File BOL 2/4, 739X6 - Letters from Betsy Reading to Edward Leathes and to her father, Revd James Reading, mainly about opposition to her engagement to Leathes; 2 letters from Revd Philip Reading in Pennsylvania.

2/4/1-4 Jan-Mar 1772, Betsy Reading, Woodstock, to Edward Leathes, Bury and Strumpshaw: has told Margaret Pryse of their engagement - she thinks she and Mr L[oveden] will never come together as her father does not approve; thinks he should not acquaint his father with their connection until he is in holy orders; reproaches him for not telling her more news; wishes him to take better care of his health and not eat pepper; his forthcoming ordination; her father thinks their connection should not be kept secret from his father. [4 letters]
2/4/5 27 Mar 1772, Revd Philip Reading, Apoquiniminck [Appoquinimink, Delaware, US] to brother Revd James Reading, Woodstock: congratulates Reading and Nelson on preferment; illness following service on Candlemas Day for which he could not get an assistant which he urgently needs; unable to accept offer from Mr Allen of Magdalen Hall in regard to his son.
2/4/6-12 Apr-Sept 1772, Betsy Reading, Woodstock and Hampton Gay, to Edward Leathes, London, Strumpshaw, etc.: his forthcoming visit - asks him to bring flute, she herself has enough music to furnish a tolerable shop; urges him to keep Mrs Nelson in good humour as she has such influence over her father; has not seen him for six months and is very depressed; if his ordination is delayed their friend Lord Abington could use his influence - he wishes to make her father his chaplain; alarmed Edward has lost two stone in a fortnight - offers to nurse him even though the world might censure her; rejoices at his recovery - if he has erred he was drawn in by some ill designing persons; if he always deals honestly with her he will have no reason to repent it; looks forward to his visit in September; she did not deserve his letter of reproof - if he can treat her thus while a lover what is she to expect when he is a husband? [7 letters]
2/4/13 26 Sep 1772, Carteret Leathes, Bury, to Revd James Reading, Woodstock: thinks his son undeserving of such fortune as to marry his daughter and they should decline all closer connection with his son.
2/4/14 11 & 12 Oct 1772, Betsy Reading, Woodstock, to Edward Leathes, Strumpshaw: contempt for malicious reports; sorry his stay was so short and disagreeable because of the bad weather and their servant shortage; displeased he sent compliments to everyone but her parents.
2/4/15 16 Oct 1772 [endorsement], Edward Leathes, Strumpshaw, to Revd James Reading, Woodstock: his father wrote fearing he will not obtain orders but intends to apply himself to study; will write to his father this week.
2/4/16 25 Oct 1772, Betsy Reading, Hampton Gay, to Edward Leathes: it is a fault of hers blame herself and to forgive too soon; does not suppose his father would be displeased as 'an honourable connection with our sex is the most likely means of a young man's reformation; she has made a new conquest; news of friends; etc.
2/4/17 27 Oct 1772, Revd Philip Reading, Apoquiniminck [Appoquinimink, Delaware, US] to brother Revd James Reading, Woodstock: values his regard as sole surviving brother; happy to be remembered by Mr Allen and other contemporaries at Oxford but the time for sending his son to college has elapsed; his improved health has enabled him to go through the duties of his mission with tolerable ease.
2/4/18 4 Nov 1772, Betsy Reading, Hampton Gay, to Edward Leathes, Strumpshaw: her grandfather has given her £50 to put in the stocks; violent quarrel with her father about her attachment to Leathes of whom he has heard a very bad character but if Leathes prepares for orders in earnest will not object to their union when he is in possession of his living; urges him to conduct himself so that bishop will not object to ordaining him.
2/4/19 11 Nov 1772, Betsy Reading, Hampton Gay, to Revd James Reading, Woodstock: looks forward to seeing him at Hampton Gay.
2/4/20-23 Nov-Dec 1772, Betsy Reading, Hampton Gay and Woodstock, to Edward Leather, Strumpshaw: her health; very upset to hear he has frequented the gaming table at Norwich for a long time and visited improper places in London; seeks reassurance and urges him to stick close to his studies; impossible to give him up while he merits her esteem; her father would not have concerned himself with what other people might say but Edward's own father spoke very much in his disfavour. [4 letters].