FL4651437

(1894?)

26th Decr.

CAMDEN PARK,
MENANGLE

My dear Mr. Rusden

I must not let Christmastide
pass without a word of greeting
to our kindred friend. I wish
we were near enough to see some-
thing of you. We have a house-
ful of very pleasant Christmas
guests. The Admiral Bowden Smith
& three clever daughters & some
young men but I have only George
& Sib with me of my children
& no old friends & it doesn't feel
like Christmas in consequence
besides which I have been grieved
at the serious illness on Christmas
Eve of our old half caste
groom Wilmot & much worried