Reference
X955/1/98
Title
To Mrs Sarah Colenutt
Date free text
22 April 1896
Production date
From: 1896 To: 1896
Scope and Content
5 High Wickham, Hastings
My dear friend
About three weeks ago my grandson Hale, whom I believe I love as much as I ever loved any living thing, fell down in the street and broke his thigh. He was alone and a crowd gathered round the poor
child. A gentleman picked him up, put him in a cab and carried him home. He was in dreadful agony for twenty four hours, and then the bone was set. Alas! The nerves had been lacerated, the leg began to swell,
he lost sensation in it, and for two days it was thought it must be amputated. Willie, happily, could command the best surgical advice in London; the splints were removed and some operation, which I don’t
understand was performed. We now have some hopes that the danger is over. I wonder if you feel towards your grandchildren what I feel. In my case it is not instinctive affection one, for Hale is a singularly most
meditative creature, loving to ask questions and with an almost iraculous fervour of penetration into difficulties. He is a delightful companion to me. However this was not the main point of my letter. Leonard, Hale’s brother, is coming on Saturday to stay with us for a fortnight. When he has gone, I do want you and your husband here. If you can go to Whitby surely you can jog along the South Coast to me. We have plenty of space and a bedroom big enough for two spare beds if you wish for them. I say May, because in June trippers come and the peace is not so pleasant.
I believe you would not mind being here when once you had arrived. I won’t put it more strongly, but as you wouldn’t (sic.) mind , just let the voice of sanity be heard and reflect you perhaps ought to come.
You know that when you put your sovereign in the plate for the heathen after listening to the sermon in George Street, you don’t altogether do it because the solemn voice within tells you must. Now consider that, even supposing the visit would be distinctly unpleasant, you may do much good to two immortal souls.
Love from us both to husband & self. Love to Charlie.
Your Afft. Friend
W. Hale White
My friend James who used to live at Chichester died last week. I first met him at Homerton when William was there 47 years ago.
Level of description
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