Scope and Content
5 High Wickham, Hastings
My dear friend,
I was beginning to gape for news of you. I wrote to you last. We are both tolerably well – in fact Molly is very well. I have recovered my walking powers, but have been tormented with some flying demon, now in my head, now in my hands, now in my stomach, and often diffused generally all over my body. It may be gout; it may be neuralgia; it may be the result of my illness, but anyhow it is the very devil, and I cannot help saying so, although it is wrong to use such naughty words to a lady. As for our history it is a mere chronicle of small beer, for neither of us has stirred from the home since our disastrous northern journey. We have had one or two friends staying with us, and Jeanie and my truly wonderful eldest grandson, an inexhaustible companion to me have been here. Jeanie is now stronger, but so terrible was the operation, that for weeks the nurses help was necessary when the dear girl merely wished to move her head on the pillow. The only other event is the success of my ward and nephew, Robin Chisolm, at St. Paul.s School. He has obtained the first place in the open examination for an exhibition at Wadham College, Oxford, and goes up this year. Oh yes, there is just one other item. Willie has been appointed to deliver the Croonian Lecture before the College of Physicians, a great honour, I believe. His practice increases fast but I dread sometimes a break-down in health.
I am glad to heat that Mary’s condition is tolerable. With regard to Dick, I should have thought that if boat building is to be the business, Cowes would be a likely place. As to shipbuilding, that is, I am afraid, an impossibility as there is nothing between the master, who is a very big man, and the common workman.
It is very pleasant news that your dear husband is so well. One would like exactly what is the secret of his wonderful strength. Partly, I suppose it is heredity, and partly careful living. Certainly the stock is very remarkable, and I dare say, had he been so minded , and had been a farmer at the back of the island, he might have taken much greater liberties and yet have remained perfectly vigorous. The inherited
part sometimes seems to me almost everything, especially when, as in my own case, all conceivable discipline ends in disappointment. I never cared much for drink, and always drank but little. During the last
twelvemonth, however, I have almost abandoned it altogether, and I am bound to say I do not find the change makes much difference, probably because the quantity taken before was unimportant. It is original
sin which is at the root of my woes.
Isn't it a merciful winter? On Friday last the thermometer at 10.30 a.m. on our sea- front marked 82 !! There was no mistake about it. The whole day was unclouded , and in London they had no sunshine whatever!. Nevertheless we have had very little sun lately on the whole. Meteorologists say that the weather has been of a most peculiar type, and nothing like it has been known for many years – high barometer and yet no frosts.
Best love from both of us
Yours afftly
W.Hale White