Bateman family papers

The Bateman Family Papers consist of correspondence and related material connected to the family of Thomas Bateman of Manchester. The papers span the dates 1756-1818, and have been arranged alphabetically by author. They were apparently selected, bound, and annotated by William Bateman (1787-1835) around 1818, and later partially disbound. Papers relating to his brother Thomas Bateman, Jr., who died of "water on the brain" in 1810 at the age of 18, had been previously gathered and annotated by Thomas Bateman (ca. 1765-1847).

Thomas Bateman and his wife, Rebekah Clegg Bateman, were fervent Dissenters, and their correspondence both with each other and with other family members reflects their strong interest in religious matters. Many letters contain reports of sermons, prayer sessions, meditations on Bible verses, self-examinations and exhortations to lead a Christian life. Other topics include family news, discussions of health and schooling for the children, arrangements for travel and visits, and errands to be done while Thomas is in London or Manchester on business.

The letters of Elizabeth Clegg Wilson to her sister Rebekah are particularly strong in reports of church and chapel events; news of neighbors, fellow church members, and distant relatives; and analyses of her personal spiritual state. Elizabeth was particularly concerned with the quality of local ministers, and they did not all meet with her approval; in 1796 she noted of "Mr. Lindal" that "I wish he would give up preaching and go to his weaving or whatever was his trade."

Rebekah Clegg Bateman's own religious concerns are documented in the collection of her miscellaneous papers located in Box 2, folder 12. These include her "Parts" for Sabbath Day exercises; copies of prayers and hymns; and inspirational quotations from sermons.

The letters exchanged among the younger Bateman and Wilson cousins contain school and family news, humorous comments on presents and upcoming family visits, and occasional mentions of parental finances and business conditions. Thomas Bateman's 1809 letters to his brother William describe his walking tour of the Lake District and his reaction to a Fourth of July celebration by American sailors in Liverpool which was disrupted by British carpenters. Further description of his Lake District tour, as well as other personal papers, a pencil portrait of him, and accounts of his illness and death, can be be found in folders 16-18. A copy of his funeral sermon, delivered by the Reverend Peter Samuel Charrier, is located in folder 22.