By W. Ravenhill, Esq. 



153 



I thinks it not possible that such a passion should make you stoop for my parte 

 I cannot think there is any such thing now a day in the world pray burne this 

 and in so doing you will oblidge 



S r your Lo: Kinswoman 

 " Mappowder to serve you 



July ye 19th Ann Coker." 



1690 



To Buller Reynies Esq " 



The plot thickens. A warmer note from Mr. Reymes (which she, 

 faithful heart, with a woman's sagacity, has destroyed amongst the 

 rest of his burning epistles) and warmer answer. Most proper 

 maiden — her ff Ffather M must be consulted. He, of course, is quite 

 ignorant ! 

 " S r . 



I am extremely obliged to you for yor kind expressions which you ar pleased 

 to Honour me with if it be Reall, you know that I am under the Goverment of 

 A ffather whom I allways shall endeavour to please I am 



S r . your obliged Kinsw n 

 " Mappowder and humble servant 



Aug 23rd Ann Coker." 



I received the anchovies 



when I see you will.thankfully 

 pay you " 



We must not think of comparing the great suit of Bardswell v. 

 Pickwick and the tomato sauce, or how the anchovies were paid for, 

 but go on. For weeks no record, and then Miss Coker again — a 

 charming note : — 



"S r 



Yours of the 12th instant I have received wherein you have expressed 

 such a reall and hearty affection towards me that I cannot chuse but gratefully 

 acknowledg the same and wish that myselfe and ffortune were answerable there- 

 unto, it is (S r ) much above my capacity or sex to make you the like returns of 

 those generose expressions of yours towards me and being so is a plea for my 

 excuse : I shall be really glad to see you here as soone as you thinke fitt pray 

 excuse all that's amiss being an umble request of 



S r your Affec te Kinsw 11 

 "Mappowder Ann Coker." 



Sep 20th 1690" 



After all this, can there be any doubt ? Possibly, for there is 

 another letter, which, if it belongs to this courtship, or was written 

 in Miss Cokeys behalf, suggests too much delay. However, it may 



