Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

I slept better last night, or rather from 2 to 8.30 this morning.

The appended notes respecting Ann Fox came last night.

A beautiful bright day but somewhat cold for time of year.

Mr Elley being away for his holiday Miss E Dix and her sister Sarah are taking the boys’ Sunday School between them. Visited both Sunday Schools this afternoon and gave prizes of books to those children for whom they were not ready on 22nd inst.

Sarah Scruby a child in lowest class of our Sunday School has been inveighed away by the Methodists to teach a class in their Sunday School.

Visited George Ellis and his uncle Tennant this evening.

Attended Choir practice.

Letter from Ann Fox and covering letter from her sister, pasted into diary:

Down by Beckenham
Kent

Sir

My sister Ann Fox wishes to return thanks to God for the benefit of her health ?being? much better but she cannot say much as her speech is not returned so much as health so that we cannot make out what your name is. Ann as beening trying this last fortnight to speck of the name or rite it but she cannot rite from her mind only from Book. I hope sir you will excuse us in adressing your ???? this way. I am very pleased to say Ann is much better than she was. She as been hear a month and goes out when the wether permits. I thank you sir for your kindness to my sister.

We Remain your Humble Servants
Ann Fox and Mrs Licence

August 27 Down nr Beckenham Kent

To the Rev Mr ? ???? Sir ????

Almighty God, Father of all mercies we thine unworthy servants do give thee most humble and hearty thanks for all thy goodness and loving kindness to us and and to all men [This to be said when any that have been prayed for desire to return praise] particularly to those who desire now to offer up their praises and thanksgiving for thy mercies vouchsafed unto them. We bless thee for our creation preservation and the blessings of this life but above all for thine inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ for the means of grace and for the glory.

August ?? Sir Rev

Ann Fox

Very fine day. Visited Mrs Price. Drove Bell, Rosa and Frank round Epwell, Shutford, Tadmarton and Swalcliffe this evening.

Mr Smith, Sophie and Hattie came whilst we were out.