Wordsworth, Mary (1770-1859). - Letter, from St. Ann's Hill, Carlisle, to Henry Wordsworth Esq, at Great Howard Street, Melbourne, Australia, dated 7 December 1854. WLL / Wordsworth, Mary / 3 / 247

St Anns Hill, Carlisle, Decr 7th - 54

My dearest Henry

Your letter, which Mr Carter Mr Carter has forward me at this most beautiful residence of your Uncle – who has removed from Castle St to the opposite of the river has relieved me from one great anxiety, as no letter has reached any of us since one dated May – So that we have been as ill of, as you report yourself to have been. I must have written since my parcel was sent - & William says he has written 4 letters since he has had one from you. Besides others from yr Father & Sister, as I understand have been forwarded – I write now merely to show you my love & good will – but truly I do not see what I write, & when If I leave off I scarcely know where to begin again – As is the case now – yr. little Cousin having made me look up – she saying “I have seen somebody dead” - & when I questioned her, she explains “a Coffin with Feathers going past.” This tract will serve to explain what would require many words to tell you of her advancement – she is a sweet Child – but as to learning as yet she is a Babe, not having [been] put forward. Young Reginald is a stout black eyed Darling – but tho’ above 2 yrs old is yet a dumby scarcely can say one word.

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My dearest Henry I am perplexed what to say to you from my incapacity to see – but I am thankful you have rec.d from me the Papers which at Wm wish go first to him - & he tells me he has only missed forwarding them in time once. – For home news I fear in future you must not depend upon me – but I will do my best to assure you of my unchangeable love for you & deep interest in your well doing. So long dear Boy as you bear in mind the Honorable stock whence you have sprung – Your affectionate feelings towards your family & friends - & your religious bearing & duty to our heavenly Father & Saviour – I shall ever entertain hope that your endeavours, if health be continued to will, be blessed in the end. – It cheers me to see you so hopeful, & so faithful to your [[?]] - & that your dear Adelaide has written to me gratifies me much, tho’ I have not recd her letter & alas! if it arrives I shall not be able to read it myself. This is a great [personal] drawback – but with the good health I enjoy I should [[?]] did I grumble at my few incapacities – amid so many blessings.

Before I close this scrawl I in all likelihood shall have to report to you the death of my last Brother yr Cousin John’s Father – then I shall feel myself the last lingering leaf upon the stump of the family tree I being the 3d born of my 9 Brothers & Sisters – 8 of us being alive after the youngest of 8 had attained the age of more than 50 years! John is now a Master under Dr. Vaughan the Head Master of Harrow who visited me last summer & spoke highly of John.

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I am truly thankful to hear of dear Mrs Troutbeck’s recovery pray God health may be preserved to her & to you all. I must now halt till yr. Uncle comes from the Office & gives me a 2d. reading of your letter. Only I may advert a moment to my thankfulness for a hope I have recd this mg from your Father that he has reason to believe Charlie’s ship was out of the way of the Storm on the Black [[?]] on the fatal 14 of Novr when so many Transports - & others were wrecked or sunk. It is an awfull acct. & which no doubt you have read of – as well as of all the other calamities of this dreadful war – but I must not think, much less write of it. – I am looking with much pleasure to meeting Wm. & Johnnie on their way homeward – before I leave – their visit to me being to be paid during the latter portion of the holidays – We are to spend Xmas day each at our own homes aunty (who is in her usual way will, but pass pensive lonely birthday – Mr Carter & the Qs only at home to be with us – Yr. Aunt & Cousins are now in Herefordshire – Cuz G. has made his [election] & remains in Labrador – trusting, tho humbly, that he is working the work of his Heavenly Father in that barren & desolate Vineyard. I am indeed dearest as surprised as you say I should be to find you a thorough going Tradesman – All I can say is to beseech you to guard religiously against its temptations & Trade need not make an Man ashamed – Look at my friends the Twinings as an example 3 generations of more honorable & respectable Gentlemen [[?] [?]] or are more looked up to, either in the City or West End of London! – Deal honestly without meanness & you may lift up [[?]] your head with any one - & your name will be honoured.

8th I had intended sending this incoherent scrawl by the overland Mail – but on finding it does not go this month – I risk its

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reaching you via, spite of so many sent that way being lost according to your report – This worthless one will be no great loss, but if ever it reaches you, you must receive it in love from your ever anxious Granny. – I hope to see Wm & Johnnie on their way from school to keep their Xmas day at B. then I go home – Ever my blessing is with you & those you love Yr Uncle sends his – You have not kept yr. promise to write to him – He[[?]] you paper MW in the dark.

Henry C Wordsworth Esq

Great Howard St

Melbourne

Australia

paid

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Object summary: WLL / Wordsworth, Mary / 3 / 247