FL14425867

[MS 516]
Br William, have detain'd her since Christmas.
Edward is well, & also grows rapidly. Mr Shepherd
almost dispos'd to take us all to New South Wales,
thinking it very preferable to England, but
he has left it too late, I tell him; my health
is in a very weak state, perhaps partly owing
to the very severe winter we have had,
such an one has not been felt these 9 years.
Throughout I have expected I have expected to lose my Mother, &
Son, but they are yet spar'd in mercy, &
we hope the latter will intimely recover
Mother's age is 78 therefore we cannot expect
long life may it end in peace & sure trust in
her Saviour.
When you write let us know
(if you can) how your two New Zealanders
acted after their arrival, we were griev'd to hear
the sad accounts of Shungee (?), O may the light
of the Gospel shine in every pagan heart,
Lord hasten the coming of thy kingdom.
Our Christian love to Mr & Mrs Lawry
you are often inquir'd after by Miss Ge (?)
& many their friends. I hope soon to be able

[MS 517]

to satisfy them. - I shall direct this to
Mr Lawry in case of your absense from
Sydney & shall in that case hope for our
answer from them. We all join in prayer
& sincerest wishes for your welfare.
Adieu beleive us ever your
Sincere friends Wm & (?) Shepherd

Plyth Febry 20th 1823