Falmouth
Decbr 4th/74
My dear Philip
More than a year has elapsed since I last heard either from or of you,
and seeing by the papers what an unsettled state everything in
Louisiana is in I cannot but help feeling very anxious about yourself
dear Wife and Children. God grant may he wills with you. Am anxious
also to know somewhat of poor dear
Kissy and her young family.
I have had my usual share of trouble since I
last wrote you. This year commenced sadly with the death of the
Gentleman Edith Haughton was engaged to be married to, just two weeks
before the day fixed for their wedding. This was a sad blow to the
dear Child. Her cousin Mrs. Scott (her Aunt Spalding's daughter) who
lives in Scotland as soon as she heard of it wrote to invite her to
come and spend a year with her,
Mr. Scott, paying all the expences of
her going to them, and returning again to Jamaica. Is it not very kind
and good of them? She is now with them and will not return before the
end of the coming year.
You will be glad to learn that dear
Lizzie her
husband and Children are happy and well. Lizzie has another little
girl. I stayed 14 months with since her marriage and if I am spared I
hope to go back to her in about a month.
In Septbr last my dear
Augustus died in Port
Antonio, where he had been removed to be near a medical man. He died
of Dropsy. He was tapped (?) twice, but it pleased God to take him to
himself. His end was very peaceful and full of hope, the Rector of the
parish wrote to tell us. This has been a sad blow to me, for he was
ever a good and dutiful son, and gladly whatever he had with his poor
old Mother and I trust he is now happy with his Saviour, and I trust I
shall meet him when there will be no more partings or tears.
Since my poor boys death
Lucy has been very ill,
but I am thankful to say she is now better and gone to Good Hope for
change. It was her illness that brought me from Lizzie, or I should
have been there still.
Lydia Swire is engaged to be married in January
to Archdeacon Rowe. He is some years older than her own Father would
have been had he been living now, however she is satisfied to marry an
old widower with many Children and Grandchildren no one can find
fault. She is old enough to please herself, and in a worldly view it
is a very good match for her.
Now dear Phil if this letter ever reaches you,
do write me immediately as I am really anxious about you all and with
fondest love to you and yours believe me always your loving Mother
F. L. Swire |
