File 3: Hassall family, correspondence, volume 1, pp. 1801-8095, ca. 1830-ca. 1900

[Page 6]

Mary land Nov 17/76

My dear James,

I am afraid I have been rather negligent in writing you lately but my movements have been so uncertain that I have put off from time to time - now - I think - Mamma and I shall remain at Denbigh for two months at least - on a visit - I came up to Mary land a few daysago and

[Page 7]

Mrs Barker offered to send her carriage to Liverpool if she [indecipherable] would venture up. This was done last Wed nesday & Mamma bore the journey splendidly We are visiting at Mary town & intend going to Denbigh tomorrow. What I want particularly to ask you is - could you not - come to see Mamma while we are at Denbigh as we should be so happy to have you all to our selves and Mamma longs so much to see you again.

Do try to come? and as not let money prevent you - I am sure Mamma would pay your expenses if you need it, I shall anxiously look for an answer & we will meet you at Kirkham lane if we know when you will arrive if not you can hire a Buggy at Campbelltown for 10/- or a horse We expect some of the Oxley o at Xmas time if we stay as long but if we are not comfortable we shall Return to Sydney

[Page 8]

[Indecipherable] we both wanted a change and are very glad to find ourselves in the country - Mr & Mrs Cooper & two children are at Denbigh now for change of air I do not know how long they will stay - It is so difficult to get any thing done no one will even deliver a load of wood all are busy with the hay. There are [indecipherable] crops than were ever known

Mrs Kirk died last week she caught cold & it brought on Bronchitis

[cross written] Hoping you are all well & that you will if possible come to see us now With much love to [all Mamma joins?].

Believe me Your affectionate Sister EM Hassall

[Page 9]

Denbigh Cobbity Dec 13/76

My dear James I am delighted there is some chance of seeing you in January. Mamma thinks the news is too good to be true but I do hope you will come if you possibly can Mamma thought if she sent you £10 you would find that sufficient or if you could pay your passage yourself she would give you the £10 when you get here Which you like:

[Page 10]

We are getting on very comfortably here it is so different to Sydney and for [many?] things I like it much better I have so many more comforts but Mamma thinks is very dull and feels the heat - more than in Sydney.

We have had nice long letters from Marianne from the Continent they had reached Turin on their way to Brindisi and expected to be in Melbourne early in January Old Miss [Norton?] is

better She was supposed to be dying by last Mail Marianne did not see Mrs [Twiles?] but she saw old Mrs Wilkinson

We intend returning to Sydney the end of Janry when the childrens holidays are over

Mr Robert King is ill with an attack of paralysis he is at Picton for change. They say his general health is better but his limbs not much better Mr Shepherd is made new Principal & is carrying on the college

Rev Mr Garnsey has taken St James Curacy