Harriet TORLESSE [1634]

  General Notes:

Gentlemans Magazine
Transcription of marriages 1731-1850
Husband surname Bridges first names Charles
Husbands rank/occupation Reverend
Wife surname Torlesse first names Harriet
Wifes fathers unit EIC
Marriage date 25 Apr 1821
Edition Date May 1821 Page number 467
Detail Rev. Charles Bridges, to Harriet, dau. of the late J. Torlesse, esq. of the Hon. East India Company's service.
FIBIS - http://www.search.fibis.org/frontis/bin/aps_detail.php?id=392836

Harriett is buried with her son Edward. Alternative date of death 20 Nov 1878.

A glimpse of Harriet's household is given in a letter from Dr. Chalmers, who visited them in 1833:
The pious family, consisting of Mr and Mrs Bridges, who walked together as heirs of the grace of life, three young children, christianized manservant and two or three christianized female servants, assembled before breakfast when I was to expound . . . . .
But Harriet Bridges had many qualms over the spirituality of her children; for, strange to say, they manifested few signs of the divine grace, and were, if we may judge from her letters, unusually selfwilled and naughty; evidently natural, vigourous and high-spirited little mortals.
"Life at Old Newton was one of order and rule" writes neice Fanny Torlesse. "Every member of the household read a verse of the Bible at family prayers. Each hour had its appointed task, and the whole household worked together in absolute harmony. It is impossible to think that in those days there were what are called servant troubles."
These are the recollections of her son John Henry.
"Her strong and beautiful hands were always employed, and as she went from one occupation to another she had a way of singing gently to herself. She was a most practical gardener and needle woman, and delighted in making all kinds of ingenious toys for her children. She also drew well, not only landscapes, but all kinds of little curious figures which often adorned the sides of her letters.
To say she was beautiful, unselfish, full of humour and gaiety, conveys no impression of a personality full of a peculiar and exquisite charm. She had a power of sympathy that kept her from ever saying the wrong thing; in her presence there was a consciousness of rest and calm her movements were full of grace so that it was a pleasure to watch her pouring out tea, gathering or arranging flowers, or fashioning original and ingenious toys. Her beautiful smile illuminated the darkest hours and her sense of humour helped her and others through many a dreary time.
But the parish of Old Newton was her first care.
Ref: Extract from "A 19th Century Teacher: John Henry Bridges" by Susan Liveing 1926

  Other Records

1. Harriet Bridges: Letters to Susan Leeds, Wed 1835 or 36, Old Newton SFK.

2. Harriet Bridges: Letters to Susan Leeds, 26 Mar 1836.
Bygone Days Page 235 - 237 See Books section

"MY DEAREST SUSAN, "
It seems such an age since we have heard from each other, that my pen is determined to take a spirit this morning, and as dear Catherine requested to hear whether or no we could accept her very tempting invitation for next week, I shall address you instead of her. Charles would, I think, have been quite pleased to have spent a night or two at Stoke, independent of the bribe held out in the sale, but really next week it is quite out of the question. In the first place he could not think (this you are to tell Charles) of breaking through the new rules and regulations which are to be proposed at the Clerical meeting next Wednesday, by non-attendance, especially as the said rules, etc., were invented and drawn up, etc., by a certain Rev. gentleman named C. M. Torlesse ! ! ! And pour ma, I mean to go with him very much in the hope of meeting this brother of
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mine, who cannot, I am sure, think of absenting himself. So you must do all you can to induce him to go. Another reason which would prevent my going to Stoke at present, is that the little boys have the whooping-cough. I hope Charley will have it slightly, tho' not so much so as Harriet had. John Henry has it rather severely, but there does not seem any inflammation on the chest, and he is vastly merry during the greater part of the day, and looks blooming, owing, I believe, to the violence of the cough, which strains the little veins of his face. Tho' I have been doctoring half the parish, I felt more comfortable in having Mr. Bree's advice for my own chicks. Your god-son is a most curious little body. Miss Ritchie is very anxious to get him in to some sort of order, and she is beginning to succeed, and lately he has grown very anxious to learn his letters, etc., again. Charley had a Bible given to him on Tuesday, which was his birthday, as a reward for being able to read in it, which he does not do yet very fluently. His powers of comprehension are very slow, and he says the most simple things possible, but his memory is retentive, and he has much more application than Harriet. Our great difficulty still is the proneness to disagree in H. and C., such continual interference in H. In other things I think I may report a decided improvement, and though Miss R. is very strict and unyielding, yet H., seeing that nothing is passed over and that every attentive lesson and every intention of right behaviour is noticed, and tells as well as her faults, she seems to feel a confidence in Miss R. and an interest in what she does which she never evinced before. I really think I have much cause for thankfulness in having so valuable a person to co-operate with me in the charge of my dear children. It makes me long more than ever that dear Catherine had such a helper. In her last letter I gathered that she was going to try and get on as well as she could without help, but dear Susan, how can she do that, especially if you should go out and
M. A. ? What are your plans, dear ? And when will you come to see us ? After next week we shall be at liberty, and truly glad to see you, and you might bring one of the children who has had the whooping-cough. I have written a sad stupid letter, for I wrote part of it in the schoolroom, in the midst of French and history, etc., and part downstairs with Chas. ' Come dear, haven't you
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done yet ?' Tell me how all the dear children are, and all the news. I am feasting on Mrs. H. More. Has Catherine heard any-thing of her poor brother Edward ?
"Adieu, dear love, from us both to all, "
Your very affect.,
"H. B."

3. Harriet Bridges: Letters to Susan Mosley, Between 1837 and 1842.
Bygone Days Page 237 - 238 See Books section

" MY DEAREST SUSAN,
"There is still one more sack of potatoes belonging to you, besides the one now about to be sent. You have paid me for four sacks ; you will, when the next sack is gone, owe,
4 sacks at 3/ ... 12/
Carriage of do ... 4/
Apples ... 3/
19/
" If I should chance to send you a basket of eggs, it will be because they cost me nothing, because I don't know what else to do with them, and because I daresay you can all eat them, and because too, I was always accustomed to send a Tithe of our Easter offering (which is paid in eggs !) to my dear mother as the patroness of this living, and you live in the same house and so. 140 eggs are just brought in after deducting sundry perquisites for the clerk, old Mrs. Carbonne, etc. I shall feast the Stoke children on them when they come next week ; I expect them on Tuesday. Naomi looked most gay when she called here on Wednesday. Dear Catherine, I greatly feel for her. I wrote to M. A. on Tuesday, and to-day have had a nice letter from her. She is quite well, excepting having swollen her arm by writing, which I daresay rest will remedy. Think of their choosing our wedding-day for their own, the 25th, so you must put up a thought for us as well as for them on that day. 0, how have goodness and mercy followed me for the last 17 years ! M. A. begs you to let the Chevalliers know the day, and any others who will pray for them. I had very little
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idea of my poor Charley going on with his papa on Monday, as it was to depend on the weather. I am very anxious to hea. how the experiment answered, of his being under his father's wing, and I thought it might tend to bring them more together, to more dependance on the child's part on his father, and more control over the child. " J. Henry is a very different child altogether ; his will wants much curbing, but as to teaching, etc., it is an interesting task from his intelligence and energy in acquiring knowledge. He is very backward and awkward in all manual employments, and you would smile to see his attempts at writing, and hopping, and jumping. "Think of you sending the baby's things home ironed, when I wanted them only rough dried.
0 vous silly little chose."

4. Harriet Bridges: Letter to Miss Frances (Fanny) Glasscott in Tasmania about Fanny Torlesse [145], Mar 1845, Colchester post mark.
Liveing Archive 246a-f
This letter needs careful analysis as to its placement, see also Harriett Bridges [1634]

Copy of letter to my Great Aunt Frances MT¹
Please return 2
F H Torlesse²
23 Bultancy [?] Road
St Leonards on Sea.

(Postmark) Colchester

March 1845
My dear Miss Glascott³,
I shall not attempt to tell you the amount of self-reproach my silence towards you and your sister has occasioned me. Again & again I have lost favourable opportunities of doing so, because at the time they occurred, I happened to have engagements upon my hands which entirely prevented my availing myself of them. I tell myself I might have written, as I am now about to do by the common means of communication & it is the neglect of this which causes me real compunction. I know you have heard and I hope more than once from dear Fanny (Torlesse) and that before, long before, this reaches you, you will have received intelligence of the most satisfactory kind respecting her, from her truly kind & affectionate friend Mrs Fergusson, and I believe it is this which has tended to keep my conscience less awake than it ought to have been. I trust, however, you will forgive me and give me credit for no diminution of regard towards those kind and tender friends of my beloved brother who ministered so faithfully to his comforts, and necessities during his long and heavy affliction and who soothed his dying bed by their love for his dear child. Your last letter to Fan. which she forwarded to me, and which I fancy she lost no time in answering, must have been equally grateful to her as to myself, inasmuch as it assured me that the dear girl has still a warm place in your hearts - for I include your sister as well as yourself - tho' I only address one - I know not whether my brother Chas or Mrs. Torlesse have written to you as well as Fanny. I am sure if they have not, it has only been caused by a great press of engagements - for their hands - like mine - are always full - and at this Season of the year especially - when the many wants of our poor people fall heavily upon the time as well as in other ways upon their clergyman, and have but scanty opportunities for correspondence. I daresay that what my letter may contain you may already have heard and perhaps with more detail. But I am sure you will not object to hear the same story twice told - when it relates to your late dear little charge - you are I think in possession of the reasons which determined us after much consideration and not without considerable regret on my part to fix upon Stoke as her home, though I feel as well as my brother - quite a joint interest in all that concerns her - and they are only too kind in consulting me on every detail. We have every reason to believe that our decision is the best which could have been made. The chief reason which determined us against Newton was the want of
companionship - our little girl being nearly 5 years younger than herself - whereas at Stoke - she has all the advantages of a first rate school without it's evils - We have been greatly blessed in our search for a governess - under whose conscientious care dear Fanny and her cousins are deriving daily improvement.
I have not yet seen this lady, as she was out when we last went to Stoke, for a few days. But Mrs. Torlesse is much pleased with her management of the children - and with the improvement they are making - and in the very last note I had she says - "Fanny has really been a very good and diligent child - and has been working hard" This is earticularly encouraging - because from the very long interval which unavoidably occurred since her education had been going on - under your kind care - she had got into desultory habits, and found it most difficult to apply herself to anything which required thought. She is certainly a remarkably sweet & most attractive child, and we cannot be too thankful that she was consigned to such hands during her long voyage to England - wnen she might have been permanently injured by flattery - or evil examples - whereas - all she seems to have heard and seen, was of a kind to strengthen right feelings and principles - and with the exception of Miss . . . . . to whose care she was especially consigned, everyone on board seems to have been kind and helpful to her. Truly we may say that "the Lord took her up" when her dear Father & Mother were so early removed from her - and I do trust that she may be trained and devoted to His Service - and if spared - may prove that the Seed so carefully sown, has not been in vain. Her attachment to her beloved Tasmania often makes us smile - and at first she was so jealously fond of everything relating to it, as really to prevent her finding room in her heart for anything English - Now, tho' I do not think see is a wit less fond of her native land - she is becoming a little more expansive, and I hope will feel less of a stranger among us - not that she is in the least shy or depressed. There is seldom a cloud upon her brow and we have often thought it remarkable that she takes her part and lot with her cousins so cheerfully, and merrily - and not in the least as if she had been a single child - at the same time, tho' they agree very nicely - the rubbing together is very useful, as it teaches many little lessons of mutual forbearance and self denial which could not otherwise be learnt. Her uncle Torlesse is extremely fond of her, and from the first she seems to have attached herself to him more than to anyone of her new friends. I wish my dear Miss Glascott you and your sister could peep in upon your little Fan and see how she is going on. She has a decided taste for music and will sing very sweetly. It comforts me to think that the "one thing needful" is put in it's right place by Miss Burrow the governess - and I feel persuaded that dearest Henry, could he have foreseen the arrangements which have been made, would have been thoroughly satisfied. The only persons not satisfied are my two boys, who think it a "great shame that Fanny should be more at Stoke than at Newton"! I hope Miss Burrow will consent to her pupils having a holiday at Easter when we have begged Mr Torlesse to let Fan come here. She is grown so plump since coming to England, that it mekes us less aware of her growth in height, and she certainly has grown - but her cousins are all tall, so that is another reason for our not being aware of it. I do not think she will forget her early friends, tho' we all know that the impressions of childhood are not deep and lasting. as they become in afterlife, and that the buoyancy and light heartedness of youth naturally fills up the . . . . . made, and at the time deeply felt in the heart, by the heaviest bereavement. It is our earnest wish that she should continue to correspond statedly (sic) with you, and I feel assured that you will do the same toward her - I know she has an interest in your prayers and we never cease to pray that she may indeed
and in truth be a child of God - that all that is so amiable and so lovely in her may be consecrated to His service - Who died for her.
My dear brother, I imagine often talked to you in the warmth of his affectionate heart about all his English relatives, so that I fancy you know all about us, and will be interested in hearing that through God's great mercy we are all well, both at Stoke and Newton . Our little solitary girl Anna Maria pined so for a companion - that we have succeeded in getting one for a few months, the child of dear friends at Ipswich, just her own age - and the effect is most salutary in every way. Our youngest child, about 20 months old is a source of great interest to us all, and not the least so to his two elder brothers, when they are at home for the holidays. This has been a sharp, long winter for them but they have enjoyed excellent health and seem very happy. It is now the 8th of March, the ground thickly covered with snow and sharp frosts every night, a most unusual thing at this season of the year for snow to continue for weeks on the ground, as it has now done - And now my dear Miss Glascott, I think you will be tired of my long letter - I cannot describe the strange and sad feeling, (yet unmixed with anything like repining) to write to Van Diemen's Land, and not to my dear brother -. Mr Bridges desires his kind regards. Pray give them to your sister and to all who loved, and were kind to dearest Henry.
Believe me your truly affectionate friend,
Harriet Bridges.
P.S.
I must not omit to mention Fanny's dear Aunt Davies tho' her health and distance have prevented them yet meeting - feels the liveliest interest in, and affection for the dear child. I wonder whether you have any means of ascertaining the fate of a young man who was transported to Van Dieman's Land from our parish last Sept. for house breaking. His mother is almost broken-hearted and to pacify her I told her I would make every enquiry I could. The ship in which he sailed was the "SIR ROBERT PEEL" Convict ship - bound, I suppose - to Hobart Town - but this, the governor of the prison to whom Mr. B. wrote did not mention. The poor young man's name is Osborne - It was his first offence, owing, I fear, to having indulged in bad company. He has a good father, but since his death, has been left to do as he pleased. He is banished for ten years. His companion and tutor in crime was a wretched fellow of the name of . . . . . transported for 15 years. If anything could be heard of them which I could tell the poor mother, I should be so glad.

Addressed to
Miss Glascott³
Wm. Williamson Esq⁴.,
Victoria House,
Launceston.
Van Dieman's Land.

1. This may be May (Mary) Torlesse [1765]
2. Taken to be Frances Harriet Torlesse [1681] author of Bygone Days, and presumed that she transcribed it, but questions remain.
3. Frances (Fanny) B Glascott [23797] Frances Glascott was unmarried,her sister Sarah married in 1845.
4. William Williamson [23781] was the husband of Sarah Glascott, they married in 1843

5. Harriet Bridges: Letters to Susan Mosley, 9 Jun 1848 ?.
Bygone Days Page 238 - 239 See Books section

" MY DEAREST SUSAN,
" Many's the time that I have hoped to sit down to write to you, not such a nice chat as I had from you, which was a real treat, and brought our Sheffield meeting vividly to my remembrance, but a little scrap at any rate just to keep the engine going I was going to say keep the flame alive, but I think we both feel that if our correspondence were to cease for a year, our love and interest in each other, and each other's concerns, would not diminish. If I can, I must try and answer your dear children's very nice letters, which pleased me very much. Nannie would have thanked you for your very pretty presents to her over and over again if wishing and intending were the same as doing. But she is a sad spendthrift of time, and consequently seldom has any at her disposal. However, I do not mean to wait for her, I hope it will not be long before she follows in my train. I thought your general report of yourself, dearest Susan, I mean including yours as well as you, rather more comfortable. I mean you seemed to be a little more free from the many and heavy cares which encompass your path. And as they do not appear to be of your own making, you must take them as the portion your Lord appoints for you, and as
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needful for the process which His grace is carrying on in your soul, as the sharp frosts and rough blasts of winter are for the production of the autumn fruits. But we go on (knowing all this) shrinking from our medicine, as if we forgot the beneficial effects it had again and again produced ; and forgot, too, how we had been made to thank and praise our Heavenly Father for administering it. This is at least my experience, and I daresay it is in some measure yours, tho' I hope you have learnt a little more than I have in the school of Christ's cross and discipline. I will tell you, however, what I hope I have learnt a little more of lately, and that is the privilege of casting every care, great and small, as it arises, upon God, and that on the ground of His Own assurance. 'He careth for you,' I have felt this especially under our anxiety about the disposal of our dear Anna Maria, for this weighty matter is not yet settled. If we have, as we profess to have done, really given her to Him, both in His Own ordinance, and again and again since, and if it is indeed our first desire that she should be His, either taken to serve Him above, or fitted to glorify Him on earth, should we not believe that He accepts the offering, and if so, that He will not refuse to direct us into the best means of educating her for Himself? When I can thoroughly stand upon this ground, I feel that I can use every exertion, that so I shall be led at last to a decision with so much more confidence, and this I trust we may be enabled to do soon. . . ."

6. Harriet Bridges: Letter to Susan Mosley, 7 Nov 1848, O Newton.
Bygone Days Page 239 - 240 See Books section

" MY DEAREST SUSAN,
" . . . I must tell you how often, how very often, I have thought and almost talked with you since you were here. Perhaps as the shortness of your visit was so entirely out of our control, I ought not to indulge the feelings of regret which will arise, that it was so short, and rather to be thankful that we were permitted to meet at all. Surely I have written to you once since. We were out a month, i.e. 3 Sundays, and have scarcely been alone till the last week since our return. In fact
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we are not alone now, only as our present inmate will be with us till Xmas we go on in our usual routine. Think of us engaged in the happy and lucrative calling of Pupilizing. I wish I could hear of a governess for you. I should advise you writing to Anne at once, 2, Red Lion Square, when she might (if you describe your wants) be able otherwise to supply them, as she is so much in contact now with teachers of almost all grades. She paid us a valuable little visit about three weeks ago, pleasant in all ways, but specially useful for the care and pains she took with Eddie, and I do hope she has found the secret of mastering his stammering, in reading, though he hesitates a good deal still when he wants to express his own ideas. I give him from an hour to an hour and a half regularly every morning now, which I find is enough, and he is thoroughly proud of his little lessons. After they are over (tell your girls) he has a little paint box which. Aunt Anne gave him and which is a great amusement. Yesterday he said, Well I think I really shall become quite a painter, instead of a clergyman. We have had such a beautiful account from dear Anne of the Jubilee proceedings in London from Tuesday till Thursday in last week. A party of 7 sailed yesterday for Africa, a missionary and his wife and 5 African youths trained for the instruction of their country-men. Anne says it was such a striking sight to see their jet fingers receive the Elements at the Lord's Table from the delicate hand and white robes of the good Archbishop.
" With love to you both and your dear children, "
Always believe me your very affec.
" H. BRIDGES."

7. Harriet Bridges: Letter to Catherine G Torlesse, Monday.
Bygone Days Page 234 - 235 See Books section

" MY DEAREST CATHERINE, "
My husband has been desiring me to write and has taken away almost all my time for doing so, so that a short letter must be the fruit of such inconsistency. We are delighted at the prospect of seeing you here next Wednesday fortnight, a long time to look forward to but a very pleasant anticipation, if it please God to permit it to be realised. You will not come alone unless it should be for the sake of more perfect rest to you, and that you can leave the dear chicks comfortably. Tell Susan we shall be quite pleased to see her after your visit, but upon terms which may not be so pleasing to her, i.e., our Missionary Anniversary will be at the time she is with us, will she mind a little Boggisifying if our house (of large dimensions)
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should happen to be full ? I have another plan in my head but the times and means of executing it I must write again about, i.e., I want one of your children here for a little, which I leave the choice to yourself, only suggesting from what you say of Anna the change might be beneficial to her. You give I dare-say a faithful picture of your little party, if I can at all judge from my own, I suppose what we daily and hourly see to grieve over in our dear children, is especially intended for our own humiliation, and I often think that nothing short of what I do see in them, would counteract my sad indolence in bringing them to God in prayer. The varieties in their dispositions, failings and virtues are quite curious, Harriet and Johnny are in some respects alike, but still very distinct. The latter is very much improved, and the three weeks in which Miss Ritchie had the entire management of him did wonders. Still he is very Violent at times, only that be is easily brought round again. H. is in some respects going on well, but it is curious to see how she takes advantage of me. Just now she was practising very steadily and good temperedly. I have brought my writing in, to go on with here, in order to hear her practise.. She instantly put herself out of humour without anything to account for it except my presence. I should be quite puzzled by this sort of thing, if it did not precisely bring myself to recollection with my dearest mother. No one I am sure I loved half so dearly yet to no one, till I gained habits of self control and obedience did I display so much temper. Little disputes among themselves are their great faults, a want of mutual forbearance. H. is now trying for a prize for a month's continuance without a quarrel with Charley. He has been very naughty the last few days, putting himself into violent passions with me, upon very slight grounds. This morning I have given him a severe whipping, and he is gone to bed without being yet restored to favour. He looks quite unconcerned, but I have reason to think there is more feeling about him than in the others, and more real conviction when he does wrong. I do not mean spiritual conviction, that I cannot discern in any one of them. That I do earnestly desire to wait and pray for with far more earnestness than I do. Charley's timidity and fretfulness are a great misfortune to him. His dread of animals or of the slightest difficulty, such as
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passing over a narrow bridge, etc., is extreme. What would you judge the best means of producing more manliness of character ? Our parish is going on in the same way, new preachers three or four times a week. They had a camp meeting at Stowmarket on Sunday, to preachers and I understand 4,000 hearers. One of our S. S. Teachers has left her place in the afternoon. I shall be thought dreadfully bigotted I daresay, but I have told her that I cannot conscientiously allow it, and have intimated that I must seek for another in her place if she cannot settle herself among us. Do you approve of this proceeding ? I am writing in an immense bustle. Perhaps I shall write again in two or three days, and will then tell you what you owe me for bonnets but I want you to recollect how many you have had. I have had my hair cut off quite close to my head. Chas. sighs over my false front and gone-by charms, but I tell him it is in vain, I was getting quite bald and feared I might wholly lose the roots of my hair.
"Adieu dearest Cath., it is, I fear, too late for the post. "
Your very affect.
" H. B."

8. Harriet Bridges: Letter to Susan Mosley, 11 Feb 1850, Weymouth Dorset.
Bygone Days Page 240 - 244 See Books section

To SUSAN MOSLEY. " WEYMOUTH, "Feb. II, 185o.
"MY DEAREST SUSAN, " My husband is out, and my children are at school and I almost feel as if I too had a little leisure, and I am sure to no one would I more gladly devote it than to you. I have truly longed to enjoy some communication for weeks and months past, but it really has been out of the question. I feel now that there is a little hope of my having a stray room to myself now and
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then, which I have not enjoyed for many a long day. The vexatious thing is that I do little or nothing which tells either in schools or parish. My whole afternoons and sometimes mornings too (for people are so atrocious as to pay visits before 12 o'clock) are often spent in seeing one set of callers after another, some on business, some on duty (the conventional duty of etiquette, etc.), so that, though my friends bestow great filly and sympathy upon me, that does not mend the matter. However, here I am, and I am ashamed not to realize more habitually that I am here by the Lord's appointment, and that my one purpose ought to be to live, speak, and act for His glory, and to shine in the sphere in which I am placed as a light, however feeble and glimmering, to those around me who have not the same advantages as I am blessed with. " I hardly know how dearest Susan to give you a description of this place and people, but I will try if I can manage it while the practising is going on. There is an Esplanade nearly a mile in length, on this all the visitors and many of the residents live. It is opposite and very near the Bay, and of course the most desirable part for all who like the sea, from year's end to year's end. Behind the Esplanade are a crowd of stables and houses for the poor, etc. Then there is a good sized town, with two principal and several cross streets, and innumerable courts and alleys. The poor population is, I believe, about 2000 and the rest between 4 and 5,000. The church is said to hold 2,000, but I suppose the even. congregation is about 1,500. Dissent of every sort, still there is a good Church feeling, and I fancy a very distinct High and Low Church party, tho' we hear as little about this as possible. My husband follows a Tractarian whose memory is very popular, and who in fact still resides here with his family. This is the Crook in our lot as he is a busy meddling man and not very friendly towards us. However I trust my dear husband may be enabled to exemplify that beautiful chapter we had yesterday, 2 -Cor. 6, and to prove himself an Epistle of Xt., known and read of all men. But as for rest we must not look for it. I used to dream of spending the latter part of my days in quietness, and perhaps my dreams savoured too much of indolence and sloth, and now behold us moved to a sphere requir-ing twofold more diligence and exertion than our former dear
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dear little parish called for. As for our manner of living, it is as simple as it ever was, we have declined all dinner company and seldom go out in the evening, and then only to people who value a little Xn. society, for none of the worldly people have invited us, though most of them have called. There is a nice little band of Xtns. here who have long been praying that Weymouth might be helped with a faithful minister, and who receive my husband as sent to them in answer to prayer. He proposed to two or three of the young people to have a sort of Bible class once a week, and that has been very nicely responded to and our drawing room sometimes contains as many as 30 attentive and interested. All these are young ladies, I long to have something for the tradespeople's daughters. We are trying to get a class of the poorer sort of young women on Sunday mornings, but they do not come very regularly. We have a good set of district visitors and are tolerably off for S.S. teachers in the girls' school. The boys are less favoured. During the holidays three very nice sons of our excellent friend Mr. Eliot, the banker, and our own two boys were a great help, now we are obliged to substitute lady teachers, and among them who do you think took her place yesterday ? The Peep of Day,' (Mrs Mortimer) who is here with her husband for the winter. She is busy writing another book, the companion to Near Home, which doubtless you know. Our Sunday services are three, C. preaches morning and evening, the curate in the afternoon. Prayers, Wednesdays and Fridays, on Wednesday Chas. has added a lecture ; and he would gladly have had a service on Thursday Even. in the schoolroom for the poor people, but the Trustees have opposed this,and for the present he is not sorry to give it up, as the approaching Confirmation is likely to give him as much work as he can possibly get through. Our schools are in a very, very low state in every way, and have been miserably managed and being under the rule of Committees I fear they will continue so. "Now for ' near' or at home, which I know you will kindly feel interested to hear about. Dear J. H. returned to Rugby only on Saturday, after 8 weeks' holidays. Chas. went back a fortnight ago to Brighton. He went to Oxford on 'his way to
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matriculate at Wadham College, which we have decided upon after a great deal of deliberation. It has a very decidedly religious Head or Warden in Dr. Symonds, and a good character in every way. I do not think dear C. is very comfortable at Brighton, and I shall be glad when he leaves it. I hardly know what to say about him as respects any advance in spiritual things. He is very much shut up and it is only incidentally that we can discern that there is the same preference for religious people and books and as far as we can see, no wrong propensities. His character at school is very good. He is too much buried in geology, which is quite his fort, and on this account he likes this neighbourhood, and you would be amused to see him with a great hammer and trousers covered with clay, parading the Esplanade! John H.'s mind opens very much, his taste is for poetry, but I think he feels the importance of looking upon it only as an indulgence. I cannot see very decided marks of grace in him, but I do think him greatly improved and particularly in that point in which you witnessed the outbreak of natural temper. He is a most interesting companion, and I hope free from conceit, though I long to see in him the humbling, self-abasing effects of the gospel. Anna Maria has left school, we removed her rather unwillingly, but for 'Edward's sake we feel obliged to try a governess at home, as we could not afford both. After repeated disappointments we have, I hope, met with a governess who will suit us for both, and in order to meet the expense (for she is an expensive affair) and to give stimulus to A. M., a lady near us most gladly sends in her two little girls every day. This new plan is only a week old, so I cannot speak very confidently, and have some doubt whether the influence is sufficiently powerful with a girl of A.M.'s disposition, for she wants a good deal of control, and cannot understand why she is to be treated still as a child. I am truly glad to get her once more into regular habits and hours, for I was utterly unable to do anything with her during the holidays, and she had run almost wild. Eddie is charmed with his governess, and you may be sure I do not press his little intellect. He delights in standing by the piano when practising is going on, and I think will soon learn. You ask if Priscilla is still with us. Oh no ! she left the
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week before Xmas and as we then hoped to have a governess immediately we did not request her to return, which she would have been willing to do in order to help me, tho' I think she feels it her duty to be at home. She was most kind in helping me with Edward during her visit. You cannot think how very little intercourse I have been able to have with Stoke. And now, dearest S., after this large domestic dish what have I left for what is indeed most interesting to us ? Your own history. We long to hear more news than you have told us, tho' you do favour us with your dear baby's name. How I should like to see him, and, indeed, all of them. I am so glad you are likely to have such nice neighbours in Mr. and Mrs. Travers. I hear sometimes of Mary Anne, from our friends at Blackheath, by whom she seems much valued. My husband is gone to Portland to-day to see a very dear nice friend, the chaplain of the Convict Prison there. I should like to tell you about Portland, it is a most extraordinary place, but I have not time. Give much love to your dear husband and with a very large share for your dear self, believe me,
" Your very affect. "
H. BRIDGES.
" Love and kisses to the dear chicks.
" A pouring day and an absent husband has enabled me to write all this at one sitting, quite unexampled ! !"

9. Harriet Bridges: Letter to Susan Mosley, 12 Oct 1850, Weymouth Dorset.
Bygone Days Page 244 - 247 See Books section

" MY DEAREST SUSAN, "
I find myself most unexpectedly in a room alone, warm too, and comfortable, and everything to induce my (I must not say lazy) pen to acknowledge your most kind letter. Generous creature ! I looked so cast down on receiving it that Pris was quite puzzled and said 'Don't you like to hear from Cousin Mosley ? I replied ' Yes, if I had not one unanswered letter from her already in my desk and I fear this is to reproach me for my unkindness. So you may judge how my heart was relieved, and how I made an instant determination not to let
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a day more pass without at least endeavouring to write and tell you how truly kind I feel it is of you to write again, and not to wait for payment of old debts. I think you do know my dearest Susan how truly and affectionately I love you, and that from many peculiar circumstances there are few to whom I can communicate my feelings and thoughts about many things so freely as to yourself, so that it has been a real sorrow to me not to be able to write. And, indeed, this double banishment (want of time and distance) from my friends is no small part of the trial of separation. But I see not how to avoid the evil, though perhaps now that the `season' is getting over and we are becoming more settled in our house, matters may improve. I daresay I am a very bad manager, and on that account find it more difficult than other people to change my established habits, and certainly nothing can be more complete than the change from our dear quiet home and village, with its heavy carts and waggons, muddy roads, grey cloaks and fustians, and hob-nailed shoes, to this busy place with its gay esplanade and scores of well-dressed people and dozens of idlers. However, since the removal into our own house, now the Rectory, we have been much less infested with gaiety, a great compensation for the loss of the sea view, though it is certainly a very lovely one. " Well, dear S., after I had enjoyed my solitude for about ¼ of an hour, in came one visitor after another, then dinner, then a walk, etc., and now I shall scarcely have time to fill my sheet before tea, and thus my days pass and seem to be sadly wasted, at least I cannot give the same account of them as I have been accustomed to do, and often several days go by without my being able to visit the poor or the schools, or seeming to do anything directly for the souls of others. I long to see more light upon my path. I feel like a plant torn out of the soil where it had long vegetated, and transplanted into another garden, where it had not yet felt out its nourishment. Meantime time is passing rapidly, and I often think how little may yet remain even if I should live to old age, which is available for active usefulness. I cannot doubt our call here, or the tokens which the Lord has already given of my dear husband's acceptableness, and of His acceptance of him. The congregations are very large and attentive. The Wednesday
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service is nicely attended, they say about 200, and on Friday mornings we have a Bible class for an hour, attended by about 30 to 35 young ladies. This I also make a point of being present at, as I find it one of the most profitable hours in the week. We keep closely to Scripture under my husband's direction, and have all but finished the 1st Epistle of St. John. The gay young ladies keep aloof entirely. If I knew how to be crafty and to catch them with guile, without making any advances upon their ground, I would gladly do it. But perhaps their hearts may be reached and pierced by the arrow of the Word when we least expect it. You ask about our children. Yesterday was an eventful day in our family annals, the entrance of dear C. upon his new career at Wadham and J. H.'s 18th birthday. Charles has been a guest for the last few weeks at his old home, dear Mr. B. and Sarah having most kindly invited him there, we are longing to hear of his arrival in Oxford, and first start there. 0 you don't know the anxious thoughts one is filled with about one's boys as they are growing into manhood. I do feel we have much to be thankful for in the high moral tone of both our boys. Of course, this does not give us rest concerning them, but I think it ought to be acknowledged thankfully to the Lord, while we plead for the manifestations of His grace in their hearts and lives. C. has some nice friends ready for him at Wadham. J. H. has a very interesting mind, full of enquiry, and though rather too desultory, always increasing his stock of knowledge. C.'s passion is for geology and such a room full of bones and shells, etc., as you never saw. Dear Nannie is at Hampstead, with a Miss Leatherdale, she has been till lately her only pupil, now she has companions, and is, I think, much more settled and happy than she was at first. This place would have completely spoilt her till she is a little older and wiser. People petted and treated her as an equal, and this to a girl of 14, rather beyond her years, was ruination. She is very amiable and kindly intentioned, but wants steadiness of purpose. However, it is a difficult age and she has much, that under Divine teaching will make a valuable character. Eddie is decidedly improved under deaf Pris's kind and persevering care. His manners are much against him with strangers, so shy and blunt. What is to be done ? I cannot
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make him polite, and he himself has a very low estimation of the politeness of life. I fear he quite displeased his Uncle John and Aunt Anne who have been here lately. We have a little son of Lord Cavan's with us, till Xmas. It is a good thing for them both, tho' the child is very backward in everything but his Bible, in which he has been most diligently instructed. He is a very unaristocratic little person in every respect, but his parents are both truly devoted Xtns. " So you have our history. You have been to Stoke and ,Ipswich, and have seen old friends and old faces. Happy thing ! When shall I do the like ? We are likely to see dear Maria soon, but shall not go into Suffolk this year. Dear Pris is a great comfort to me. She has not been well lately, but is better. I hope she is happy here, tho', of course, she wants to be at home. Dear Cath. has just had the comfort of hearing from Chas. Harriet Carr seemed so particularly to enjoy her visit to you, and was so much struck by your dear husband's devoted holy life and conversation. I am so thankful to hear your account of dear M. A. I wrote to her on the loss of the dear child and had a very sweet letter from her. I must finish. It is eleven o'clock and Saturday night, you will hardly be able to read this scrawl. Much love to you both from C. and myself, Pris, etc., and also to your dear children. "
Your very affect.
" H. B."

10. Census: England, 30 Mar 1851, Melcombe Regis Dorset. Harriet is recorded as aged 54 a rector's wife born London

11. Harriet Bridges: Letter to Susan Mosley, 26 Jun 1851, Weymouth Dorset.
Bygone Days Page 247 - 250 See Books section

DEAREST SUSAN,
" Circumstances quite unique in our history find me alone in the drawing room and, save the scrubbing and cooking which may be proceeding above and below, alone in the house It is the first time since the first three weeks of our coming to Weymouth that we supped and breakfasted alone, and though we have a truly nice and dear friend with us, who has been our inmate for the last five weeks (Miss Greville, of Edinburgh), yet I must own this tete-a-tete has been a huge treat to me. Chas.
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is, however, now gone down to the steamer to escort this said Miss G. here. She went to Portland yesterday, and returns this morning and remains till Monday, when she departs, to give way to our own dear home party. Part of them are coming to-morrow, i.e., Anna Maria, who is to be accompanied, I hope, by Louisa, if she is well enough. However, I hope she may come on several accounts. I think she will enjoy Weymouth for a visit. I want to see more of and get more at her. I hope she may do dear Nannie good in setting her to work and exciting her to be industrious. My fears (for I have my fears, about her visit) are lest her predilections for High Churchism should fall in with those of the dear boys ! I was quite prepared for what you say of Charles, his admiration for Coleridge, etc. The truth is that his dear and interesting cousin, Charles Bull, though we believe sound at heart and most conscientious and upright in his religious profession, has, we fear, influenced him strongly and inoculated him, as he himself is inoculated, with Stanleyism. You will understand this, it is, perhaps, the most plausible and most captivating school of the day, but not the less delusive on that account. Largeness of charity, in their opinion, seems to have broken down, tho' not destroyed, the barrier of truth, which ought to admit of no invasion, and in consequence, the Record and the Evangelicals and the Low School, etc., are branded with Partyism and narrowness and illiberality, etc. Dear C.'s is not, as you know, a powerful mind, and though I really have watched some most pleasing indications of reverence for the Word of God, and for his father's ministry, he is easily influenced by those to whom he attaches himself, and thus Charles Bull has gained great ascendancy over his mind. I cannot say how grateful we both feel for your affectionate interest about him, and for having seen so much of him during your hurried visit at Oxford. But this only the more emboldens us to ask still more of you, and that is to know whether you could continue any excuse (grounded, perhaps, on your conversation together) for writing to him, and setting the same principles before him in writing which you enforced then. And another thing, is it possible that you could use any influence with Mr. Stokes on his behalf ? Of course, he could not expect personal attentions, but would it be in his
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power to introduce him and, indeed, I ought to add, dear John Henry (who will be in residence, D.V., in October) to any thoroughly right-minded and talented young man. C. does not seem to have any friend with whom he is thoroughly unreserved except Charles Bull, who is now leaving Oxford, and I am so afraid of their taking up with what is unsound or at least unsatisfactory. If Johnnie should succeed in getting the Wadham Scholarship, for which he is, I suppose, at this moment in for his examination, he will, of course, remain in that College ; if not, he will probably remove to some other, which he can easily do, though he is entered at Wadham. But I should think his brains have hardly recovered the tension of the examination for the Rugby Exhibition, in which he has heen one of the successful candidates. He wrote us this news by last evening's post, neither having time for beginning or ending of his scrap, only saying that the most glorious part was that the 3 Exhibitioners were Cottonites, and it was so delightful to make Cotton so happy by the success of his House. It will be a material assistance to his College expenses, being worth £60 per annum for 5 years. I am thankful for his success, dear boy, and I think he will take it modestly. But how differently one feels about these distinctions when compared with the unmixed joy we should feel in believing that he was indeed a candidate for the Heavenly prize. I do not mean to write discouragingly, for there is much that is promising and pleasing, and he has much noble feeling. But 0 the blight that has come over so many beautiful buds. The sorrow that has wrung the heart of so many Christian parents in seeing their children exchange light for darkness, and truth for error, makes one tremble for those for whom there is not full assurance that they are rooted and grounded in the truth. The neighbourhood has many attractions, for Charley especially, and J. H. enjoys of all things sitting in a boat and dawdling about alone in the Bay. The Bay is certainly very beautiful here, tho' I seldom have time to enjoy it, and presents a never ending variety of colouring in the rocks, water, etc., and then there is Portland with its wildness, etc. "But the wear and tear of this place is trying at times, and the people are so unaccustomed to a searching ministry that a
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good deal of opposition is stirred up, among all classes. cannot doubt that fruit will be found, though, perhaps, after many days. At present things seem rather at a standstill. You may be pretty sure that my husband's preaching does not leave people quiet . . ."

12. Harriet Bridges: Letter to Susan Mosley, 30 Oct 1851, Weymouth Dorset.
Bygone Days Page 250 - 252 See Books section

"MY DEAREST SUSAN,
"The approach of winter, with its candle and firelight, and expulsion of visitors, etc., seems to give me a gleam of hope, that my long arrears of correspondence may be diminished at least, if not wholly crossed out. I have written two long letters yesterday and to-day, and now my pen is seized with a fit of impatience to be employed in your service, and having, as I hope, a good half-hour before me, before we begin our evening reading I shall make some progress. Edward is pricking a bird, my husband reading the Xtn. Observer, our visitor, Mr. Phinn, writing downstairs, so all is quiet and orderly. . . . My thoughts are full of Stoke. I cannot tell you the satisfaction I feel in having been able to be with them during this season of deep affliction. You know, dearest S., as I do, the truth of what Geo. Herbert so strikingly expresses in his quaint lines on Allialon
(I think). No screw, no pincer can, into a piece of timber work and wind, Like God's affliction into man, when He a torture bath designed.' And that is the sense of the chastening which makes the rod so keenly felt, and this, I think, has been felt in this instance. Poor Charles looked very brokenhearted, and it was quite touching to witness the pang of agonized feeling that came over him from time to time, as some little circumstance or other reminded him of her who had so suddenly vanished from his sight. I had more open con-versation with him than I had ever had before, and if it had no other result it led me to more earnest and special prayer that the voice of God might be deeply and permanently heard, and that this bitter cup of sorrow might be as a wholesome and needed medicine in the Hand of the Great Physician to his
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soul. I was much struck with his preaching on Sunday, particularly with his sermon on Light is sown for the righteous,' etc. The girls say that it was quite affecting to see his agitation the whole time of dearest Louisa's illness. I think he rather felt that he was kept too much out of the sick-room, but I fancy Catherine thought that his presence agitated L., because he was so restless. I did all I could to soothe his mind on this point, and to lead him to refer all, even the minutest circumstance attending the trial, to the Hand and appointment of God. The dear girl's deafness rendered any communication difficult, and poor Chas.' voice was so choked and almost inarticulate whenever he tried to speak to her that she could not understand him, which was very painful. However, he seems much comforted by Mr. Holland's presence and tender sympathy. Catherine, who always, as you well know, rises to the occasion, was wonderfully calm. When I first went there, her physical powers were much prostrated, but she rallied afterwards, and made great efforts to get out again into the Parish, and seemed determined to take up dearest L.'s work among the poor. Chas. also began his lecture at Mrs. Howard's, and I hope will meet with encourage-ment and sympathy. The dear girls all seem most anxious to do their utmost to supply the vacant place, though aware how unequal they are to do so. Dear P. looks ill, and I am not sorry that they are feeling a little anxious about her, as I think she wants watching and care. I do trust that this dispensation may prove an era in this dear family's spiritual course, a fresh starting point for Eternity. . . . "And now let me thank your dear husband and yourself for your great kindness to our boy. I will just tell you what he said about his visit to you : I spent a most happy time at Rotherham, and thoroughly enjoyed myself,' and then he went on to give an amusing description of his walk, and the perils and adventures thereof with Mr. M., and then says, ' What delightful children the little Mosleys are, their education is to my mind perfect, so little apparent restraint, yet such real obedience.' We do feel very thankful to you for bearing our wishes in mind, in your conversation with this dear boy. There is so much that is amiable and attractive about him that perhaps his dangers are thereby increased. And really, the more one hears of the
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teaching at Oxford, and of the tendencies of the younger tutors, the more one trembles at the poisonous draughts which our sons are receiving into their spiritual constitution, and which only implicit faith in the Word of God, now so dishonoured, and earnest prayer for the Spirit's teaching, can counteract. Dear J. H. is quite aware of our anxiety about him, and our sense of his danger, and I think that may naturally account for the greater reserve he maintains on these subjects with us, than with other persons. I wish it were not so, yet it does not make me so very uneasy because I think it is so natural and so easily accounted for. We had a nice letter from Charles last night, and the two brothers appear very happy together. J. H. has got comfortable rooms in College rather unexpectedly, which settles him at once. I feel that there never was such an obligation laid upon us as now to cry mightily unto God in behalf of these dear sons. 0 may the spirit of supplication on their behalf be vouchsafed to us. " Much love to your dear husband, and yourself and dear children.
"Believe me, dearest Susan, "
Your very affect. "
H. BRIDGES."

13. Harriet Bridges: Letter to Susan Mosley, 8 Dec 1854, Weymouth Dorset.
Bygone Days Page 252 - 254 See Books section

" MY DEAREST SUSAN,
"I have been for the last two or three days seriously ruminating on a letter to you, and it would have been dispatched before, but something has always come in the way. Now though it causes me much vexation to answer the first of your enquiries, I am glad of anything which really sets my pen in motion towards you, and I am just beginning during a few spare moments which I find before morning service (Wed.). The most extraordinary fatality has happened to the little poem of J. H.'s. Anna Maria seized and carried it off for the purpose of copying it, and it has never been seen since. She has hunted everywhere, and that again and again, she feels certain of not having destroyed it, and yet it is nowhere to be found.
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She is exceedingly vexed, but really knows not how to remedy her fault except by persuading her brother to write another. I think I told Susy of it when I saw her at Stoke. . . . You have heard, I daresay, of poor Johnnie's ill success. Instead of a first class, which all his friends made sure of him, he found himself in the 3rd. You can imagine that this ending to his College career, and to long and diligent reading, must have been felt as a severe disappointment, the severest trial he has ever known. He wrote very nicely to tell us of it, and said that since the list has come out (about two hours) he has been ruminating about what he must do as a means of getting his bread, since all hope of getting it by a life at College was extinguished. We have only heard from him once since, when he sent us a most gratifying letter from one of the tutors of another College, of sympathy and comfort, expressing the extreme surprise, as he said, not only of his own College, but of the University generally, at the decision of the Examiners, and urging him not to despond. Walter Shirley also has written most kindly to my husband saying that it is almost an isolated case, and that his College mean to beg him to stand for an Oriel fellowship, tho' at the same time they hope to retain him among themselves. I tell you all this because I know how kindly interested you feel about our dear boy. But while, of course, it is gratifying to us to know of such kind feeling and sympathy on his behalf; I can truly, most truly say that I long for a higher end to be accomplished by this trial. All the time when I supposed his examination to be going on, I did pray earnestly for him, but I felt that I could not ask for his success. I desired to leave that in the Lord's hand, and in doing so, I felt I could more freely and confidently ask that, however it might turn out, it might be overruled for his soul's good. To say that I did not feel disappointed when I heard the result would not be true, but I was, I hope, able to turn at once to my first petition, and to believe that it has not been without a design of mercy, that it has been appointed for him. 0 that we could but hear that there was some symptom of spiritual life. I do not expect him to enter into serious subjects in writing, I don't think he can do it, at least not until it shall please God entirely to break down the stone wall of reserve which now hinders him. Page 254
"What a long history have I written you, and now I must go and ready myself for our monthly working party, and besides, Chas. says I am not to send this to you until I hear again from J. H. " Your dear Susy, there was something sweet about her which interested me fiarticularly, first her striking likeness to her father, then her independence of mind, and besides this something very indescribable about her which brought her dear mother very much to my remembrance. I was extremely sorry not to find opportunity of a private chat with her. It was really as she said, I was half devoured by one and another of those dear creatures, so that I scarcely had a word with Susan alone. I should think, however, she was very reserved as to her inward feelings. . . . Dear Catherine was unusually cheerful when I was there, and I hope she has been more actively engaged in her old occupations and interests in the parish. Still, her heart is at Rangiora. She expresses herself most thankful though that her sons are there instead of the Crimea, and who can wonder at that? " We have at last heard from J. H., rather a dull letter, though he says he has sufficiently got over his personal feelings to set vigorously to work again. But his College prospects are certainly not bright by his own account. He has met with abundant sympathy on all hands.
"Believe me, dearest Susan,
"Your very affect.
"H. BRIDGES."

14. Census: England, 8 Apr 1861, Hinton Martell DOR. Harriet is recorded as a wife aged 64 born London Queens Square.

15. Harriet Bridges: Letter to Susan Mosley, 12 Feb 1863, Hinton Martell DOR.
Bygone Days Page 254 - 256 See Books section

" DEAREST SUSAN,
"I was almost ashamed to see your letter this morning, being conscious of my long neglect of you, though my mem. book, of letters received and answered, leaves it uncertain as to which of us wrote last. All I know is that it was the middle of November ; and since then we have taken leave of one year and entered on another. The last was one of comparative
Page 255
quietness both in our own family and among our relations. What this may be who can tell ? My walking powers have lately been so crippled by tender feet that I have been most thankful for help. And my dear husband is not quite so brisk on his legs as in former years, not wonderful in his 70th year ; I shall be 67 to-morrow. I have much to be thankful for in unbroken health. Indeed, all last year we had not one visit from the doctor, and few families can say that. But I meant to have begun my letter by telling you that it will give us all real pleasure to see your dear Mary at the time you mention, if all be well. We have no engagement away from home, and even if we should have friends staying with us there is plenty of room. It is not impossible that Anna will be away, as if John should again settle at Bradford and want her help, we shall feel bound to let her go to him. In that case, you must tell Mary she must put up with her poor old aunt, who will be delighted to have her company. John is, I imagine, on his way back to England. He and his young friend or friends (I know not which) spent some weeks in Rome, they were then to go to Naples, and overland to England. But he wrote a few hurried lines last week to say that they had suddenly determined to go to Alexandria, for the sake of the sea voyage to England, which I rather expect they will reach early in March. " For his own health's sake I wish he could have stayed away till the cold Spring had passed. He speaks well of his health when he mentions it. His letters have been very interesting, chiefly descriptive, a little mixture, of course, of politics, which must be uppermost with everyone living in countries where so much excitement prevails. Edward is going on well, I hope, and more interested in his profession, though, perhaps, a little more so in music, painting, etc. There are a nice set of clerks in the office, and one or two with whom he is rather intimate and likely to be useful to him " I had a few lines from Catherine this morning, Chas. thought he had at last caught a curate (by the way, I am so glad to hear you are suited in this line), when he finds that his health is too delicate for such a post. He really does seem anxious to get one now, but they seem most difficult to be met with, I mean such as are satisfactory. You ask what we have read
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lately ; Dr. Goulbourne's book we have long had, my impression of it is much like yours ; I have, however, found it very stirring and searching in many points, much more so than the general tone of religious books. When John was with us he read a great deal of Kingslake to us, very entertaining, but don't you think he exaggerates both the vices and virtues of his heroes, or rather of his characters very unduly ? Poor Louis Napoleon is really painted black. We have now got Froude's new vol. on Elizabeth, but it does not look so inviting as his last. And 2 huge vols., the life of Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. I shall never get through these, and shall not attempt it. . . . .
"Your very affect.,
"H. BRIDGES."

16. Harriet Bridges: Letter to Susan Mosley, 20 Mar 1868, Weymouth Dorset.
Bygone Days Page 256 - 257 See Books section

" MY DEAREST SUSAN,
" I have longed to write to you. Even before your dear note to me came, many are the letters I wrote to you and dear Cathr., in my waking hours, during my illness (the first real illness I ever had), and much could I have told you of the loving kindness of the Lord, and of the enjoyment I had in His words especially when in communion with my beloved husband. Also how wonderfully I have been restored to health just to minister to him in the hour of need. Perhaps some day I may be able to tell you what I cannot now do. I know not what may be before me, but I feel sure I shall have needful support, and it is such a satisfaction to be able to be with one so near Heaven, as I believe he is. 0, I cannot describe what his state of mind has been lately, and which, of course, no one but one constantly with him could have any idea of. But I must not run on. Your dear Mary, she has been such a help, such an element of cheerfulness and quiet order in the house, tho' I have seen but little of her, and she was like a grandchild to my husband during my illness, and he took to her wonderfully. She has just taken an extract, at my request, from a MS. of 4 vols., compiled at my dear C.'s urgent request by his eldest
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sister, Anne Bridges, from a heap of letters, etc., extending over more than a century ; family records of his grandmother, mother, etc., and to us most interesting. It was a work of great trouble and labour to make the selection and thread all together, but Chas. would not let her rest till it was done. I thought the mention of dear Uncle N. so long ago (7 years before our marriage) would so interest you with ' I, Deborah,' etc., so characteristic . . . . .

Harriet married Rev Charles BRIDGES [1635] [MRIN: 534], son of John BRIDGES of Maldon ESS [23057] and Margretta Ann COOKE [23067], on 25 Apr 1821 in St Clements Ipswich. (Rev Charles BRIDGES [1635] was born on 24 Mar 1794 in Northampton NTH and died on 2 Apr 1869 in Hinton Martell DOR.)