From Alice Butterworth to her sister Mrs. Elizabeth Waters (October 22, 1819)

[Alice Butterworth to her sister Elizabeth Waters]
[from a transcript]

Rochdale, October 22nd 1819

My Dear Sister

I have often attempted to write to you but I scarcely knew how to begin; however I will write the dictates of my own heart and in so doing I hope I shall not give offence. I think then my dear Sister, you should write to us. I think if a regular correspondence was kept up it would be happier for us all. Why should relations (and at a such a distance too) ever be at variance. If my last letter offended you, which I doubt not it did by your never answering it, I am very sorry; but the weeks, months, I may say nearly years which have elapsed since that period have quite erased from my memory the tone in which it was written. I do not mean by mentioning this to recur to unpleasant things, on the contrary I wish the past to be forgotten and the future to witness nothing but kindness on all parts. All we wish to hear is of your welfare and happiness and I think you will allow it is a very natural wish. I appeal to what you yourself will feel when you receive this letter, will you not feel a pleasure and a great one too in hearing of the welfare of your Brothers, and in hearing of the health of your Father – in hearing of the good health and very long life which is granted to your Aunt? I am sure you will and you may judge thereby what we should all feel in receiving any communication, however small, which brought to us the joyful news that you, Mr W: and Mary are well. I will say no more at this time else the very many changes which have occured, the disasters which have befallen many in these parts would furnish subject sufficient to fill my remaining page. But in the pleasing hope of hearing from you I will now conclude, with kindest love to yourself, Mr Waters in which I am joined by all.

I remain

Ever your affectionate Sister
      Alice Butterworth