Michael Heath-Caldwell M.Arch
Brisbane, Queensland
ph: 0412-78-70-74
alt: m_heath_caldwell@hotmail.com
B049
Letter, possibly from Emily Holland touring Scotland to Posy Marsh.
Mentions Teymouth. Sea lochs etc.
B050right [1] – turn listening to the dash of the waves, and sketching the carriage in its clumsy boat. We tossed about charmingly in our own little boat, altogether a ferry is a very pleasant affair, on a fine day over a lovely lake. Afterwards we went over some wild tumbled about country and then [into?] the prettiest little wooded valley, with a roaring [rising?] mountain stream rushing below, then we came upon Loch Stivi, a sea loch and [coasted?] along it till we came to its mouth where innumerable headlands and islands and promontories opened upon our view in glorious confusion, it was impossible to tell what anything was or to connect any two parts together. The mountains ofMull rose above all the rest in the distance and a glowing mist[?] lighted up the whole. This place is not –
-nearly is fine as we expected, an ugly island shuts it up completely. Papa and Harry have been to Stafso[?] today and I have bitterly repented not having had the courage to brave sea sickness, but I felt rather wretched last night and the thought of the steamer [drognished?] me, particularly as [on?] getting into the steamer across Loch Fine in the [evening?] had mad me uncomfortable but I am so sorry not to have seen Staffa, particularly now they come back and talk of its beauty and now I hear they to any me not ruk[?] Mama and have been boating and sketching. I hope you like to hear all this my dear child. I almost. I almost feel while I write as if you could but care about it, but still I like to tell you what we are doing, good night.
Taymouth, Saturday.
I have just dispatched my letter to the post. [ am of thence being the beginning of this letter] and I have had your dear letter my dearest Posy, and now I must say a few words to you tonight though I believe it is already bed time. Thank you for all the particulars you gave me. I wished very much to know whether Martin sent you any last message, it must have been such a comfort to you to have had a few words from him after he knew his death was at hand. Every syllable at such a time at such a time is so precious to those who loved him and though you knew that he was prepared to die, and would not fear it, yet it is sweet to hear it from his own lips. Dear Martin, how few there are like what he was, God grant we may all resemble him more and more as our own hour approaches. It seems to be always so, those who are the most perfect, the most pure are always snatched from life the earliest they are ripe they are ready to be gathered and God is merciful, who will not expose them to the rubs and lessons of this working day world, then are kept for those who can only in this way be purified and rendered fit to hold communion with the early perfect who are gone before to heaven. There is great truth in the saying “Too good to live.” This is the reason why I never can fear an early death for myself. People say one ought to feel as if one might die oneself at any moment. This is [not, but?] the way in which an early death among those I have loved affects me. I cannot apply it to myself personally, but it makes me feel as if God had come down and amongst us, as if he were meaning, it makes me feel the insecurity of all that gives happiness in this world and the urgent need there is, thus I should not pay attention in things above, but in things of the world.
B052right [2] – when I tremble it is for the fear of the death of others, not for fear of my own, do you think it is wrong to feel this [not?] of certainty in one’s own life? I am afraid it is.
It is so pleasant now to hear that you wish so much to have me with you, but I cannot bear the thought of it being so long before I can look forward to that happiness for so I must call it, melancholy as this happiness must be. It is nearly two long months yet to the time. I would so much rather have seen you and been with you at first, and not gone off miles and miles away, where we only get your letters irregularly, but it cannot be helped. I am afraid you have not been well again my dearest Posy. From what Aunt Marsh says, but thank god that [he] has enabled you to bear up so well as you have done, which I hardly dared to expect. I am glad Mrs Barnardstone does insist upon have you back –
B051left – again for I am sure that in a little time you will absolutely require some change. I hope that dear Aunt Marsh has some plan of the same sort for herself, for as soon as she can bear the thought of moving it must do her good. I think immediate change is a mistake for it makes the coming back so painful, but now that you have passed through this first shock of grief all associations connected with him will be soothing, not painful, and it will be a comfort to you to return after a short absence.
You talk of Martin’s sufferings dear Posy, Papa seemed to think that in all probability they were not spasms of actual pain but merely muscular, so that you had not dwell upon his having endured acute pain. At all events it is blessed to think at his last moments were in peace. As you say there are some things which make it better that he should have died away from you all. (Barlenue?) used to say, “I should be happier if I would but think of Gertrude, as she was in former days, bright and happy, but I cannot drive from my mind the pale woman’s countenance that I last beheld.” Now you last recollections of Martin are when he was in health and happiness in his natural state, and you have nothing to come between you and those bright looks.
I must now go to bed. I will finish tomorrow.
Sunday. First I will tell you about ourselves, dearest Posy, as you say you really like to hear, but I think I brought you up to Oban, so there is not much remaining to be said. Papa and Harry left us on Friday morning forFortWilliam by Steamer. Thence they went to proceed to Glenroy and to Lord Abercorn’s and we expect them to join us tomorrow, though it is possible that if Lord Abercorn offers [any?] shooting or deerstalking they may stay a day longer. We had a [short?] days journey on Friday, sleeping at Dalmallyat the head of Lock Line[?]. We arrived early and took a car to the beautiful castle ofKilchurn, situated in a promontory in the lake. This day was the last favourable we have had a regular Scotch mist. I dare say the mountains would have been very fine if the cloud had not cut them so cruelly short. One day was very fine and this was the Bunsa pass. Through which the river Awe rushes out of the lakes. We ascended it close by the end of the beautiful rushing river[?] . Near the lake it –
B053 – [and, all?] [Lord?] Breadlebane everything [anything?] is accounted[?] with the Castle and is kept in spick and span. The Lodge is the principal object in view, the park and garden walls the road for miles in case ham any fish, heavens no one may fish in the lake here. I don’t like this after the wild [fur?] country that we have been enjoying. We are going to the Free Church this morning, which is now the principal church here. Lord B being a warm supporter of it’s cause.
I am afraid the first direction I can give you for letters is Post Office Edinburgh. We shall be there about the 23rd to stay several days. Pray let me find a letter there from you dearest child. It is such a pleasure to hear from you. Harry will, I am sure, be very grateful to [Fanny, Jenny] for her offer of sketching the burial ground for him and I shall value this copy you are going to do for me beyond all things. I think of you all today, [but you indeed but the rest] as going to church for the first time, it will be very painful and -
B054
B055
Letter from Lausanne. (By Posy?)
Lausanne, Tuesday 8th.
At last Dearest Mama and sisters I have unpacked and put myself straight. My missing bag arrived this morning and I was glad to see it had its directions all right, so M.B. saw it was not my fault. First thank you dearest Mama for your letter which I was so delighted to get and know that you were all of you all right. So Duke is gone. I am so glad it was so (directly, quickly?) after Amy left for her sake, and that it is just what he likes, dear fellow, one feels it is all right that he should be at work again. I am so glad too that Mr Sneyd is “a find” and that they are really nice people. Secondly my Gies would you kindly send off by Book Post Mr S. Brooke’s Sermons, Annie would so like to see them. And they are just the sort to do good work here. Please put it to my account and now dearest all, I know I did long story for you yesterday, especially dearest Mama. I think it was the most delightful day I ever spent in my life. We got up at 6.15 and left this station at 8, went by rail coasting the lake toGeneva. It was hazy and only here and there the tops of a mountain to be seen on theSavoyside. The (Para’s?) only partly out. What we did see very like the Surrey Hills, W. Dorking. We past Coppet and kept seeing the blue-green lake through trees and across hilly cultivated fields.GenevaI was disappointed in at first, but the rushing Rhone is beautiful and as the mountains unveiled their beauties one after another, one saw what it was, but not equal toLausanneas to view I think. We were the whole party and wherever M.B. goes his is treated a Prince and it is a new experience that also. We breakfasted at the Hotel des (Peques?), the usual french breakfast which suits this climate, but M.B. thinks our hours far better for work. He says they come back from their breakfasts heavy and dull and very little work worth having is done afterwards. Then Annie took a carriage and we went to the Picture Gallery which is very poor. There she left us and A.W. and I, M.B. having left us at the hotel, went up and saw the curious old Cathedral, which is a beautiful one of early English or Norman style, a mixture, and differing from our styles in some ways. It is a miserable arrangement to our vestries, all the seats face the pulpit as the centre of worship. I prefer our arrangement infinitely, it gives one more sense that we meet to worship God. Amy admired this Cathedral more than any she saw inParis. I do like the severe (vieulle, university?) thought not the arrangement. Then we climbed the tower and had such and exquisite view, this lovely blue green lake lying in all its soft bright beauty encircled with the mountains strong and immovable, their endless variety of outline alone giving a sense of change from the (roses?) of the soft lake. A rich (viaute?) county of woods and (lawns?) and villages and towns and towers creeps up their strong sides and lie in their everlasting stony (areas?). Bright, peaceful and secure. There we first caught a glimpse of the everlasting snows of Mt.Blanc. Its height disappointed me but the impression of the first sight of those snows which seem as if they had been there when since before one can ever forget. The mists were clearing away and [Thopera’s?] like a mighty fortress wall between France and Swiss [receplaindy to lee? Dan?] through their gossamer veil of blue. A was as enchanted as I was, and down we came into the old Close with its dark shadows, quaint houses and bright green trees. We did a little shopping and then took steamer to Evian where we intended to dine. I [cannot, must?] describe the extasy of that run donw to Locaiu[?]. We touched a bay m and then right across the lake. The view in particular up a valley which after looking over the richest country with villages, chateaux, towers and through crossing lines of mountains and peak behind peak of every imagineable form seemed to end inMt.Blanckwas indescribably beautiful. Our boat was thoroughly cosmopolitan, a group of German ladies and gentlemen, all in black, were close to us and as it happened M.B. was sitting in the middle of them. There was a contented [riant?] expression on all faces but one young lady, a contrast to the French expression, which is decidedly more grave and humiliated. There is not that air, of we are the first people in the world any more. Anxious and uncertain they look. That is the general impression I get. Then there was the inevitable English group, without a scrap of “distinction” about them [fake?] families with wife, sons and daughters, but it is refreshing to see sons and daughters. It is quite appalling to me the very few children you see inFrance. InParisI was always asking myself, “where is the future.” There seemed nothing to come after this generation. But to our boat, I did so intensely long for you all, L.W and W.H. We got to Evian and there got out, went up to the Establishment where we again bought some objects and climbing higher came to the Hotel part. There in the dining room were some lovely jewellery was being displayed £30, £40, £400. That style I did wish I had had £140 to throw away on a set of earrings set in pearls and diamonds. Earrings and brooch for L but as A and I said happily, they were all beyond temptation for us. No dinner could we have in time there to set off by boat to Vevey, so down we went. Tried more Hotels, all too late, at last we went to a sort of Cabaret place, where men and women voices were seeming high in hot dispute. We could get nothing and it was not very comfortable so M.B. settled that we should dine at Vevey and whilst he kindly went and bought us cakes, we sat on the esplanade under the trees on the border of the lake. On our right looking up the thickly wooded sides of the mountain to their white rampart peaks, before us the blue green lake and to our left, Evian. The esplanade and the lake shining in the bright sun like silver. How delicious it was and such a day. A [Laie?] day as M. Marquet, a friend of theirs who with his wife came up as we were eating cakes told us, and then the people and the visitors and the little boats. M. Marquet is at [frls?] Meteorological, I believe uses Mr Harrison’s tables [getty tech?]. I must try and find out. I talked with him and was just going to investigate the point when Mdlle moved to go. We sat some time to [ryce?] a steamer, which we had seen all decorated with flags atGeneva, came up the lake firing cannon to announce her first taking possession of the water
Continues. ??
B057
Letter Posy at Linley Wood. Monday 25th. April
Darling Gies, it was such a delight receiving your letter this morning and knowing that you are well and enjoying yourself up toMunich. No wonder you were tired, what luck to catch your train atParis. Fancy you being disappointed with Strasbourg Cathedral. I admired it so much, I remember though my memory of it is very hazy. (Bavaria?) is ugly until one gets toMunichand sights theTyrolMountains. Now I trust you are all enjoying Vienna. I wish Bertram did not look so ill, it seems you only take off from enjoying yourself most thoroughly. I do trust you have not been (starving?) with cold, but from “bitterly cold” menus that you have eaten. I got your letter to G.C. you are quite right about the arrowroot, it is the way to mix it. If you can boil it afterwards so much the better, as the nurse taught me. Our sick horse has got well again and (Dr Great Kix, ft kix?) took his bran on Friday. [Horris Shaw, Home show?] is about again though rather weak. Sarah at her work, and has found Mr Harding a helpful
B058left – yesterday was as usual L. and J. to GS in morning and then L to Talke where Morton met her. Lilian was kept at home. In the evening L and I to St. S where we had an utterly Dryasdust sermon from Mr.H. This morning at 10 we started for the G and S Meeting at Newcastle. Miss H coming up to go with us. There were not many there. Mrs Wood, Mrs of Knutton, Mrs Coghill of course Mrs Ward, Mrs DeVere and 2 others. The Fête is fixed to be at the Court 30th June. Girls to pay 6d and Associates to subscribe what they like, which was rather demurred at. We, Mrs Wood and us wanted 1/6 as the lowest subscription but Mrs Ward seemed to think that too much to ask for some working associates. So I opine we shall have to subscribe 5/ each as if each of the 40 Associates had subscribed 2/6 each. There would have been ample. The Matron of the Business Girls [reservation?] room at Newcastle was told 10/. A [9th, Gt?] out of the Branch Funds and 10/- to two sick girls of Mrs Wards who were partly sent by the General Fund to Convalescent Homes. There was a doll, beautiful dressed, the work [really, truly?] perfect, done by some of Mrs Coghill’s girls who have only been learning to sew for 3 to 6 months, which at L’s suggestion she and I bought for 25/- and which we handed over to Mrs Tremlow for the tent of work she is going to have at the Fete in hopes of making a little money for the General Fund. All which gave immense pleasure and satisfaction. We found poor Lilian and Morton half starved on our return to E! Mrs Colebrough [Coldrough?] has been doing so badly at the Curacy, so idle and dirty. I shall be rather [excused, exercised?] as to employ her again. But no doubt shall. Miss [Haldenor?] has got a former servant of the Edwards, who made a wretched marriage and has fallen into drinking habits. Worse, I think she learned today than she thought. However, it is the poor womans last chance! How utterly hopeless these women cases [causes?] seem to be. M and C.C. are gone to Great Malvern and R is with them now. I am afraid things are no better. It is so sad, they haunt me all day, poor dears. We went on Saturday, all of us, to call on Mrs Latham, found all at home and [Alick?] a William [Florence?] got at foot ball. Capt. Had 5 tea pined
B057left – No news but that Mr Tollemache had of course got in but they flatter themselves a much diminished majority. It poured going and coming back and on the road we passed, stopped and picked up Miss Woodgate and a sister in law and set them down at their own gate, very grateful for the lift as the sister a delicate looking little woman was quite overdone with the walk to Bradwel[?] and [Yatesly, yesterday?] what Mrs Tremlow said in the arranging of the L £5 for Ch. Ann’s wedding is to come off in July. Lilian and Morton go home all being well. On Monday the grass is beginning to look greener. Last night and today have been really warm thought the wind is W with N in it. I do so think of you and follow you on your journey and it is nice to know that you are really enjoying yourself. I wonder what you will think of Venice. I am sending on your letter to F and to Mary. I am always missing you all day long and feel so glad that a week is nearly over. I hope you will come across interesting people after all. One gets to find people more interesting than views and buildings. This is a stoopid letter to send all the way to [Fisine?] but I am stupid with the morning expedition and there is nothing to say but how I love you my Gies. Which is no news is it? My dearest love to Ebenda, Love to Bertrand.5 tea!
Your loving
Posy
B067
Letter from Georgina Nelson Marsh
Eastbury.
12th May 1845
My dearest Martin,
I quite intended to have written to you on Friday but as Mary was writing I thought it better to put it off a day or two. Saturday we went to Town and Thursday likewise. So today is the first day I have been able for as intended. I have had a great deal of writing daily. However I am determined not to delay sending you a little dispatch any longer, though I know not if any of the rest of the party are equally agreeably employed today. We had quite a gay party at Miss Morrisons and sat down 12 to dinner. Mr and Mrs Marsh and sisters (L & G) and Aunt Georgey. Mr and Mrs Morrison, Mary Pigott, Mr and Mrs Creed, Lady and Miss Downman, Adelaide went up with us as she had to go up for a music lesson but she did not dine at table, nor Miss Morrison. In the evening came Captain Creed and his three sisters looking nice.Adelaidewas very much admired. She had not been seen since the she is grown in the elegant looking young woman, which she certainly is her figure is so very pretty and she has such a pretty breast and pretty manners. I really was quite agreeably surprised in the gallant Capt after all I had heard. He is really a gentlemanlike nice young man and made himself pleasant for all. They say he is (impressively?] improved. They would not [dance?] Miss Creed said they thought their brother would be too much abashed, the only Cavalier amongst so many ladies. So they sang and played. Your father andAdelaideslept in York Gate as it happened to be, and I fear, still vacant, and I returned home as I did not like leaving Grand Papa all night.. I did not know till I arrived home that one of the horses had stumbled in Belgrave Square just before we arrived at Miss Morrisons, and hurt its hooves[?] a little. I do not know that that I should have felt so comfortable if I had known it before I set out, and should have felt every step the poor creature took. But she did not hurt herself much. Mary and George have left to entertain each other on Saturday. Grand Papa and I went up to dine inCadogan Placefor him to see Lady Downman and her daughter and an old friend, Miss Bennett. As the party was too large and late on Thursday for him. Fanny and Posy joined us from P Park at Miss Morrison’s and dined there and we all four came home by the mail train which I never would do again without a gentleman and being Whitsun Eve too there was such a crowd and only –
Vertical-right[?] tired your patience, my dearest Martin. I will therefore release you and only add the sincere affection love of all here. I was so in hopes if we went to Chilbertons we should go through Oxford, but I find we go to Birminghamand then take the Gloucesterand Birmingham[B068vertical] so we shall not meet till the 4th of June. We told dear[Sprites?] you were atEton today at which he looked very melancholy as we find he wished his dear man could but come over and give him a pat. Naughty Sprite I wish you could have seen him yesterday try and entice all the dogs to go and hunt with him in Oxey. Fortunately they were all three chained but it was as plain speaking as could possibly be without words. He certainly is the truant of the dogs, but a great pet after all. It is impossible to be angry with his insinuating countenance. I must really say Adieu. Now pray do not think of answering this. I only write for the pleasure of writing to you, but I know how much your time is occupied and I really do not wish you to write to me. I shall not write any more if you do and that would be depriving myself of a pleasure, though I do not know if it is not taking up your time too much to have to wade through this. Aunt Mee is yet undecided about moving toBrussels. It depends on what she hears of prices there. If she does she and Willy will come here en route for a short time, I believe. Now for the third time farewell and with affectionate love believe me always your affectionate Aunt Georgey N.M.
B069.
Letter from Saba Holland
Wednesday
My dearest Lboy,
Many thanks for your kind note. The contents of which have given, I can assure you, the most sincere pleasure. To all your friends inBrook StI rejoice most heartily in your success and still more if I have been able in any to contribute to it though I could only do so by making the high character you have already established for yourself known. It is therefore your own good conduct and character that have given you success in this first step of your career. That you may continue in the same path and that equal success may attend you is the warmest wish of your affectionate, Saba Holland.
I have been much pleased of late by the character I find Frank has made for himself in the school. We all feel as Frank does himself that he owes much of this to the beneficial influence you have exercised over him and as I hear you will not take a book from him you must accept one as a parting gift from his mother as a little proof of her affection and gratitude. I have desired Frank to find what you would most like and so order it.
B071
Letter to Martin from Emily Holland
Knutsford, Wed 10th.
My dear Martin,
You are a most honorable you gentleman for fulfilling your engagement with such promptitude, and I feel a little more reconciled to my hard bargain indeed if it had not, that the thimble is too small to make any use of and if you did not crow over me to unmercifully upon the good qualities of the knife, I should begin to think you rather less (ferish?) than I did at first. The paper will be very useful tome, not however that I shall do much German exercise while I am here for I have not the wherewithal they will require more study to understand before making use of them. Do you expect me to forgive your pun of impertinence in accusing me of fault finding? I am sure you have no reason to tax me with it, after the magnanimous manner in which I have forgiven you. I will allow you to correct my faults in German but do not intend to let you go any further, it would indeed be letting you loose on a wide field, and open a further (range?) of fault to you, so no more innuendos, on the subject if you please. Frank is duly jealous and irritated by the vision of you and Miss Clark flitting before him in the light fantastic too. Is Miss Clarke to be at the Ball? Because I think (Parker?) has more reason to be jealous of you than Frank if that is the case. Tell Posy I expect a full account of the Ball. You don’t tell me, unnatural brother as you are whether Louisa is well enough to go. I do hope she will not lose all her gaiety. Aunt Amy tells me they have been asked but do not intend to go as the children have has so much dissipation lately. The boys have been riding with Gpapa, Frank in the carriage horse and he is obliged to precede the others a quarter of a mile as when his horse is with the others it insists upon standing in the middle of the road and kicking. The most of the morning they shut themselves up in the study from which doleful toots having been heard to issue at intervals when we concluded that Frank is exercising his musical talents. We have long evenings here, which we pass by reading aloud and chess playing. Yesterday we took to conglomeration. I should like to know whether you have the least idea what that long word means. Frank will be very happy to make the appointment you propose for returning to Eton. He and Harry leave us tomorrow evening. I shall lose a great (piece?) of their holidays. I hope you mean to manage Miss Duckworth’s dance. I shall consider you very faithless to Charlotte Coltman if you do not. Don’t ask her to dance a country dance, or at least make it count for nothing. I have not got over that awfully stupid one at (Cassiobay?) yet. My letter looks almost as illegible as yours of which one sentence still remains a profound mystery to me, but then I have the excuse of a bad pain and no knife to mend it with. Return all the love you throw upon me a hundredfold, Ever your affectionate coz[?]
Emily Holland.
B073
Letter Aunt Georgina Marsh to Martin Marsh at Herr Doll’s, St.Goar. Rhine. Post Mark 31st August 1843. Written horizontally and vertically.
From
11York Gate,
31st August 1843
My dearest Martin,
Your letter was a most welcome greeting on our arrival home on Monday and quite unexpected for I did not the least expect you to write to us knowing you must write journal letters home and that your time must be fully occupied by more important occupations just now. We were at Eastbury when your 3 first letters arrived there so we are au fait of all your proceedings and delighted we were to hear you so thoroughly are enjoying yourself. You appear to be most fortunate in your host and party and especially in your hostess’s brother. To have so agreeable and constant companions would be at all times a great acquisition but in your present circumstances, invaluable as a solitary walk would not benefit your [health, liabth?] and [promote, welfare?] your German and Herr Dole does not appear to have time to bestow so much of his own company upon you. We all seem disposed to envy you your expedition or rather [see shore?] all [looking?] to set sail on the same. The scenery must be enchanting, and your Ball very amusing. The same exquisite manners [that of using the floor instead of a pocket [handkerchief?] prevailed atVersailleswhen we were there, at least some of the Soi disant Messieurs so acted which astonished my [layt-?] vision not a little. We enjoyed our visit to Eastbury very much. The weather was lovely, the finest and warmest we have had this summer and the drives are beautiful. I was so glad dear Grand[papa?] was able to drive about for he enjoys it much. The lanes are so pretty. I only wish the waterway was better. That A the only drawback to its perfection was wh- such a water [drinker?] felt this a serious inconvenience. They are come up today, that is Mama, Fanny, Posey and Mary to make completions forMilfordand see the cartoons, and to see housemaids as Mary Bormu[?]is going [as you probably know]. Fletcher is going to live with you, what you will be glad to hear as you liked him, I believe for respectability, honesty and as a thorough good servant. I do not think you could have done better and he liked very much for the idea of the situation. I believe he is engaged to our [lams?], indeed I know he is. But I do not like him better than our present servant George who is everything I could wish and I discovered the day before I went to Eastbury that he [is a married man and has a nice pretty little wife and child]. He says I did not ask him when I engaged him if he was married man or he should have told me and I dare say I did not for he is so very young looking it never entered into my head to think he was married. However, it is no objection to us, quite the reverse. He and Cook have made our kitchen floor quite a paradise having coloured and painted every bit of it themselves. We are very comfortably servanted now and I only hope will last. I caught sight of your message on the table to– you could have reachedHigh Stso the only way was to send George with it and I am sure you would have been lost without it. It did not cost us much trouble so thanks are not necessary and as to careless, I cannot accuse you of being that either for it was pushed to the other side of the table out of sight. When the tea was brought I was only glad I discovered it in time. My dear cousin Mary and my Aunt are going toLeamingtontomorrow morning to my great grief. I shall fell quite desolate without them and they are going for an uncertain time for if Kate is not sufficiently well to be able to travel I fear they will stay till after Xmas but as she has tried the carriage twice and not suffered materially from the motion I am in the greatest hopes she will continue to mend and accompany them home toCambridgeTerrace in Nov. I was in hopes Mary would have dined here today but that is impossible as (Robert?) and his wife dined there the last day and she would (verily?) be too tired. William Roscoe too cannot come as he has been atBrightonfor a fortnight and must not spare any more time away from his studies as his examination begins next month. I should have thought he might have passed this one evening but he knows best and perhaps he is right. So we have only Mr Eliot who I asked in order that he might bring some engravings to show Mary as I thought it would be of use to her. I asked too, Mr Morrison to talk to your Mama as he is an agreeable talkative man and cousin of the Miss Morrisons who has been all over the world and has plenty to say but I have had no answer so conclude he is out of town, but I am disappointed as I fear they will have but a dull visit. We are all to see the Cartoons tomorrow. This is the last week of then. Sprite was quite well and so was Wasp and [Tarte?] too, they are all nice dogs, and very loveable. Sprite is an immense pet of every bodys and I should say was the infant [gate?] of the family, though his noble nature prevents his being spoiled by indulgence. We shall all be glad to see you back again but not, I hope, till you have securedPrince Albert’s [finger, praise?]. You will, I hope, make this your resting place when you return, till when adieu my dearest Martin knowing [how much?] weboth love you,
Affection
Aunt Georgina N. Marsh.
B075
Letter to Martin Marsh.
Dear Martin,
I hope you are quite well. Have you been caned yet? Have you got farther in the sums than the eldest boy in the school? Do you write in school. Do you know that poor Mr Wheeler is dead. Your horses are quite well, and they are covered up every night.
Your very affectionate sister, Baby Marsh.
B077
Saturday 24th Feb,
Eastbury.
My dear Martin,
I differed thanking you for my part of your letter till now hoping that I should have plenty of news for you and I am rewarded. A marriage is going to take place in these parts of which I will give you a full true and particular account it done for the same thoughtful(?) way in I announced to you the marriage of C G and G Holland. The parties are Minny Pell and a Mr Groom [not very fine sounding name], a curate of his father’s rectorship to which he is ultimately to succeed his living is inSuffolkbut not near Malford. Minny Pell came and announced it to us herself yesterday and she told us that he was not handsome but clever etc etc. The marriage is to take place after Easter and what quantities of marriages there have been this year, three among our close acquaintances. And now to the beloved Tip. And I cannot forebear relating to you a small trait of his politeness and ‘savoir vivre.’ When Miss Pell told us of her marriage he kissed her most heartily and then not being content with that (form?) of congratulation he repeatedly go shook hands with her. M[inny] Pell was quite delighted with him and saluted him of on his forehead two or three times. “Helly Louse” [?] I am glad to say enjoys very good health but I am grieved to add that he nearly committed murder! Upon Max. They had a tremendously fierce battle and at last [Louse?] got Max by the throat and nearly choked him so I was told for I wanted to leave them to fight it out. Pray don’t be very much shocked, consider I beg that it was done in the ardour of the combat and therefore to be excused.
There are about eleven or twelve lambs but two or three have died, poor little brutes. Mamma has heard no further from Mr Bently (except to ask for more stuff which Mamma has just completed to her great joy) and so we don’t know whether he will accede to Mamma’s proposals or no. William Roscoe has just come and I heard him tenderly enquire after you. And now dear Martin I have no more news to apprise you of and I think your patience will have been (noui?) out particularly as Fanny has just told me my writing is perfectly illegible and so good bye dearest Martin,
Your off sister M. E. Marsh.
All sisters send their united love.
I will just give you a picture
Papa is sitting before the fire with his muddy boots on and Tip on one side of him. Papa is talking to him, his beauty is assured him lovingly for his paw. Max is seated on the other side.
B079
Letter from Martin M
My dear Posy,
Thank you for your letters. I am afraid I cannot write so long or so pleasant ones in return, and I have this evening had a harder than usual lesson of [private, farioli?] because forsooth I do intend to write to you and it has taken me an hour and ½ to learn . However I shall see you I hope next week if I and Greenwoodcome. Will Papa be so kind as to write an enclosed note to the Dr sealed, asking leave for his son and his friendGreenwood from Thursday evening after school till Sunday evening. That is if Papa could send to meet us at West Drayton, we would leaveSlough by the 6o’clock train and could be home that night, which would be most delightful to us if it could be conveniently arranged. However Papa will settle the affair, and we will cheerfully abide the decision. (or gone?) they to send the application early, in next week. I had a letter from Mamma in which she said that she should kindly be home on Wednesday, so I shall have the exquisite pleasure of seeing her. Dear Tippy boy, his man has not forgotten his dog among all his troubles lately, and he thanks you very much for taking such good care of him. Shan’t I be exstatified to see you all, and so will John Greenwood. He does nothing but talk of the pleasure of knowing my father and mother and sisters. So we shall be very happy I hope. And now dearest Posy thanking you and Jones and a gallant lad for your kind sympathy with heartfelt gratitude and best love to Papa and to all and remainder kisses innumerable and commendations to your care, unless though they [away?] and tell Tinkle that I’m at hand.
Believe me ever dearest girl your most affectionate brother,
M.Marsh.
I’m sorry [Maidvels?] [book, boll?] is so stupid.
B081
Letter – Probably early 1846 to Posy Marsh.
Dear Madam,
Permit me to address you a letter of congratulations on your strength reviving, and your health returning. I need not dwell upon the fact that the news of this happy event is “nuts” to me. I expect to see the blooming roses restored to your cheeks by Saturday next, though I am afraid you’ll not join the gay party to Locksley. I have just had a letter from Mary saying to my disappointment that the Giffords were not coming. And this is worse because it seems to say that you are not so well as I thought you were. Then, as I told Mamma, if we go for Greecewe must get to Veniceby the 1st of July. Consequently we must start by the first train toDover or the first steamer fromLondon, on the first day of the vacation, so that after Whitsuntide I shall not see any of you again till after the return, which will be in August. I shall be able to come away on Saturday morning and I am coming to town with Lucas to look up some things for the expedition etc. I can meet Papa at the station any time he chooses to appoint, and get down that night. Which will be most delightful for me. I only hope it will be fine for that Monday. But Foster has come in and is bothering me to come out, so I cannot finish this in peace.
We have just come in from our walk and very close and hot it is today. Growing weather for grass though too. I hope old (Scrip?) and Tip still enjoys the pleasure of your company sitting with you on your sofa. I was very sorry though to hear of the death of poor Dash! So that dear Tippy is the last of his race in the family! Long may he live so! We are just going to luncheon so I shall have to be interrupted again, and seeing that this letter is most ineffably dull, I will stop all together. It is only meant to gratulate you on your being better, so with best love to all, and many kisses to the dear dog, believe me always your very affectionate brother M. Marsh.
B083
Boulogne Friday (Postmark 30 August 1834)
To
Master Marsh
Miss Joyce
Church Street
Hampstead
London
My dearest Martin,
I hoped to have heard from you before this time of your safe arrival at Miss Joyce’s but as you do not write I suppose you expect to hear from me first. We miss you very much, I often think I hear your dear voice upon the stairs and feel sad when I think how we are parted. However it is the fate of all sons and all mothers and we must submit to it as well as we can. The little Kearneys enquire much after you, and your friend the great dog comes up every day to see whether you are to be found, poor fellow, I feel fond of him for your sake. Do write to me as soon as you get this, and tell me how you like school after Boulogne, what you are doing and learning and every thing about yourself that you can think of. How very stupid we both of us were to forget your books. Your bible and prayer book and your Eton Grammar, and your story books. I will send them to you, with a few sugar plumbs to remind you of old Boulogne. We have not been to (Publaiss?) very often since you went. He enquires after you and hoped you were contente de votre promenade. I could have told him you would rather have had a horse than his little odd tailed poney. The last time we were there there was another lady riding who had got the white faced bay, so Georgy rode that long backed Basinante, that little Paganini sometimes rode, and Fanny the grey which was very naughty and jumped about. Your sisters are to take a ride out next week upon the sands, I rather suppose. On Thursday we spent our holiday in walking all about the town, and in the evening Louisa and I went into the haute ville and came to the Convent of the Ursuline Nuns, so as I had a question to ask about some work for your Papa, we determined to try to get in. we rang at the bell and a very nice looking woman in a black gown and large cross came to speak to us, and said if we would wait a little we might see une des Dames, for so she called the Nuns. So she took us into a room, very clean and neat, with all the windows so covered that nothing could be seen out of them and there we sat a long time, everything in the Convent being as silent as death. At the end of the room there was a door which looked like a cupboard and at last it opened, and a Nun came into the room. She was dressed in black with a long black veil and white band (cloth crossed out) board over her forehead, she had a string of large beads and a cross. She was a very old person, but was very kind and obliging and asked us to come again on Monday. Louisa and I felt quite strange to have been really in a convent. Give my king regards to Miss Joyce. All sisters send their dear love. My dearest Martin your most affectionate Mother, Anne Marsh.
B087
Letter from Anne Marsh-Caldwell
Boulognesur mer
Monday 22nd Sept 1834
To Master Marsh
Miss Joyce
Church Street
Hampstead
London
Angleterre
My dearest Martin,
At last I have sent off your books by the Londonsteam packet and I hope they will reach you safely. It seems a very long time since I wrote to you, but I waited to send off these books, and a letter which I expected a gentleman to carry for me but I have been disappointed. So the post must carry the letter and the steam boat the books. Your Grandpapa intends to ask you to come and spend three days with him at Blackheath at Michaelmas and I hope you will have been a good and industrious boy, so that Miss Joyce will be able to allow you to go. I have asked your Aunts to buy you the Travels of Rolando and give them to you to take back to school. I think you will like that book, and I hope you will read it. One must read a good deal at odd times or one shall certainly become ignorant. If a man be ignorant he can never do any good in this world. I do hope my dear Boy that you are taking pains with your lessons and that we shall never hear such an account of you as Miss Joyce was obliged to give your Papa the last time he went to see you. Uncle George and little Willy came here last Thursday. Willy is a very nice little child. A very good and clever little thing. Next Thursday your Papa and I set out forTours. Look in the maps and see the way we intend to go, by Gisons,Chartres andBlois, we return byParis. I will write to you an account of our journey and if you or Miss Joyce want to write to me direct Poste restanteParis. Will you tell Miss Joyce this with my kind regards. We shall be atBoulogne again in less than three weeks so that unless there is something of importance to write about you had better direct toBoulogne. I must leave the rest of the paper for your sisters. God bless you my dearest boy. Ever your affectionate Mother.
Your things cannot go by the steam boat after all, they will come in a few days by a gentleman.
My dearest Martin, Mamma has left me this little bit to write to you on. For I can not have much to say. We are going to day to Sauvcieux-Moulin and in the evening to the play. Mama is having her picture taken and believe we are also to have ours. We have been twice out riding with M.(Pichlin?) and once with Papa. I like Willy extremely, he is such a good little boy and so amusing. I believe you have never seen him yet have you? It is just this moment raining but I hope it will clear up as we shall not be able to go. We have got a German master called Dr Ficht.Milois quite well and sometimes comes up into the dining room while we are at dinner for something to eat.
My dear Martin,
I hope you have not been flogged. We are going to Moulin Sonoraye (Sonosaye?) where we are to see a Castle full of old pictures. There are coal mines near it. The old furniture in the Castle is very curious. We went to Outre-eau, there was a church rather pretty at the end. Your affectionate sister Mary Marsh.
My dear Martin,
Have you built your summer house yet? Are the school boys kind to you? We went up the Palaisaid. Had you any of your things taken away when you went over? Is Miss Joyce kind to you? Do you ever go to our house at (hane?) and in the garden? Little Willie is such a nice little boy and I am sure you will like him when you come over. Good bye, your most affectionate sister, Adelaide Marsh.
Will sends his love.
B091
Letter from William Marsh to Martin Marsh addressed to Mrs Horsford’s, Eton College.
YorkGate
28th July 1843
My dear Martin,
You letter to your Aunt I find confirms what I had seen in the Times, an extra week for Dr Hawtry and all the Masters and Tutors! as well as all “The Fellows!” of the college, and I cannot say which Party will enjoy it most! I find we are not likely to see you on Monday! I expect however to see your dear Father tomorrow in his way home! The enclosed will as usual help you to a good party breakfast tomorrow or Sunday morning! I had a letter yesterday formSt.(Servan?), and one this morning from Chanceaux, all well! With every cordial good wish, I am ever, Dear Martin, yours affectionately Wm Marsh.
B093
Letter, possibly in German to Martin Marsh
29th April 1845. Post mark from Oxford 3rd May 1845.
Looks like from an S.Doll.
Addressed to M.Marsh Esq,Merton College,Oxford. Has a St.Goar post mark as well.
B097
Letter to Martin Marsh addressed to Miss Joyces, Church Street, Hampstead from his sister Louisa.
My dear Mart,
Mama desires me to tell you that she has not sent you any linen as the thought that as you were coming home so soon you could then tell her better what you wanted. She also desires that you will send us word what time will be most convenient to come and fetch you on Whites Saturday. I find you do 2 write by the next post or I pretend we will leave you where you are. I enclose you a note from Scott Gifford we have received a whole packet by Gifford fromEdinburghthis morning. He (Scott I mean) has got the infantile fever. I shall think you clever if you can read this scrawl but I am in a desperate hurry.
Ever dear boy,
Your attached sister,
Louisa.
B099
Letter to Martin Marsh at Miss Joyces’, Church Street, Hampstead from his mother, Waterloo, Friday 23rd. May(?) 1834
My dearest Martin,
I hope your old friend Sharpe will bring you one pair of summer trousers tomorrow evening, and another pair and a couple of waistcoats in the course of next week. You must have wanted your trousers before I am afraid. I shall walk up and see you again in a little time, and shall be very glad to have a letter from you. Your papa has got a horse and the stable is all made neat and comfortable and talks of getting a pony for you and your sisters. And a pony carriage for me. All which is very good news is it not. You will like a pony rather better than a rocking horse I fancy. Since I saw you Louisa and I have been to the Opera. We saw Anna Boleyna plain English. Anna Boleyn. She was acted by Grisi, an Italian actress of great beauty. The play only began when Anna Boleyn was in her affliction. We saw her first in her royal robes of white and crimson and an immense quantity of pearls sitting disponding in a chair with all her ladies grieving round her. It was very beautiful. Then we had a scene with cruel Henry the 8th, then we saw her in the tower in deep mourning, with her long hair flowing round her. She seemed almost out of her senses with sorrow, but I think this was a mistake. You know in the history ofEngland we are told how calm and patient and even cheerful she was. Not raving and crying as they made her on the stage. I hope to bring you a very pretty book when I come to see you. Peter Porley’s travels with a number of pictures. We are talking of going toBoulogne, which is you know inFrance where Aunt Me was, but we shall wait for your holidays that you may go with us. You will like that I know ever dearest Martin, your affectionate Mother, all your sisters kind love.
B103
Letter to Martin Marsh, post mark 4th July 1843 possibly from Louisa
Addressed to Martin Marsh Esq, Mrs Horsfords, Eton College, Bucks. Post mark 3 July 1843
39 Hyde Park Square
Here till Wednesday
Wont you enquire at your Post Office.
My dearest Martin,
I cannot tell you how grieved I was to find you had never got my letter enclosing the £1, how ungrateful and unkind you must have thought me for your dear kind note. I hope dear brother that you thought there must have been some mistake, not that I had been so utterly neglectful I cannot bear to think what you must have thought of me if you did not look at it in that light. I wonder what has become of it. Somebody must have stolen it. I dispatched it the same day I received your note which was Wednesday –
B104right – [necp?] last the Sovereign was wrapped in a piece of paper by itself and put that beside the note and that again inside an eveloppe. It is very disagreeable. I would ]besides the loss of the money] have much rather the public had not had the benefit of my effusion to you. I will enquire how I had better send you the next Sovereign [and?] will do in a day or two at [B104righvertical] latest you may depend. My own dear [Sings?]. We are now staying at Mrs Booth’s, yesterday Mama, Mr and Mrs Booth dined at Mr Jones. Loyds and Georgy and I with Mrs Hensleigh Wedgwood. In the day we went to the exhibition where we unexpectedly met Posy and Emily, both looking like two old hags from Ealing the previous night. TheLondonseason has not improved Emmy’s beauty. She goes out immensely, but I hope the [lissole?]of the country will restore her in the summer from the traces of the Spring campagne. I am going in a few minutes to walk across the park with Mary Tillet to see Mrs Eden, who I am sorry to say is far from well, give my love to Frank, and believe me your most affectionate and (Louisa?)
Saturday. 39Hyde Park[ Taneau?] here & Louisa M till Wednesday
B105
Letter To Martin Marsh, addressed to Miss Joyce’s,Church Street, Hampstead. Post mark Postmark Dec.3 1834
Wednesday
Morning ½ 7
My dear Martin,
I am afraid you will think us false traitors not to have either come to see you or written to you after my promise but now you have only two Sundays more to stay at school. Last Wednesday we all six went to Lady Aldersons christening ball. The only great girls we knew there were the Milmans who were very agreeable (they are coming here I believe some time next week). Emily Holland with Frank was also there and that I think was all the people we knew in the girl and boy way. Fanny(?) Gifford has got a bad cold but we have not heard lately from the Gifford girls, wicked children, Georgy being the only one besides myself that is left. She alone joins me in love and think of me my dear boy as your very affectionate sister,
Louisa Marsh.
B107
Letter from Martin to his mother A.M.Marsh. ,
Mrs A.C.Marsh, Eastborough, Watford, Hertfordshire.
Postmarked 4th Feb 1845
My dearest Mother,
Thank you very much for the half £1 duly received this morning. February 4th Thursday.
I find that this term is more expensive as it dates (battells?) from July, instead of being less, and that last term is the longest term we have. Then there have been all the Xmas boxes and expenses incident to Xmas. So you see we must not despair of making the end meets yet.
Adieu dearest Mother, love to all and thank Grandpapa for his message and tell him that I hope his hand will soon be well enough to let me have the pleasure of a letter from him. And that I am going to call at Kenlington tomorrow.
Ever your most affectionate son, M.Marsh.
Kiss dear Tippy again. I hope he is quite well. Adieu!
I am in better spirits now certainly
B109
Envelop address – Marsh Esq, Merton Coll.
Saturday March 15th.
Sir
If you will attend the Lodge at two o’clock on Tuesday afternoon the Well will pass you to the Second degree in Masonry. Will you oblige me by sending either this evening or on Monday morning your fees for Initiation and Dinner ticket in all £6.16.0
Yours obediently.
W Thompson.
B111
Letter. Possibly around Feb 1845
I could not recognise your hand at all (morri Antem Johnathan?) and only discerned who was my fair correspondent till I reached the end of my letter. For from you letter being dull I can assure you that it was replete with the most interesting intelligence about the “hearts delight.” And of your adventures in LondonI have heard a most strange report here than a Miss Marsh is going to be married to a Mr Tower. This a strange report is it not. Frank and P.Hibbert told me. I am as delighted as you at the (picture?) of the P.Y’s and Miss HPG’s well ordered[?] marriage. I shall not wear the willow as you kindly proposed for me as I am very much rejoiced at my fair friends good fortune. Frank in above room I am writing desires his love to all as I have told Papa already my excuse must be the same and so my letters are dull and short. But I shall soon be at home and on (Rue le roi?). Why has not my own peculiar written to me, she knows that I would have answered if it had been possible. I can come by that evening train very well if agreeable to all parties. It leavesLondon at ½ past 8 in the evening. My box will come with me all right, and now dear Posy(?) (Post?) with my very beset love to all, Mamma and sisters and a kiss to all [lbduly?] and an explanation of how soon his ma[?] will come, believe me always your most affectionate brother M. Marsh.
B113
Letter to Martin Marsh from St.Servan, May 10th 1845
Looks like it is from Hannah Elizabeth Roscoe (neCaldwell) 1785-1854 although letter appears to be signed Aunt ME but Margaret Emma Holland (neCaldwell) 1792-1830 was already deceased.
My dearest Martin,
I will not let this opportunity of sending letters to England pass without writing to you which indeed I ought to have done long ago to thank you for your charming letter in which you introduced me to your Rooms and told me the routine of your studies. Have you changed your mind again from the Law to Divinity that you attend so many lectures in the latter, we are arriving at fearful times I think, but I am sure that you will nobly sustain right through all dangers and difficulties, that I am sure of I hope you are more reconciled to Oxfordby this time. You must have made new friends. I shall at all times be happy to hear from you, my own dearest nephew, I am sure I don’t know where you found out I did not like X. ad letters. Why pray should I be so very unlike all the rest of my sex in that respect? It is true I can neither see to read or write without spectacles but with their help I get on very well. I suppose more are of your dear sisters have told you, I am on the move again. I have for some months felt that Willy (William Caldwell Roscoe aged 2 in 1845) did not get quite instruction enough and above all that he wanted companions of his age and older to play with and not against these cannot be had here and therefore move we must, tho’ I am as happy here as I can ever expect to be again any where, I know every body and every body knows me and we all get on very comfortably together. However, there is no balancing for I trust the move will be one of undivided good for this poor dear delicate boy. Brussells is our destination. I had hoped that on our way there we might have had the happiness of spending two or three weeks with you all at Eastbury, but dear Wiggy writes me by our Mothers desire to tell me that unless I can put off my journey till after the 7th of Sept she cannot receive us, and even then not both of us, (this I think must be a mistake of Louisa, for the room that hold George will hold his Brother too). They have but one spare room she says, and even that one you occupy when at home so I fear I must forego this happiness, and cross the country from Southampton to Devon, I cannot put off my journey, that is quite impossible, the School Willy is going to meets again the middle of Sept therefore there would be full 6 weeks lost of the ¼ which is paid in advance. Then Brussels fills for the Winter in October, so that there would be a chance of my not getting housed at all, or at all events of not suiting myself, then the chance of a rough passage and the certainty of cold and short days, all these reasons, you see my dearest Boy make it quite impossible for me to delay my journey, in September too there would be very little change of my landlady’s letting this house, whereas in June she will find a tenant immediately. This is a sad contretemps is it not. Louisa seems to like the thought of my being at Brussels, she thinks it more come-at-able than this place, it is quite certain it is a more amusing one, and perhaps you will protect one or two of the dear girls over to visit me in the summer or rather autumn of 1846 when I think I must be settled and have found an acquaintance if ever I am to do so. I am toldBrussels is a sort of Heaven.Paris without its vice and vanity, we shall se. I must apologise to you for this stupid letter, I am suffering today with a headache and cold in my chest which makes me rather more dull than usual I think? I shall be delighted to hear from you when you are disposed to liston half and hour on me. Wally (William Stanley Roscoe 1782-1843 ie already dead?) joins me in love to you and I am ever
My dearest Martin,
Your most affectionate
AuntM.E.(Aunt Hannah E Roscoe neCaldwell?)
B115
Letter to Martin Marsh from Louisa Marsh.
Eastbury
Monday
Dearest Martin,
I have never written to you since you left the paternal roof so now determined to tell you a little what we are about. Last Friday Papa, Mama and I dined at Mr Whittingstalls at Langleybury, the house is a very fine one built in the early part of George 1st reign. It is of red brick, very large and handsome, a beautiful oak stair-case descends into the middle of the house having a gallery round it and the hall itself taking up two storeys of the house in height. The Whittingstalls entre nous are not very distinguished but are good natured hospitable people, the party consisted of Mr, Mrs and Mr George Hibbert, Mr and Mrs King and Mr and Mrs Longman the usual compliment of a couple of clergymen and three or four young (missed?) in the evening. Mr King is a nice sort of man being perfectly simple with no pretensions to being a fine gentleman which he certainly is not but I think everybody almost is agreeable when they are content to appear what they really are and do not strive and try to seem some thing that is not natural to them as so many do. He is wrapped up in hunting and shooting and kindly offered some of the latter to you poor man he is in great hesitation(?) at the hounds being given up as he hunted seven days in the fortnight during the season. And tonight we are going to a little dance at the Milmans, the Aldersons are all there and we expect to enjoy it. We dined there last Thursday to meet Mr and Mrs Hodgson, he the rector of Rickmansworth (had be?) nice man Mama says they had a dreadful stick of a curate with them by whom I had the misfortune to sit at dinner and who to give you a specimen of is (lots?) thought the Chapel of Ease at Norwood must be a shocking place because there were hardly any pews and no reading desk and that Mr Soames acted as clerk so this gorse of a man thinks I presume that all the poor people about here are better without any religious instruction than do such a shocking thing as go to a place of worship without a reading desk, it really makes one mad to see clergy men so dreadfully narrow minded however I do hope this man is a low instance it if were a dissenting chapel one might perhaps make a little allowance for him though thin it would to me I confess seem inexcusable considering the difference between religious instruction of any denomination and now Georgy desires her best love to you and she is delighted to hear you are going on both the “Thirty Years War” and she hopes you will be very persevering and gain the prize. Mama is disappointed at not having received your letter yesterday, but I suppose we shall have it tomorrow. (Sprite?) is very well but he most barbarously fell upon and slaughtered a few days ago the dearest little baby of a rabbit that ever was in short I am afraid that he is quite a serious (hunter?) as this morning he bit that poor little (unrest Jaild?) for presuming to play with him a little however he has escaped all these deeds for I suppose his masters sake. Do not trouble yourself dearest Martin to give any answer to this note as Mama’s letter does for us all and I know it is immensely tiresome to write more than one letter to the same place but F and G said you liked sometimes to hear from us as well as Mama so I thought I would scribble you a line.
Every your most tenderly attached sister E Louisa M.
B117
Munchen. (Munclen?)
Dear Martin,
I send you the ferret as I promised. It is the one we found in the grove. We have tried it several times and I hope it will prove as useful to you as it has to us. It hunts very well and is very gentle. It was bit by a rat the other day on the eye but that is nearly well. Believe me to remain yours affectionately,
R Parker Hibbert.
B118
My dear Martin,
I hope you remember you promise and intend to pay us a visit this vacation. I and our family have just returned from town where we have been staying a week or so and are now in the country endeavouring to regain my rosy cheeks by the aid of country breezes. Will you come down to us on the receipt of this note. The Geraniums are beginning to bloom, and the strawberries are assuming a rubicense appearance. I dare say we shall find something to do. Will you come on Thursday; I believe we shall probably have a Pic-nic on Friday so come and although small the amusement parior parra deceat. I am as mad as a hatter. At getting down into the country again. By the by I am to teach you as I saw Walton has it to “catch a trout;” and you shall be a second I saw in a twinkling April (part of letter ripped off)
Here, if -
Induced –
Me to –
Believe –
B120
Letter from Martin Marsh to Posy. Post marked 18th May 1841 Windsor.
Letter addressed to-
Miss R.J. Marsh
Dr Holland
Lower Brook St
Portman Square
My dear Posy,
I have had a good deal to do lately so I think you can afford to excuse me on that plea for not answering your letter before, but will you ask Papa to get me some gambroon or some thing that does not colour and will not in washing lose it. Frank is in very good spirits and very well. Tell Papa I am still first of my form though I have had many a hard struggle to keep the enviable position at first. As I write I am in the middle of doing 30 verses on Europa which I must finish as soon as possible. I heard from Mamma on Thursday last in which she said she was well, but that dear old Chloe was lost. This grieves me very much indeed and I hope poor fallow will be found before we have to come away. But now dear Posy well best love to dear Papa and Autau(?) Uncle Hollow Emily Evo believe me always your most affectionate brother M. Marsh.
B122
Letter to Martin Marsh from his aunt Amelia Marsh on 22nd April 1834 addressed to
Master Marsh
Miss Joyce’s
Hampstead
My dear Martin,
I was very sorry when Papa, and Mama and sisters returned from their walk on Sunday, to find that they had been to see you, had they told me that they were going to Hampstead, I should have walked with them, for I should have liked very much to have seen you, my own dear Martin again before I go to Winkfield, which I believe I shall do tomorrow morning, so that we shall not see each other again till the holidays. I was very happy to hear that you are so well, and seem so happy, you will always be happy if you continue good, and are as good humoured as you always were at home. I have sent you, your share of what is left of the Sugar Plums and Chocolate, I need not tell you not to eat too many at a time, for you never, when you were little greedy, and I am sure will not begin to be so now. God bless you, my dearest Martin. I send you my love and a thousand kisses, and am ever Your very affectionate Aunt
Amelia Marsh.
Tuesday April 22nd 1834
Heath-Caldwell All rights reserved.
Michael Heath-Caldwell M.Arch
Brisbane, Queensland
ph: 0412-78-70-74
alt: m_heath_caldwell@hotmail.com