Z506/3/14/2

Letter John Field to Marianne [Mrs W Henry Martell].

22 August 1870

From: 1870 To: 1870

Has delayed writing until he could conscientiously assure her that ''I had been able to give up my life long besetting sin – drunkenness. I have been a total abstainer since March 12th' When reflects on past life sees that drink has been the bane of his existence '…it has entailed poverty, misery and wretchedness…' Since 12th March has paid arrears of rent, got their clothes and jewellery out of pawn and the children have new clothes. Is working as a saw sharpener and worked up a regular connexion especially among butchers. Charge for sharpening 1s 6d each. Is at a loss for not having heard from father. When she writes give their united love. He desires ' above all that he should be consoled in his last days with the conviction that his prayers have been heard…' Buried youngest boy, George, on 24th January ( a nobby little fellow)

item

Field, John,
Martell, Marianne,
Martell, Henry,
Field, George

family correspondence, drunkenness, butcher