| Disgrifiad | I. 1841 February 16
Encloses a net muffler-cum "respirator" which she has knitted for him; precise and elaborate instructions as to its use in cold weather; cousin Samuel is "an unaccommodating person"; is distressed that Wm. is still being "harrassed with Greenhow's lawyers"; wishes to send Edward, money which Elizabeth has in her account, she having refused her annual sum from the farm; seeks his approval on this; enigmatic references to "the failures in Merionethshire" and his good fortune to escape them; in haste.
II. 1841 April 7
An enclosure (not present) from Elizabeth; her financial affairs; enquiries after Wm's livestock; good wishes; in haste.
III. 1841 June 1
Acknowledges receipt of £21 (part from Pant Mawr, and part interest for Lydia); a projected visit by Wm. and family to S K; she is particularly anxious to have "the two youngest and the nurse" to stay for a week; a further intended visit to Wynn Hall by sister Mary; the good state of the grass and wheat; "a large make of cheese and butte" expected; Evan's (?) loss of a child or children; has seen cousin John of York and his wife, and cousin Samuel; Mary has heard from Elizabeth (Switzerland) who is visiting St. Gall ("she says Down the Rhine she could be in London in six days!"); no word from Edward acknowledging receipt of money; hopes the warm weather will not "bring out the eruption on Wynne and yourself"!
IV. 1841 June 7
Has heard from Edward at last, 3 months after sending him "the" money; regrets Edward's farm is so large (in America) because of the debt he must have incurred to pay for it; wishes Wm. could recommend a "steady young couple" to go out to help Edward; some colliery business.
V. 1841 September 4
There is a sum of £40 (from Lydia and Wm) to be sent to Edward; Aunt and Mr Parry, and Mr and Mrs Boult, were very pleased with their visit to Wynn Hall; news of mutual friends; some coming "gay doings" at Wynnstay with the "swell mob"; affectionate good wishes; the effect of the recent heavy rain on harvest expectations; a violent thunderstorm in Liverpool, with two churches struck.
VI. 1841 November 17
Request for a boat-load of coal to be delivered at Egg Bridge for Miss Tomkinshon; hopes Wm. will take care of his health; tells of her own poor health in wintry weather; recommends, for various ailments, ipecacuanha wine and nitre, soda in water for sickness, "a blue pill at night", and senna tea; asks for Elizabeth's money to be paid to her credit at the bank; a homily on young Wynne's health
VII. 1841 November 21
Has invited "Cousin George to give Arch[ibal]d the meeting at your house" the following Tuesday, when perhaps he [? Archibald / ? George] could have a "little sport in the fields, in his present circumstances everyone is ready to afford him any gratification, poor fellow!"; apologizes for thus issuing the invitation without consulting Wm. first; acknowledges letter, and Mrs W.K.'s to Lydia; Samuel and the rent of Pant Mawr; further apologies for the invitation offered to George and Archibald.
VIII. 1841 December 1
They see the money to be equally divided between Sarah, Mary, Elizabeth, Lydia and Edward. Asks why he goes lower into the coal pit where the air is bad
IX. n.d., September 18
Requests £20 on account of Elizabeth's share of farm rents; Wm. to obtain it on the morrow at Wrexham honey-fair; Lydia's impending visit to Wynn Hall; good wishes.
X. n.d., "Monday"; written from Highfield.
Hopes he will have a good harvest; financial adjustments in haste.
XI. n.d.; letter fragment in S K's hand.
Has written to cousin Archibald as to the division of the brick field, and as to whether "our" share of Father's property might be called "personalty"; A. has consulted his lawyer, but has not received any definite advice; his opinion of lawyers' wills ("makes higher charges"!); S K's ulterior motives in asking A's advice; G. Lewis's financial straits; cousin Samuel's refusal to join the composition, and his insistence on G L paying the full amount he owes him; G L's likely bankruptcy as a result; S K has written to Samuel to try to persuade him to accept the composition in his own interest; a rumour that S. thinks the relatives will offer more money to the creditors; hopes he will relent, as "a bankruptcy makes sad work". "The girls" wish to open a small school in Chester or Manchester; arguments for and against; their parents object and wish to have them living at home to help defray expenses; Wm. must not mention this business yet, "nor whisper it in King Street". Mr and Mrs Eppelein are expected back today from Manchester. |