Biographical Notes |
Note: Samuel Pearce Brunsden was named for Samuel Pearce, a well-known Baptist preacher at the Cannon Street Chapel in Birmingham. SP very much wanted to join his friend William Carey in India; however his health was not good enough. He died of consumption in 1799, shortly before Brunsden was born. Letter from Baptist missionary (India) William Carey, Sr., to son William, March 1826:
..."Of Lucy's [daughter of Felix Carey] marriage, you have undoubtedly heard. They are as yet, living with us, but will remove to Howra in a few days....Dolly will remain with us when Lucy leaves us."
Lucy married a clerk named Brumsthon or Brunsden.
In a letter written from shipboard in St Helena on July 23, 1828, Lucy 'Brumsthon' writes to Anna Pearce Carey [wife of her father's brother Jonathan]:
"Very dear Aunt, Here we are safely anchored opposite St. James' town, St. Helena, in better health and spirits through the goodness and preserving care of our God exactly three months within a day since we bade you adieu and commenced our journey...We doubled the Cape of Good Hope with a fair strong breeze I enjoyed it much, and admire a pleasant day at sea and a fine moonlight night likewise. St. James' town has a pretty appearance, the scenery around is grand but remarkably barren - we wish much to visit Bonaparte's tomb if the expense attending it is at all reasonable...Brumsthon I am thankful to say is much better, the disorder is abating gradually, and his strength returning. He requests me to say with his kind regards to Mr. Penney that the Captain entreats him not to attempt landing the cheroots we have for Dr Johns in England as he will be liable to a 50 pound penalty - he must either use them himself or throw them overboard...
I trust you and dear Uncle and the children are well, accept of much love from us and tender the same to him. a thousand kisses to Louisa and baby [Jonathan]. Kindly present our love to Mr. & Mrs. [William Hopkins & Martha] Pearce, Penney, ... and all other enquiring friends, hope they are all well. Believe me My dear Aunt, Your very affect[ionate] niece Lucy Brumsthon"
In a letter written from Cutwa by Mary Carey, wife of William, Jr., to Anna Carey, wife of Jonathan, dated May 19th 1828:
"...Our dear Lucy & Brunsden have I should think made good progress by this time, I trust the Lord will bless the voyage to the restoration of poor Brunsden's health."
Brunsden made it back to India after his voyage to England; however he died fairly soon after his return in 1831.
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