LETTER FROM WILLIAM BAKER TO HIS DAUGHTER, CHARLOTTE

From 'The Park' Hertingfordbury - Dated 1st January 1809

Charlotte was dearly loved by her Father, but her life was permanently blighted with ill health and being haunted by an insidious cough. This was a constant source of concern to her family, who sought regular bulletins regarding her state of well- being, expecting her passing at any time. Despite this, Charlotte survived to age 50 when she died in 1836. This letter sent on New Year’s Day was clearly sent to encourage and raise her spirits.

I have been anxiously waiting for the bulletin of the morning on this first day of the New Year – a point of time interesting to all – but in no sense of worldy concern more so than as it brings before us with unceasing tenderness every circumstance of that situation in which it has pleased the God of all mercies to place us for the trials of our faith, and to mark the dispensations of his Goodness towards his creatures.

Your own particular case has a large share in everything we feel and hope – with an humble trust that as the days lengthen our comforts will increase, whilst in every change  the sweet example of patience and resignation exhibited by our Dear Angel calls for all our thankfulness  and leads to an assurance that such virtue must have its reward.

At such a moment and in such a heavenly state of mind as you possess, though you stand in no need of encouragement or support, I gratify myself with the thought that a Father’s blessing will nevertheless be received, as it is offered – a proof of his admiration of your excellence  and a test of his love. 

Unsigned

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