Copy of a letter dated 1808 from Robert Rawes of Wetsleddale, Westmorland (1740-1809) to his nephew Rev'd John Hodgson of Gateshead, Durham, extracted from the memoires of the Rev'd John Hodgson by John Raine. (Augustus Line to Hodgson Line)

Wetsledle 13 Sep: 1808 Dear John,         I do asure you it gave me much / pleasure to hear of your success, it was some / thing extraordinary that you should succed / do I understand without any Friend what was. I most sincerely wish that you may / have the aprobation and Blessing of the / Almighty may attend your Ministrey and / that you may be the instrument in his Hands / of bringing many Souls to the knowledge of / Christ Jesus.         Your Mother has her Health I think / tollerable well poor woman it will give me great / pleasure that she live comfortably in the fear / of God and Love of her Saviour.         Your Bro. Christopher is now nr. Haydon Bridge and little Isaac I have thought / it a likely chance for him to begin his Business / in NCastle or Gateshead perhaps the latter would / be the best, I have requested him to see you / and take your advice in it, I dare say you / can help him to many Friends & Orders / He should see you soon because if it is resolved / and I'should send him 20 Terms Slate now / before Winter, wishing all success as a Christeem Minister, I am Dear John Your Affectionate                 Uncle                 Rt Rawes It has been said that you was to be at Rosgill soon I shod be glad to see you RR (Addressed to Revd. John Hodgson, Gerrow, nr Gateshead) Notes:- Little Isaac to whom Robert refers is John Hodgson's younger brother, then aged about 13. Haydon Bridge is near Newcastle upon Tyne. The Hodgson family home was at Rosgill, a hamlet lying north west of Shap. Copied by Julian Rawes of Cheltenham.