Transcribed from the [1815 or 1816] William Smith pamphlet by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org [Picture: Pamphlet cover] A LETTER To the Loving and Beloved People of the Parish of _Madeley_, _and its Vicinity_, WHO HAVE LOST A FRIEND TO PIETY IN THE DEATH OF MRS. FLETCHER, _Widow of the Rev. J. W. FLETCHER_, (_or de la Flechere_,) LATE VICAR OF MADELEY, SHROPSHIRE. * * * * * BY MARY TOOTH. * * * * * The sweet remembrance of the just Shall flourish while they sleep in dust. A Mother in Israel hast thou been, and thy works shall praise thee in the gates * * * * * IRONBRIDGE: PRINTED AND SOLD BY WILLIAM SMITH. * * * * * Entered at Stationers’ hall. A LETTER, &c. _My dear Friends_, KNOWING that it is your desire to hear something respecting the close of the life of my invaluable friend, Mrs. FLETCHER, now in glory, and being assured that none but myself can undertake the work, as I alone was her constant companion, being separated scarcely a day for more than 15 years, I have endeavoured, (while my mind has been exercised with the most painful feelings of heartfelt sorrow for the loss of the best of friends, the wisest of counsellors, and the tenderest of parents,) to set down a few circumstances relative to the close of a life surpassing in usefulness most of her fellow mortals. It was upon the 9th of December, 1815, a day never to be forgotten by me, that my Elijah was taken to heaven. O that the mantle might rest on me! She had had many severe attacks from illness in various ways, in former years, and sometimes was restored as by miracle; I therefore continued hoping she would be spared this time also; nor did I give up that hope till two days before her removal from earth to heaven.