Reference
FAC103/8
Title
Letter (and typewritten copy) from 'Sister Lucy' [Pearse?] to Mrs Mary Maclear, Royal Observatory, Cape Town, Cape of Good Hope.
Date free text
18 May 1849
Production date
From: 1849 To: 1948
Scope and Content
Hopes Maclear is resting his overworked eyes. Hopes Mary is taking care of herself - has always considered her a delicate creature. Letter posted day after she [Lucy] landed is in progress to Mrs Maclear. Saw Henry who gave her 6 letters from Mary, arriving after she [Lucy] had departed for the Cape. Miss Lockwood is at Dr Brereton and was very amused with the Cape curiosities. The Spring is very pretty. Has not dared to look on the home premises which still stands empty. Has just received her letter written previously to the last one received. It was written close on their parting. After they had waved goodbye, she seated herself in her easy chair where the Captain found her - he is so great & general a favourite. She also found out that he was a married man with five children. 'I must confess a peculiar interest for him'. Has promised to come and see her. Hopes he will visit the Observatory when next he visits the Cape.
Spends Sunday at the Rectory and goes to St John's morning and evening. Cannot yet venture to St Mary's though told her own corner is reserved for her there. Henry and Dr Brereton gives a service between them every Wednesday evening. Henry's church overflows Sunday evening.
Mon 21st. Weather very cold. Mrs Thead still has fires in her Bedroom. 'This I cannot understand the comfort of'. Times have
been trying to all Agriculturalists. Poor George has greatly suffered and great part of the Harlington estate is advertised for sale.
Whether they will be able to retain the house is a matter of question. Tom's second boy has obtained the College exhibition at Dr Brereton's and he is going at once to Oxford. Young Tom is highly spoken of at Cambridge.
Various massages to people met at the Cape. Comment on local people.
Yours affectionately Sister Lucy
Format
photocopies
Level of description
item