Thomas Beddoes to Ann Beddoes, 5 June [1793]
Dear Mother
I beg you to put from your mind all anxiety about my taking too much of my fathers property. It cannot be better laid out than in establishing me. So far are the family from any desire to take me in that I cannot persuade Anna Edgeworth to stay in England; & her father thinks it wd be acting with too much precipitation for her to marry at this moment. She is therefore to go for the summer, during which time she will improve herself in house-keeping &c & her father is to bring her or I am to fetch her if I can do it witht loss or inconvenience. I therefore shall not want much money for this half year & I am sure I have no desire to distress you or call for more than I do want. And you may take it for granted that as soon as I can afford it, I will cease to take any thing or at most above £100 a year from you – Keep this letter & you will have my own assurance against me, if I shd turn out otherwise. You may also take my word for it that A. E. is as just & generous & as free from greediness as it is possible for man or woman to be. You may also rely upon it that she will always treat you in <particular> kindly from knowing how good you have been to me: – I think I am not so weak as to be imposed upon by false appearances & am sure nothing can be more remote from the intention of the family to practice any deceit or meanness –
I wd have every thing that has passed be kept a profound secret. I joked a little with Mrs Yonge, but gave her not the slightest intimation of my having spoken either to the daughter or father – nor do I intend to do it. – I will send a copy of the paper by the next letter. The journey to Ireland renders it less necessary for me to do so now – your affectionate son
Thos Beddoes
June 5th
Address: Mrs Beddoes / Shifnal / Shropshire
MS: Bodleian MS dep c.135 /2 Box 4 of 6