File BOL 2/3, 739X6 - Letters of Betsy Reading to her parents, mainly from Strumpshaw, about her engagement to Edward Leathes, with letters to Edward Leathes on her return to Woodstock

2/3/1 26 Feb 1771, Revd James Reading, Nando's Coffee House, to Betsy Reading: does not think that the new road in Henley was worth the money spent on it - said to be £4,000; is to collect presentation to Stonesfield; saw Captain Bertie who gave him a frank; Mr Nelson [his brother-in-law William Nelson] is in town for institution to a new living of £350 p.a.
2/3/2 28 Feb 1771, Betsy Reading, Woodstock, to Revd James Reading, Nando's Coffee House, near Temple Bar: suggests going to Strumpshaw with Uncle Nelson.
2/3/3-9 Jun-Sep 1771, Betsy Reading, London and Strumpshaw, to Revd & Mrs James Reading, Woodstock: social events, visits Leathes family at Bury St Edmunds with the Nelsons; describes Carteret Leathes and his sons, the third, Edward, is very musical; favourable impression of Bury St Edmunds; including a letter to her grandfather William Hoare [5]; describes Strumpshaw and the rectory; visit to Mr Mussenden at Herringfleet; visit to Yarmouth, week at Norwich; attachment [to Edward Leathes] but will never marry without their approbation; profound secret from her friends. [7 letters]
2/3/10-11 11 Sep 1771, Mrs E. Reading, Woodstock, to Betsy Reading: approves of her match - Tho' so distant we must not make Objections to any part of the World for a good Husband; local news; asks whether the match is agreeable to Edward's family.
2/3/12-14 Sep-Oct 1771, Betsy Reading, Strumpshaw, to Revd James Reading, Woodstock, and William Hoare: Mr Leathes' father not yet acquainted with their attachment - he thinks Edward should wait until he is ordained, although he will not have to wait for a living; two hundred miles sounds a long away but they will soon become accustomed to the journey; preparing to return via London and lists clothes she wishes sent there. [3 letters]
2/3/15 26 Oct 1771, Revd James Reading, Woodstock, to Betsy Reading: local news.
2/3/16-22 31 Oct 1771, Betsy Reading, Strumpshaw, to Revd James Reading, Woodstock: mentions looking up a word Johnson's Dictionary; her clothes need repair and have faded in the sunshine; proposed stay in London.
2/3/17 18 Nov 1771, Betsy Reading, Whetstone, to Edward Leathes, Strumpshaw: details of her journey which she bore surprisingly well apart from a complaint which 'in Oxfordshire we call the horribles'; has been ill since her arrival but is now better.
2/3/18-19 Nov 1771, Betsy Reading, Newgate St and Whetstone, to Revd James Reading, Woodstock: journeys. [2 letters]
2/3/20-22 Nov-Dec 1771, Betsy Reading, Whetstone and Woodstock, to Edward Leathes: her health; could look upon Death with resignation six months ago but now does not wish to waste a precious moment; kindness of Mrs Pocock compared with her aunt; sure he will be assiduous in his studies and will do everything to please his father and brother; copy letter from her grandfather about money he will have to leave - a house he owns in Oxford is likely to be demolished under Act for lighting and paving the streets; her parents are unhappy that his father has not been informed yet; Aunt Nelson's behaviour makes her unhappy - nothing can prevent their union but his not being ordained. [3 letters].