25 September 1854 - Maritime Alms House

My Dear Mary and Robit,

{All the lodgers in the Maritime is glad to hear you are well and the Dear child go kiss for me}

I received your kind and welcome letter with great joy. I can not express my feelings to you my dear girl, when I think what you have had to go through in the fair distant land. I wish you both joy of your Dear little Lamb And I trust the will be spared to you, I am very much surprised when you tell me that Robit had written so many letters. I think the Post Offices must be very badly conducted at your end, there has been 7 letters sent from here. Your brother Tom sent 4 and it seems to me there is a great neglect in the delivery of them, Mrs Watters and Titchbourn both declares they wrote but know they intend to put them through the Custom House here so they hope you will get them safe – Wales still drinks as hard as ever and they will inform you more news then.

Jean poor Mrs Medly is dead, I never go past the shop, but I drop a silent tear. Miss Campble has got married and lives in Succefs Street. Mrs Jones is in the front street, his Master has declined business – and they have gone in to it. Miss Campble and Mrs Jones all desire their kind love to you and is glad to hear that you are doing well. Alice Gowland is not married but she has her baby with her. She begs her love to you. Miss Fox is Miss Fox still. Mr & Mrs Fox and Family all desire their love to you both. Mrs Wood sends her best regards to you and is very glad to hear of you doing well. Miss Almonds has got married. She has got a Cartwright. I have never seen Mr & Mrs Bailey since you left, they are very high folks and live up in some of the new streets. You wish to know if I have seen young Harrison, I have not seen him, he would not have spoken to me if I had called. I had Mrs Havelock called upon me, Richard wish to come out if he can get his mother’s consent. Miss Cook keeps a school and a little haberdashers shop. She is well and begs her Best love to you.

My dearest Mary I feel very much the hardships you have gone through in going to the diggings, but you ought to be thankful that it please God to endear you with such good health. We enjoy many privileges here which you are quite a stranger to. I must tell my sight gets very dim and my legs fail me very very much, my strength fails me very sore. I am very glad to hear that William Barkes is doing better. I do pray that God may be pleased to prosper you and Robit so that you may be able to come back to where your dear sister and brothers are. I think you will be more comfortable and happy together. I was very glad to hear that your brother Daniel found your sister Jane and her dear children. How glad should I be to hear Little Joe calling Grandpa Daniel. My Power hearts yearns after you all, I hope to be spared to see my dear little Grandaughter and hear her say Grandmama. You will teach her when she begins to prattle to call Grandmama.

I have not heard anything from Hartlepool lately, your Uncle and Aunt Robson and Aunt Bettsy are all well. Cousin Jane is not married but your cousin Sarrah will be married when Huntley comes back. You will be astonished when I tell you that Sarrah Huntley has a country house out at Hendon, since you left she has never come near hand to see me. Sarrah Father is not able to hold his situation any longer and Mr Baker allows him 31 pound a year for his life. Your brother Tom, he’s lost his little boy and she is very near her confinement again. I do not intend attending on her as she was not very kind to me when I was bad, but I believe she is very industrious. Tom is rather steadier than he was but you know my dear we must live in hopes that he will grow better and better, Miss White desires her best love to you both. Hoping to hear from you soon, with 20 kisses for the dear little pet lamb Mary Jane, your mother is proud of you. Dear husband having left of drinking,

Mary White

Dear Children,

I picture you and dear little pet. Could I tell you how happy. Dear Robert depend you have made me happy Mother, you will be glad to see Daniel. I thank you for your candles  and will inform all particulars in the house. The Lord sends his blessing on you. Believe me your ever affectionate mother,

Mary Joff