Reference
X955/1/108
Title
To Mrs Sarah Colenutt
Scope and Content
5 High Wickham, Hastings
My Dear Friend,
I was just about to write to you when you dear letter came. I had thought of paying you a visit for a few hours at any rate, but I could not come and I am rather afraid of leaving home in the cold weather. I went to London however to see Willie before he went to Jersey. I am thankful he has gone: he wanted rest above everything. I cannot get out of him how he really is: he is so reticent about himself. I can only conjecture that the disease is still there and may be quiescent – possibly. But that he is partially disabled, for his work which of course exhausts him greatly.
What days we have had this week! Just before I began this note to you I was looking out of window – 6.30 a.m. and the night was wonderful, the 'starry Gemini. slowly sinking in the West, and in the East the first lovely flush of dawn. Mars, too, is splendid in the West. My telescope, alas, is sold. Our garden, as I told you, is partly a quarry, and although it may become a garden again, the ground on which the observatory stood was excavated.
I sent you a paper (1) which may interest you. Unfortunately I never saw a proof, so that you must make allowances. I had to be very wary, for the British Weekly is orthodox, and I should not have consented to write in it if the editor, who is very friendly, had not urged me. I remember reading that book of Sewell’s a great many years ago, and William either talked or preached about it.
I am glad you have seen him. I have not heard a syllable about him or from him (excepting what I have heard from you) for I should think eighteen months or two years. I suppose he will soon give up preaching.
Molly and I both send our best love. We are well, save that we have caught colds. If one of us catches cold, the other is sure to catch it too.
Ever affectionately
W. Hale White
(1) A forgotten Book. British Weekly, 8 December. Sewell, William, 1804-1874 Christian Morals 1840.
Level of description
item