Ffeil 2/49. - M[aria] Shirley and W. A. Shirley to Janette and [Thomas] Waddington,

Describes outbreak of cholera and typhus in England from which an average of five or more a day have died; refers to incomprehensible discontent amongst lower classes which led to violence at Derby necessitating summoning the militia to keep law and order, and riots at Bristol where nearly 500 perished, many of the guilty having been burnt to death; comments on uncharitable spirit of Prophetic School, with whose opinion she is nevertheless in agreement, that times resemble those foretold as preceding second coming of Son of Man; sympathises with Janette Waddington over [Mary]'s illness and hopes she may be spared; is anxious to hear when Frederic's marriage is to take place; her husband has taken one of Lord Howard of Effingham's sons as pupil to provide them with some ready money since much of their income goes on church repairs, building of schoolroom; asks what has become of Evelyn who was supposed to have visited them; husband and child's health; sends love to Thomas Waddington, children and Janette Waddington's sisters. [WAS] refers to Thomas Waddington's arrangement with M. Durand; comments on blood-shed in England caused by people trying to break loose from merciful dispensation of God; discusses money matters with reference to Fred[eric]; hopes for a better account of [Mary]; sends love to Janette.