File 2: Hassall family, correspondence, volume 1, pp. 691-1800, 1855-1874

[Page 36]

[Text of two separate letters on this and following two pages.]

[First letter:] Berrima May 1st (1856)

My dearest James

I write a line to tell that I and Baby are quite well that is as can be expected. I went into the Parlor today for dinner and remained until after tea Baby accompanied me. I was so sorry yesterday

[Second letter:] Berrima May 14th (1856)

My dearest James,

I enclose the Bishops letter. I thought of sending it when I wrote to you last night but did not know if you would return this week. I found [indecipherable] letter you were looking

[Page 37]

[First letter, continued:] was so wet but I hope it did not rain down the country. it has been fine all today Mrs Jenkins called upon me this afternoon. Charles Shelley and Mr Brown were here yesterday Charles was very sorry you were from home but perhaps you may see him as he is going down the country. Mrs Shelley was so delighted to see him

They went to [Billanpin?] last night. Jim returned from the Crookwell last evening. Charles and Willis came Sunday afternoon and so did Wallis they all remained the night.

Two letters have come for you since you left, one from Kate and the other from the Bishop. Have you fixed on a name

[Second letter, continued:] for and will send it if you like. So you have got Mr Wilkinson to take your duty for Sunday, I am glad for your trip to Denbigh will not be so very hurried, I shall be very "attentive and kind to him". Charles starts for Denbigh tomorrow I suppose he will return with you; They have got it in the Town that your Papa is coming up for Sunday, the

Bishop I believe wrote to Mr. Moggridge. I wonder how it will be settled about Halls I fear they will have their own way. I have no news to tell you having written so lately. I shall expect a letter from you in a day or so, I do not think you can be home before Thursday or Friday. Will you get me in Sydney a Bottle of Calcined Magnesia

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[First letter, conclusion, written and then partly crossed:] for Baby I hope you have if not I intend to call him James Marsden I hope to see you on Saturday so will not write more, I am going to scribble a line to Aunt Give my kind love to all relations and friends at Denbigh in which your Aunt joins. I remain my dearest James your truly affectionate wife F Hassall

[Crossed section:] P.S. We have found the letter to Elizabeth a pretty one you are to look for anything, it was in with the envelopes

[Second letter, conclusion; partly clipped:] it is the best in bottles, I also want some Rhubarb.

We are getting on pretty well but would be glad to get you home again Give my love to all at Denbigh I remain my dearest James your very affectionate wife F Hassall

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Sydney Augt 20th 1856

My Dear James

I thank you for your kind letter with a check for £3 0 0  I was very sorry to hear that you had been so ill  I had heard that you had a cold and at this time if you follow the fassion you must have one

I have been staying at Mrs Campbells for the last seven weeks and only returned home on Friday when I got your letter.

I thought you knew me better than for one instant [to] think I was offended with you because I did not write indeed I thought you very good to write to me so soon and as for the cake I should have thought you cakes for sending any  I beg you to keep the piece you say you have got for me till I come and fetch it which will not before a few weeks as I have been of late quite dissapated of late and now wish to get quite steady in my old age

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Mr Oxley calld on Saturday and I expressed a wish to go out and spend a day at Mr Nortons he was kind enough to say he would send for me on Monday so Henry and I went out in the Carriage and I returned by the six oclock Omnibus after spending a very pleasant day with the family they were all going to the speakers ball and Allice Wilkinson with them.   I have seen Bobart several times lately he is often in Sydney he is much harried with his wordly affairs poor man but I hope it will do him good.  I am very glad that you are out of the way of Sydney as the clergy are always in hot warter some I think too hot I often wish I did not hear so much about them.  You no doubt have heard of Miss Broughton marriage with Mr Crawley they are at Vermont it was a very private wedding at eight oclock very wet and very cold

I have not heard from Kate a long time I wrote a few lines to her on her wedding day so I  hope to hear soon

Mr Oxley told me that your Uncle James and family are all going to Geelong.  I hope it will be for the good of all parties and now my dear James I must conclude with my love to your other half and I shall always be glad of a line from her the oftener the better I shall like it.  I hope she will soon have got all her pots and pans if it was not so far I would send you a few and you must let one know how I can send up to you if at any time I meet with a pipkin or [indecipherable] advice your [Affectionately?] P J Hill

I have got a bad cough so I am going to get all the air I can as I find that is the best thing and at the same time see my friends the Mitchells.