied round at the base and a piece of ribbon half inch wound up and down bows at top the end turned up like a drakes tail the used to call coft liveing the . . . . . .
He also had a house in Harwich invitd to all people in neighbourhood and a large assembly. He gave her a silver teapot and other things never was such a wedding seen there bells rang at 3 churches en route poor Captain Liveing was so abashed by the display he would have sunk into an egg shell. Mr Crowder was court dressed in blue satin small clothes, waistcoat. Why Aunt Ambrose was This wedding of course took place before Mr Crowder own The young lady ? he had brought up did not ? marrying him.
Miss Harold (ye bride) was dressed in dove colour silk dress, open in skirt over a blue satin petticoat. The body open with a stomacher and little straps of trimming round. Long white lace aprons High-heeled narrow shoes 2 and three-quarter inches ? And coming down to 1 inch ? red ? on every ?
She also wore bell hoops made of brown holl^d and ? (sketch of a bell) sleaves to elbow with 3 deep lace ruffles just below elbow such sleeves and single ruffle were commonly worn
She was only half a yard and half a quarter of a yard round the waist. She was a very fine figure, and falling shoulders, beautiful hair curling naturally, dark brown. She said to Mr Crowder "I can't walk through the streets he said oh my dear you must it is quite right to let the people see you and know you are married".
The Deanes paid Mr Crowder sums of money for, getting them command of packet boats. At that time Captain Liveing would willingly have paid L200 a year to him to get him command as
Page 3
the commander used to make thousands a year. He did get Captain Liveing an offer of mate in Cutter Captain Liveing got this command of Packets much later.
Mr Crowder was godfather to Aunt Ambrose and Uncle William and Uncle Thomas. He sent Aunt a £5 note when 14 old. This she thought was only introductory to what she was expect which however never came. She was named Julia after his mother. Mr Crowden lived after his first wife's death at Hull he was worth L40,000 himself and then he married an old maid worth 60,000. He left his property to Thomas Crowder his nephew. Mr Crowder used to ask if his friends and knew the Yorkshire Mans Coat of arms - a flea a fly and a magpie. A flea bites every mans back, a fly dips into every mans dish, a magpie chats about every mans business.
He gave Mrs Liveing when he left all his first wife's beautiful baby linen Aunt Ambrose has one cuff now. In Michaelstow Hall they danced there was an organ the pipes of which went up to the roof. Our Great grandmother Liveing always had a white satin dress to sit up in and receive company with tea after her confinements. Such dresses were kept laid up after use. It was afterwards died pink for our Great aunt Saunders and trimmed with foxes fur.
Page 4
The best chintz prints at that time were 4 shillings and 5 shillings a yard the ladies embroidered skirts used to be cut up and shared for gents waistcoats; beer very strong; 3 combs of malt cost 27 shillings and was made into a hogshead of ale (new malt 32 shillings per comb) half a pint of beer need to make you queer.
The money made by Packets Commanders was by passenger, that being almost the only commision in the contract. My Grandfather made L600 in 7 weeks; the most he ever made.
Once a dead man lodged on boat as they pulled in once they had at Harwich a cargo of fish worth L100 instead of going to Gravesend they went into Harwich harbour which was then all covered with ice most severe cold bout Grandfather xposed and got facial palsey & ? up he never ?
Great grandmother Liveing died when our grandfather was very young. Her mother was 43 and he ye ? when she died. His sister Sarah died of smallpox. He had 3 brothers Phillips who all died. When his mother died his aunt Saunders kept house and an old woman. His father lived later - he used to go to bed at 10 o'clock every night after a hot supper. Grandfather was once out 14 days for gales of wind of Dogger Bank without changing his clothes. He was once washed off deck by a wave and washed on again by the next. When he got to his fathers and knocked he looked down and said oh boy I never expected to see you again. They used to get codfish and killed by knocking on head. Once he went in a rowing boat to London to catch the market, probably from below Gravesend. Smacks never went ?
Indications are this was written by Aunt Ambrose (Julia Liveing) but little has been verified, the tone and interest in the garments suggest it was written by a woman.
A William Crowder was of Michaelstow Hall Ramsay ESS 1786¹.
E L Fenn 2014.
Maria Liveing 2020

1. Essex Record Office Reference: D/P 174/25/19. DOVERCOURT, All Saints Admission of trustees to copyhold property for uses of will of Richard Strought
Scope and Content:
Admission of John Rolfe of Harwich, gentleman, The Right Honourable Henry Neville, Earl of Abergavenny, William Cowper, clerk, Vicar of Dovercourt, William Crowder of Michaelstow Hall, Ramsey, esquire, . . . . .
Date of Creation: 10 November 1786

Harriet married Commander Thomas LIVEING R N [230] [MRIN: 77], son of Robert LIVEING [427] and Sarah HEARN [428], on 7 Sep 1786 in St Nicholas Harwich ESS. (Commander Thomas LIVEING R N [230] was born on 16 Mar 1760, baptised on 23 Apr 1760 in Harwich ESS, died on 30 Aug 1836 and was buried in Harwich Churchyard.)