Reference
X955/1/71
Title
To Mrs Sarah Colenutt
Date free text
14 November 1891
Production date
From: 1891 To: 1891
Scope and Content
4 Sydenham Terrace,Newcastle-on-Tyne
Molly and I are staying here for a few days with some friends. The male friend is a partner in a large shipbuilding firm; his wife, a singularly bright, cultivated woman. We, of course, also see Ernest. We were at Buxton for a fortnight, in order to experiment on its powers to put me in a little better order.
For some weeks now I have suffered from irregular action of the heart and paefutation, so that at times there is almost stoppage. I do not mind the thing itself; but it is accompanied with a curious and a very
depressed mental condition. What is the matter I do not know. The doctor says there is no organic disease; it may be this or that or gout or the Lord knows what. I know one thing, it is an instrument of
torture – without pain – as bad as the wedges and boot.
I go back to work next week, and about Christmas shall be out of the Admiralty. We shall instantly, if
all goes well, set about finding a house, but I hope, before commencing the search, to come to Ryde for a day or two. I hanker after your town. It is more to me than any other town now; for although I have many friends in the place of my birth, they are not particularly close, and for some reason I dislike Bedford. My father’s shade meets me at every corner when I go there.
I have not seen Ruskin's poems. I hope that it is not a speculation on the part of Allen or the Severns and that the reprehensible modern practice of raking together everything a man has written however unworthy it may be, has not been imitated. I do not fancy you will find the poems the poems anything comparable to Modern Painters I had a message form Ruskin a few days ago He is placid and happy, but never puts his hand to paper, not even to write a note.
William came to Ashtead. I was very pleased to see him so well. His cheerful optimism is to me most wonderful and very refreshing. Please give my best love, in which Molly joins, to your dear husband
and all the children.
Ernest I am sure would also write if he were here. The boy is working very hard, early and late, but he says it suits him and he is certainly stronger than ever. His occupation is of a kind which permits a great deal of activity and long hours without injury.
Jacks postal address is Brigham, Carlisle. The address for parcels by mail is Brigham via Cockermouth.
Most affectionately
W. Hale White
Level of description
item