27 November 1872 - Thornley Hall, Ferryhill

My Dear Robert,

I was glad to hear you are all well & doing, I trust better, than we are doing in the old country. I now soon expect to have a considerable advance next year, it is however a special comfort. We have no house rent, food, water or anything of that sort to pay, so that we cannot complain much.

You will most likely hear from Williams by this mail. John, I am sorry to say has been, and is very ill, & I fear he will not be long with us, he was born in Dec 1807 so that he is now about 66 years of age and might have lived for years, had he lived as he should have done, he may still get over it when I hope he will feel better.

I also hear that Mr Robinson is unwell but I don’t know particulars, William wrote me on Sunday & told me, he is not attentive to his work as he ought to be. Willie has had a hard life but like all the Proctors a good constitution keeps him alive.

I have sent you two papers, a Durham Chronicle with an account of clergyman who left us a few months ago.

I hope this will find all your family well. I have felt for the ‘photo’ so long promised. How is this?

Let us hear from you when you have a chance,or a paper occasionally.

With best trusted love to all.

Dear Robert, yours affectionately,

Christopher  Procter