Reference
Z699/268
Title
Samuel May Strange to Edward Harris Strange 5 June 1854
Ackworth School 6th mo. 5th 1854
Dear Papa
It is the time now to write our quarterly letters for this season. I have not written to thee for some time and am glad we are writing these letters.
It only wants 5 weeks to the Vacation on 6th day; it seems such a short time that we can scarcely believe it is true - only 35 days!
It will be the Exhibition of the Society of Arts on 4th day; we have not had one since last 12th month; there ought to have been one in the 3rd month but it was put off because there were such a few drawings done that winter because of the capital fun we had on the snow, and on the slides.
There will be an examination of gardens in a few days and those boys who have kept their gardens the neatest & the best, will have prizes awarded them.
One of the boys named Marmaduke Tatham is very dangerously ill with Rheumatic Fever; which is fever attended with severe pains of rheumatism. The doctors that have attended him say there is only the remotest hope of recovery and his Mother who has come to help him is very anxious about him indeed. There are 4 girls, 2 apprentices and the mending mistress who have got the Scarlatina but that is by no means the greatest number who have been taken ill of it at any one time; a few weeks ago there were 14 or 15 girls and 2 or three apprentices whilst none of the boys have had it for some time.
The girls may not come on the flags to us because of the scarlatina.
Next time that thou writes will thou send me 4 or 5 stamps as mine have fallen short. I have no more to say and with dear love to thee E.Wells and the rest,
I remain
Thy affectionate Son
Samuel M. Strange
P.S. 3rd day. Marmaduke Tatham died last night at 1/2 past 12 o'clock. This morning we have received intelligence that the Exhibition will be postponed on account of the death of this poor boy.
Edward H Strange Postmarks: PONTEFRACT AMPTHILL
Ampthill 6.6.1854 7.6.1854
Bedfordshire
[Edward Strange jun.of Ampthill to Ackworth School 1855-58]
Date free text
5 June 1854
Production date
From: 1854 To: 1854
Exent
No. of pieces: 1
Format
paper
Level of description
item