X953/2/7/4

Letter to Mary from Debbie Richardson.

29 August - 7 September 1868

From: 1868 To: 1868

Written at Whitby [Yorkshire]. [Misdated ‘1865’ at head of letter, but correctly ‘1868’ at foot of letter; William Arthur, Mary and Hugh’s first child, was born earlier that year.] ...I have been at Elloughton [Yorkshire] working and nursing for two months last Monday. Millie, Auntie and I came here just for a week’s change. We met Papa and Mama and all I trust feel better for the rest and change of air and scene. We are going back to Elloughton next Monday or rather to Hull and Elloughton the day after. The new baby is then to be baptized, and most likely Ma will take it back with her and its mother of course, just for a week. Then I must stay and keep house for Portas, after which I shall and must return home. I feel it is quite time. As soon then dear as I can get my things a little bit ready and they will spare me I will pay my promised visit to you. I do so long to see you and that dear Baby boy. I think its name very pretty indeed. I shall have much to talk to you about. I can tell you when I see you. For I have gone through a very great deal since I left home both in body and mind. All seemed to think I required a change. I wrote this more than a week since but have never found time to finish it. We stayed longer in Hull than I expected, and then Susanna went off to Rotherham last Friday, leaving the house and children, school and all in my charge without a cook. Just fancy what hard work I have had cooking, cleaning, nursing all with a girl not sixteen, and a little thing of twelve just to mind the children. I do hope we shall get someone soon for the heat and work are enough to kill anyone. Oh, I have so much to tell you, Mary. Thanks for your two letters. I had them forwarded to me. I shall not write you much because I can tell so much better and I do hope to see you shortly. In three weeks from now I should say I hope to return home Thursday week if Susanna gets back in time. I hope Lizzie and her babies are well. Give my love to her. How were they all at Draughton and Orton when you were there? How pleased they must have been to have had you. What did Hugh do so long without you? Is your Baby short coated yet? Susanna has shortened Master Tom Clarke. The weather was so hot. Now if I write more I shall be going into all sorts of news which I would rather keep to deal out to you when I see you. They say my visit must not be very long, I have been so much from home. What is the station to which I shall have to go? Harrold is not a railway station, I think. Millie sends her love. Accept a large share from your ever loving, Debbie Monday September 7th /68

item

Clarke, Tom,
Portas,
Richardson,
Richardson, Amelia,
Richardson, Deborah Hannah,
Sanders, Mary

Elloughton, Hull, Rotherham, Whitby, family correspondence