So that both of them could keep their independence during their marriage, Mary Wollstonecraft and William Godwin lived in adjoining houses and often communicated by letter. These three notes, written on the day their daughter Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley was born, are the last Wollstonecraft ever sent to Godwin; tragically, although the delivery seemed to go well, she died of a resulting infection ten days later.
August 30, 1797 [dated by Godwin]
I have no doubt of seeing the animal to day; but must wait for Mrs Blenkinsop to guess at the hour— I have sent for her— Pray send me the news paper— I wish I had a novel, or some book of sheer amusement, to excite curiosity, and while away the time— Have you anything of the kind?
[Unsigned]
August 30, 1797
Mrs Blenkensop tells me that Every thing is in a fair way, and that there is no fear of the event being put off till another day— Still, at present, she thinks, I shall not immediately be freed from my load— I am very well— Call before dinner time, unless you receive another message from me—
[Unsigned]
Three o’clock, August 30, 1797
Mrs Blenkinsop tells me that I am in the most natural state, and can promise me a safe delivery—But that I must have a little patience
[Unsigned]
From Collected Letters of Mary Wollstonecraft. Edited by Ralph M. Wardle. Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 1979. 439 pp.