Reference
Z699/270
Title
Gertrude Strange to Edward Harris Strange 4 Feb 1856 Ackworth Feb 4th 1856
Very dear Papa
It is again the time to write our quarterly letters, though it seems a very short time since we last wrote them.
I was allowed to go out of doors for the two last weeks, but Governess says I am not to go out without her leave; but I do not think my cough is much worse; I did not go to meeting or reading yesterday except in the morning, though I was quite able to go, and wish I had gone.
The funeral of Martha Thornhill took place on fifth day, when several ministers were present. The girls did not go to the grave yard, but some of the teachers did: we had meeting at eleven o'clock.
I think you could not have got my last letter, as I asked you to answer it before last fourth day, but did not receive one I wanted to know whether the sixpennyworth of stamps you sent me might be changed into penny notes, as it will be Sammy's birthday soon, and I do not think I shall have enough money to buy something I have fixed upon; and the 3rd month will soon be here, & Charlotte Mabel Tuke will not change them without seeing the letter. I have not heard from Sammy since he went to York, though I have asked him.
We had a holyday last fourth day, given by Jane Key who left last 6th day, on account of ill health; she used to teach the 7th class.
Several new girls have come though I expect we shall have some more coming soon. Perhaps Mary Ellen would like to know, that Lucy Rowntree, Lily's sister, is among them, she has just come this morning.
I am reading the "Swiss Family Robinson", and though I have read it a great many times before, I like it very much.
I rather think that there will be a drawing exhibition soon, I don't want there to be one because I shall have to send some drawings, and I don't want to do that.
Is it fixed whether Cousin Robert is to be married and who to?
It wants 23 or 22 weeks to the VACATION on sixth day, I am going to make a paper which has the number of the days marked in little squares, and then cut one out every day untill the Vacation.
It was the committee last first day week; and James Backhouse, John Pease and several other friends came & yesterday Oswald Baynes was present.
I do not expect I shall have much fancy work or many drawings, as my lessons take up such a great deal of time; for when we have spent our time it is very seldom that we know them.
We have not yet begun to get up at six o'clock, but I expect we shall soon.
I have gone back to my own bed now, but do not like the room I now sleep in so much as the one I removed to for a little while, it being much larger and cold.
I believe there will be box looking-over next seventh day, I do not think I have lost anything.
A girl & a boy are in the Nursery with the mumps, the girl is in my class, she only went up this morning, her name is Mary Bryce.
We have had very little snow here this winter, and it has been anything but a cold winter.
Please will thou be so kind as to ask E.W. [Elizabeth Wells] to send me a velvet, as I feel so cold when I take off my handkerchief. I do not remember anything to say,
So with very dear love from both to all at Home,
Believe me Thy ever affectionate
and attached daughter Gertrude.
Date free text
4 Feb 1856
Production date
From: 1856 To: 1856
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No. of pieces: 1
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