9 Islington, Liverpool
Jan. 24, 1876
My dear sister & brother,
I have a little news to relate this time, not much but a
change of matter. Brother Joseph was
here yesterday. I did not see him. Remained at my house for tea and had no time
to call upon me. Lost a train and Chester
and could not make the time up. MA says
brother is looking very depressed. I
know that he has a great many trials and troubles that I need not mention. Joseph does not council in any way now. He will not say yes or no. I told him that I had made up my mind to come
out to you, that I was sure I would never be worse off than if I stayed at home. All my friends are against my coming out to
you and I am sure you will not deceive your own brother for I tell you plainly
that I have no other help or trust but in you, dear sister. I feel
in very bad spirits just now. If you
find any grave errors, pass them.
Joseph told MA that our Aunt, late of Northrop Hall, was
dead at the age of 81 years. She was father’s
sister you know. Whittley was her married
name. I mention this just to call to
mind a little incident that occurred a long time ago when I and you were on a
visit to our Uncle and Aunt of Northrop Hall, a long time ago I admit, but can you remember
going out to slide upon the pond in front of the Hall? I was with you on the ice, also cousins Mary
Ruth & Hann, also Aunt Whittley was there, a strong hale lady, but so like
our mother, so kind and gentle. But the
ice…….do you remember falling on the back of your head with a great fall back
on the flat of your own back. I came to
pick you up but saw that there were cracks.
I can remember the feeling that came across my mind then. I thought to myself if I was a man how I would
like to thump these cowardly uptights not forgetting Robert or his brother and sister,
for all laughed and thought it was fine fun.
I remembering my condition got ___ the orchard and behind the brambles in
the gooseberry corner, had a good cry to think that you got laughed at for your
ugly fall.
You must please send all letters of any importance at
once. Joseph is going to procure the
guns for me, the best from Birmingham. I
am paying the best price so we shall have good sport. Joseph will not hear of any second hand guns
and all must be the best. Joseph told MA
that he had written to you. I hope he
wrote you a long letter.
Mr. Garner’s sister is poorly, not expected to recover. Did
you get a letter from Mrs. Dawson yet?
Have you anything on your mind that you would like me to say to her? I do not think that she was ever a true friend
to us, but I have forgiven her long ago.
The last time I saw her was when Marion was a baby. Cousin wanted MA to stay with her a month or
so and was delighted with Mariam, for you must remember she has none of her own
now.
I have sent this epistle at once in great haste just as soon
at once that I got a paper & also a picture of all from you, but no letter.
Marian wants to know if her uncle John
is a black man, if N. I. is a black man.
She does not think she can love ___ but love Frank.
With kind love to you all and to all and from all. I am your brother,
Richard
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