Reference
X955/1/33
Title
To Mrs Sarah Colenutt
Date free text
25th May 1885
Production date
From: 1885 To: 1885
Scope and Content
To Mrs Colenutt
Victoria House, Morthoe, Ilfracombe
My dear friend
I have come down here for a day or two’s holiday, or rather for a week or two – William spent all last week with me – He went away yesterday evening. Willie, my Willie, has taken his place and will be with me perhaps till the end of the week.
It is a most delightful place, far better than Ilfracombe, because we are round the point and face the West – the open Atlantic. Such a land for flowers! The sea after all is the mother of beauty- Aphrodite the foam-born is no myth.
How would it be if I looked in on you next Sunday. I should not sleep at your house as you know. I shall not come if you will be in the midst of activities about Annie.
Send me a card by return to tell me frankly whether I shall call on my way home or not. Don’t hesitate to speak the truth – what I was going to say after “you” – At any rate what I meant to imply was that you might perhaps by courtesy be tempted into mendacity.
Mind the card comes by return as the post here are on a peace- footing and conducted with a due regard to economy.
Tell me also at what hour the boats leave Southampton for Ryde.
24 May 1885
I have just heard of the safe arrival of the grand-daughter. I am so thankful it is all over. Molly does not tell me how the mother and child are. Don’t forget to say when you write.
Will you ask your husband if he has seen the XIX Century for May? There is an article in it by Sir Henry Thompson (1) worth the attention of all persons who like myself are on the wrong side of 50.
With love to him, yourself and the children
(1) Thompson, Sir Henry, first baronet (1820–1904), surgeon
Affectionately yrs
W.Hale White
Please kiss Annie and the baby for me. Willie sends his best love to you and all,especially to Annie.
Level of description
item