2 February 1879 - The Greece, Seaton Carew, West Hartlipool

Dear Brother,

It is such a long time since I wrote to you that I think you will think I have forgotten you. I have been away for some time, it will be my excuse. I am very glad to say that we are all well, hoping this to find you all the same. I have received some newspapers  from you, and have sent you some with this. You will receive a Sunderland paper – I do not know where we are to have better trade again.

It is very dull here and it is hard to tell which of the towns is the worst. Every place there is hundreds of men walking the streets and cannot get work. It is no use leaving one place to go to another to seek work as there is no work at all. I have been at home a few weeks but I am going away again as a large steamer will leave here in the morning for the Syme to load for Aden. From there we will most likely go to some port in India. I do not like to go (on) these long voyages but there is nothing else to be got.

I have been trying to get one that does not go such long voyages but I hope please God when I return trade may be a little better, when I hope to get something nearer home or one that does not go so far. There is a trade convenience here between this place and America. The steamers that will be running are bringing cattle from Canada, both live cattle and dead. There is a shop opened here that sells nothing but American beef killed there and brought over in quick steamers. They sell it from 6 shillings to 8 ½ but  the English is near the same price, they will have to sell it cheaper if they want to get trade for it.

I have not seen or heard from Kitty for a long time. He is still at Thornley College. As for Ged Robinson I know very little about him, what he is doing and where he is I cannot tell. He got married again very soon after Annie’s death and we never trouble ourselves about him. The others at Seaton and are all well there, eldest son is often very bad, he is in the Telegraph Office where my son is.

With kind love to all,

Remaining your affectionate brother

William Proctor.