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Louisa Hooper to Edward Harris Strange 18 June 1849 18/6 1849 My dear Cousin Having concluded Gertrude's letter - I am inclined to enclose a line - We accomplished our visit to the Soho Bazaar on 7th day and with the things purchased there & various little gifts from their Aunt Jane and Aunt Arch, I find we have an extra box full for thee to take home which I fear will annoy thee - but as there is an empty box at Tottenham which my Aunt Caroline is desirous to return to thee I shall take some of our things to pack in it - The pewter tea things were I believe the best & largest in the bazaar - consequently the most costly - and the most according to dear G's fancy - their value (including the tea tray) is 3/-!! which I hope thou wilt take no trouble about, as any time I may next have the pleasure of seeing thee is abundantly soon enough to refund.- Thy 2 dear children here, are well, and I fancy Teddy either better than usual, or else he was considerably below his accustomed standard of health when I was with you - he is more boisterous & like Dory - more decidedly active than he was then - They begin to talk of home very much - counting the probable number of days before they return &c- I dare say dear Sam will be very glad to have them again - I was most affected by what thou sayst with reference to this dear child - having thought much of both him & thyself on the occasion of his return home - My dear Cousin, this blending of the bitter & the sweet in life's cup - must often yet recur to try to prove thy faith in the perfect Love & Wisdom of the chastening Hand of Heaven - and while thy fellow mortals can assist thee little by their deepest sympathy -they may rejoice to find that thy heart has discovered "a covert from the storm"- which can never fail to shelter & refresh it - When thou hast all thy precious little ones around thee - how often shall I glance at you mentally, and feel for thee as their innocent looks & actions, continually awaken thoughts of the Past to contrast in thy sorrow with the present moment.- I cannot but feel grieved that Sam makes no allusion to his dear Mama, I think perhaps if he or thou could once commence the painful yet sweet theme, it would be well for you both - I like to talk of her to thy dear ones here, tho' they do not carry on the subject - but I think it so beautiful a thing for a little family as they are, not soon to grow unfamiliar with the thought of so estimable a Parent - I find I must cease my writing - so must hastily tell thee, that on our way to Tottenham early tomorrow with the children, I intend to inspect Charles Gilpin's with a view to find some book for E.Sims - I shall be glad if I can succeed, but am rather fearful about it.- I shall have to write perhaps again on that subject - So for the present with much love farewell, and believe me very truly Thy affectionate Cousin Louisa Hooper. Edward H Strange Postmark: KENNINGTON AMPTHILL Ampthill 18.6.1849 19.6.1849 Beds.

18 June 1849

From: 1849 To: 1849

No. of pieces: 1

paper

item

Hooper, Louisa,
Strange, Edward Harris,
Strange, Gertrude,
May, Jane,
Arch, Sarah,
Hooper, Caroline,
Strange, Edward,
Strange, Theodore,
Strange, Samuel May,
Gilpin, Charles,
Sims, E.

DEATH, mourning, HOUSEHOLD, Tottenham, Kennington