I am sending you twenty pounds which I hope you will receive safely. I have been trying to come and see you but I have been prevented. I hope I shall soon be able for I want to see you and your little children very much. I have not been very well for some time and only just returned to England. I could not write to you. I did not stay in any place long enough. I shall be in Brighton till next Thursday (?) then I am going to London but I cannot tell you how long I shall remain there, you must not say to anyone that I am in England or speak of me. I have written to my father but did not tell him where I am. You must not tell him or her [1] anything of me. I sent him five pounds. You must send and tell me if he gets it all safe.
Wishing you and your whife (sic) a merry Christmas and a happy new year from your loving mother.
A.F.
[1] This probably refers to Ann's stepmother, her father's second wife, Hannah.