TITLE: Letter from Francis Richardson in New York to John Bowne
DOCUMENT ID: BFP 2018.1.02-18
DATE: 27 June 1688 (Old Style) / 7 July 1688 (New Style)
Francis Richardson writes to John Bowne from New York City, offering condolences on the "great Affliction in thy family" (the recent death of Bowne's daughter, Abigail Willett). Richardson states that he has sent 2 or 3 papers (likely Quaker tracts) that Bowne may distribute as he sees fit. In the post-script, Richardson reports that his wife was recently “called to Hannah Delaval,” presumably as a nurse or midwife.
Notes:
Francis Richardson (c. 1650-1688): Quaker and mariner. Richardson died just weeks after writing this letter. In his will he requested for his "... body to be buryd in ffriends burying-place at fflushing." His wife, whom he mentions here, was the former Rebecca Howard (1655-1705).
John Bowne's daughter Abigail Willett died on 16 June, 1688.
Hannah Lloyd Delaval (1666-1727), daughter of the Quaker Thomas Lloyd, married John Delaval at the Bowne House in 1686. Francis Richardson mentions John Delaval, friend and assistant, in his will.