X953/2/9/8

Letter to Mary from her brother, Jethro John Wiggins.

7 January 1876

From: 1876 To: 1876

Written at Draughton Lodge. ...I fully intended to write you by yesterday’s post, but other correspondence to Lizzie and to Brington occupied all the time I had at liberty just then. However, better late than never. Allow me to congratulate you that in a business sense the New Year opens so auspiciously for you. And most sincerely do I hope that in that and in all other ways it may be a very prosperous one. I am at liberty to come over and see you at any time now and am waiting to hear when Uncle returns from the North so that I can visit there at the same time and consult him in reference to my own affairs and thus make the most of my visit. I have not heard from Mrs. Wykes. I have been wondering whether she objected to my sending it through Uncle. I thought has[?] you had to be consulted that was best; however, that is of no consequence now [.?] I see by my book the cheque has been cashed. I thought you would make the gift[s?] I am glad you have been to Ramsey. I think from what Lizzie says respecting helpers her hands are full of duties and evidently she is not in the best position to fulfil them. I will try and answer all your questions in your last. First in reference to Xmas-- Baby, Bessie and myself were all at Brington; stayed till Monday morning. Had a very quiet Christmas; could not help thinking of 12 months ago; how time flies along. Dinah kept house. I have seen Mrs. Hafford and Miss Bell; the former has been very poorly indeed since her return from the North-- so much so that Miss B. was telegraphed for. However, she was better on Sunday. John William tells me that he likes his start very well. His predecessors [‘and’, crossed through] Mr. and Mrs. Waters have quarrelled and parted I think for good. He has advertised her in the press to render himself safe from her debts-- she was a queer lot. I am glad you are settled with a pastor and his [‘new’, crossed through] wife seems from your idea to be a charming lady. I think Orton Lodge friends have given up coming to Harrold. Mr. Fever wrote for their decision in reference to his house and I believe have replied in the negative. I have no idea where they intend to settle down. It is about time now they made up their mind. March will soon be here. Write at once and tell me when Uncle will be at home and how you all are. Emmie is staying with us. J. Bates is a frequent visitor of course. They unite with me in love-- Give my love to enquirers. I must close. Your ever loving[‘-ingly’ appended to end of word in small letters?], attached brother.... Baby is all serene. Love to all her little cousins.

item

Adams,
Bates,
Bell, Margaret Ann,
Fever,
Hafford,
Sanders, Mary,
Waters,
Welford, Lizzie,
Wiggins,
Wiggins, Emmeline Mary,
Wiggins, Jethro John,
William, John

Draughton [Northamptonshire], Brington [Northamptonshire], family correspondence