BLACKWELL FAMILY    KITTY BLACKWELL     1872    BLACKWELL, ALICE S.Burwood Place
Hyde Park, W.
 Jan. 7th 1872
                  
My darling Alice;
     All this week we have been anxiously 
waiting for news of you poor Boston people.  
Not a line from any member of the family 
have we had, tho' Steamers which left ten days 
after the fire have arrived here.  We did not 
expect to hear from Papa or you, but we 
did think some of the others might have 
written, and have thought it very hard that 
we should have been left to learn of the fire 
solely from the newspapers.  Yesterday, we 
had a note from Aunt Anna, who says 
she had just seen Mr Alofsen, who had 
received a letter from Uncle Sam and Aunt 
Marian, which stated that Papa's loss by 
the fire was not wholely covered by the 
insurance.  It seems rather odd to learn 
such particulars via Paris, and through a 
letter to an outsider!  One would suppose 
the family thought we had some quicker 
way of learning home news, than by letters;  
unhappily, such is not the case.  
Well!  I need not be writing as if I meant to 
blow you up.  It is certainly not you who 
deserve it, but other friends, some hundred

Aunt B's
Xmas
present
to Capt
Kidd
was
given
yesterday.
She
wished
to give
me a
handsome
set of
Dickens'
works, but
tho' I longed
for them,
I objectedmiles from Boston.
     We have been having most remarkable 
weather the last ten days.  Clear skies, no 
smoke in the air, & as mild as April.  
If it would only continue so!  Aunty and I 
have said several times this week that 
could Aunt Marian see London now, 
she would say we had given the climate 
altogether too bad a character.  I think 
the city quite a pleasant as New York 
in Winter.  
     Jan 8th. A letter from Aunt Emily.  She "takes 
it for granted that we have heard all 
about the fire"!!!  Six months hence, I suppose 
we shall really learn how it all happened 
and what your plans are!
     A letter from Marian in which she 
tells me of a visit paid to Phebe & describes 
the changes in the aunt old farm house.  Also 
she tells me that James Vincent, wife & child 
were expected to visit Ware!!  J. V.'s Aunt 
Deborah's son-in-law, you know. Last item- 
Aunt Jedidan thinks she shall lease her 
house next summer to a family, who the people 
are isn't known.  I trust it is to none of those 
Club people.  I should hate to think of whiskey 


drinkers in our house and using the things dear 
Grandma had used, then fancy our beach 
invaded by such people.  I feel a sort of 
property in that corner of the dear little Island.  
Uncle George has established himself in 
winter quaters just around the corner from 
us.  He has the drawing room & a bedroom, 
had borrowed our German coffee pot & makes 
his own coffee every morning, & feels, I think, 
very comfortable.  Dinner & tea he takes 
with us.  Ms. Warch, Tammy is betrothed, 
is up in London, studying law, I think at 
the Inner Temple.  We shall see the gentleman 
occasionally.  Aunt Veddie is very busy 
looking over old lectures.   She has been 
asked and I think will give a short 
course of lectures at the South Kensington 
Museum,  Papa & Mamma will be more 
interested in that item than you.  The matter 
tho' it's not quite decided yet.  
Wonders will never cease.  We hear from a 
letter from a Miss Gould, that Aunt Ellen
has taken another! baby! a boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!  
Is it true?  We can scarcely beleive it is.  
Have you read "Through The Looking Glass"?  
It is a very amusing book.  It was read atAbercarne on Christmas night. So often
now, in reading the lists of books the
publishers send us, I come across one which
I know you did own, and I say to Aunty, "Alice
owned" so & so.  I do so much want to know how
[much] what was saved from the fire.  I find 
it hard to think of you without a hundred
things around you, which I remember so well,
books, pictures, &c.

Rachel still writes to me every week - is
a most faithful correspondent & pleasant
friend.  Aunty [a] often says, "Would you be willing
to leave all the Abercarne girls & go to America?"
I always answer "I'd leave them tomorrow, were
I only sure of returning home."  Uncle G. laughs
at me for thinking and speaking of America as
"home" & says that I care much more for
America than he does, in fact he professes to 
have no more attachment to America, than
to any other country.  All are alike indifferent
to him.  I object to such a State of things.
One comfort is that his property is in the U.S. &
of course, 'where his treasure is,' all the heart
he will allow himself, 'will be also.'

With much love from us all in England,
to all the Boston branch.
Yrs affy, Kidd.

to
her
spending
so
large
a sum
as the
wou
cost
Instead
of
Dickins
I've
a
fine
edition
of
Shakespeare
I'm
well
satisfied
with
Santa
Claus'
gifts
this year.


6 Burwood Place
Hyde Park W.
Jan. 18th 1872

My dear Betrothed;
Three days ago came your letter from
Somerville, telling of the fire.  It was very
welcome.  I forgive the long delay in
sending it; which I think is very good of me.
If the ears of the family have burned this last
three weeks, they have had reason to do so.  As
Steamer after Steamer came in bringing no
letter from home, such phrases as "the family
is very neglectful'-'thoughtless people' - 'it is
very unkind', &c. &c. might have been heard.
I was glad to learn that so much of the
furniture &c was saved, & that you were not
made ill by exposure to such bitter cold.
Aunty and I have speculated a good deal as to what
was likely to be the first thing you would save.
Aunty thought you would rescue the cat first!!
I thought Puss would take care of herself, & that
the Silver; some favorite books, or your diary
would be the most likely things for you
to think of.  You see I was nearest the truth.
One night I dreamed that our house here was
on fire, & I woke up with the sound of pumpingof engines so distinctly in my ears. that I thought
the fire was a fact. Out of bed I got, looked out
of the back window, then out of the front
windows to assure myself that all was safe. Aunty
saw me trapesing about, & thought I was walking
in my sleep!! What do you suppose I dreamt
Aunty saved first from the flames, as the
most valuable & important of her possessions, even insisting
upon a fire man venturing into the house at the
peril of his life?__ her rubbers, or as they call
them here, [her] galoshes!!!! One gallant fireman
told me of a purple silk dress (a dress I detest), on my bed,
which dress he was eager, if only I would consent,
to save at any risk, & was much hurt when I said, "the
only good the fire will have done is to burn that
dress."  

   Uncle George has established
himself in rooms round the corner. He has a 
bed-room & sitting room over the drawing room
floor, takes his breakfast in his own quaters
but dines & takes tea with us. On Jan: 12th Uncle
G. gave a small dinner party - Aunty, Mr Ward (Fanny's
betrothed) & myself, were the guests. The dinner was well
chosen, but the service & the cooking not much 
to boast of. One can't expect much from lodgings.
Mr Ward is a pleasant gentlemanly fellow.  He looks
very much younger than Fanny.

I wish you could peep at Master Paul when he is
taking his tea.  A cup of milk & a Slice of bread
& jam is his meal.  His nurse has taught him to
say a grace when he's finished-he shuts his
eyes, joins his hands together, and says with the
gravest face, "Nini fini Dieu Merci."  The last word
is Scarcely pronounced, when open fly his eyes &
he Smiles upon you in the most amiable way.
"Nini fini" is Paulian French for 'I have finished."

   The Queen, proposes to go in State to St. Paul's to
offer thanks for the recovery of the Prince
of Wales.  Sometime in February, and as it will
be a sight worth seeing Aunty and intend
Somehow to manage to see it.
Jan: 22nd This letter I first found in my desk
& am much displeased to think it
has been delayed so long.  We had really
a very good letter from Floy, giving an
account of Xmas doings to Somerville. I sent
the acct. of Abercarne doings to Somerville, thinking
you were likely to pay Uncle Sam a long
visit; as you were houseless.
The enclosed Scrap, please give to Papa. I daresay
you will all have as hearty laugh over it
as we did.  I clipped it from the "Times" from a letter
of the Calcutta correspondent dated Dec: 13th 1871I suppose you go to the Public School as before?
We've been having such nasty weather - either rain
or fog for every day this last three weeks. I quite
long for one of our clear frosty days.
Uncle G. gives another small dinner on the 26th.
 Aunty & a Mr & Mrs Edmund Blythe are to be the guests.
Papa will be glad to learn that the Bridge in
which Aunt Anna is interested is fairly
underway at last. The 'Times' the other day had
an article about the bridge. Spoke highly of the
kind of bridge that was to be built. I said that
it was one that had long been needed and ought
to pay the owners well. Perhaps after all
Aunt Anna may make something out of 
the land Uncle Howard left her for the 'Times'
lays the property at Fulham (where Uncle H's land lies),
will be greatly increased in value by the
building of the bridge.
With love to all,
thy true
Lover &c
R. Ridd

Don't reveal to Floy, that
it was you who told me
that she had College on
the Brain!A.B.B.
Strictly private

Burwood Place
Hyde Park [W.?]
Jan. 30th 72
Dear Betrothed,
A month today since your
last letter was written & a
fortnight since it was received!!
I think that Capt. B, tho' most
remarkably goodnatured considering
the life he leads; will shortly
loose his temper & sweep
down on Boston Bay to see
with his own eyes what his
[bride?] is doing. Beware!
Should he find her faithless,
a position more elevated
than agreeable, at his yard
arm, may be the Brides
fate.
The note from Aunt
Anna, is in answer to a note
& a copy of yours & Papa's letters,
which I sent her last week.
Aunt A. is always interestedin any items from home letters which we
send on to her, & if you would all try
to remember to use foreign paper when 
writing to us we might often send letters to Paris.  As
it is, you use such thick paper, that
it would be ruinous in postage to
forward letters often.  I made a copy of
your letter & Papas's about the fire for Aunty.

Uncle G. gave another dinner last week -
to Aunty & Mr & Mrs Blythe. Uncle G. is constantly
saying that he does not see "why ladies
make such a fuss about the troubles
of housekeeping."  He thinks it would be
"easy work".  Aunt Bessie has offered him
the post of housekeeper, but for some
mysterious reason, he won't accept.  I think
he has slight doubts as to its being such
very easy work, after all.  Aunty offered my
services as "assistant," & promised for me,
the 'greatest obedience' to his instructions.
There is not much 'news' stiring in this
household, for as we all have severe
colds, from Paul upwards, & as the weather
is horrid, we have not been out much.

We study the 'Times', but do not gain
much comfort by so doing, for it is
full of the new complications of the 
Alabama Claims; & it is doleful, the
prospect that the 'Treaty is not going tobe all we hoped for.  During
the Rebellion, people used to come
to Aunt B whenever a new Rebel
Ram escaped from England &
say "Well!  What do you think
of England now" - Just as if
she were responsible for 
the whole matter!  Now people 
here, knowing Aunty is an
American citizen, meet her 
with the question - "What
does this demand of the U.S.
mean?" And the question is put 
in a tone which says plainly
"You had a hand in this, & it
is too bad to have put an end to all
the amiable feelings which
were growing up."
     
In haste, your still
affectionate, but highly
wrathful.

Pirate.

P.S. Aunt Ellen writes, that
Mary Hooper was very ill
at the time she posted her letter
to us. I trust poor Mary is
better.

Please write
soon if you
can get Miss
[Ws] address,
as Miss
Durant
is anxious 
to communicate
with 
her 
as
early 
as 
possible.

                    6 Burwood Place
                    Hyde Park, W.
                     Feb 21st 72.

Dearest Alice,
I've just dispatched
my weekly letter to
Rachel & turn to do
the same for you.
Lillies letter, I foward
that you may see
how others besides
thy Betrothed, are
looking eagerly
for your arrival
in England.  Don't
disappoint us!!
     
You were making
at one time a collection
of queer advertisementsSo this [collection] one
may certainly be
added to your list.
We have not yet
obtained seats for
the procession to St
Paul's, but Miss
Durant, who is a 
famous person for
doing such things
is looking out for
seats. Uncle
George and I spent
yesterday afternoon
at the Zoological
Gardens. I wont tell
you what we saw
come and see for


are still faithful
My acceptance of
course means that
I also remain
faithful. I don't
believe that there
are many gentlemen
with brides as 
true as mine.
Indeed, "When will
the dream come 
true?" If you do
not come to me,
I suppose that
before the close
of 1872 you will
see the glitter of a"well known blade."
Somewhere off Boston
harbour. Aunt Bessie
say &I am to go home,
but I shudder when
I think of the money
it will cost. Aunty
declares however
that it is far cheaper
to let me visit you
frequently, than
for her to live in
New York. I grieve
to say that it is
a fact that it is
cheaper living in
England. Perhaps


tho', you will come
over, and give such
flourishing accounts
of Boston, that Auntys
heart will incline
towards living there.
May it be so!
The weather is
perfectly lovely -
clear bright days,
and very little
smoke; the smuts
have not taken
leave of us though.
Everybody after
such delay is sendingin accounts of the 
burning of your house.
How are you 
getting on at 
school?  Is Mary 
Hooper to remain 
with you?  Marie 
Barlow met Emma 
at the wedding of 
Carrie Adams in 
West Brookfield, & 
said E. was looking 
very pretty.

Thy faithful Pirate 
is very anxious to 
know whether you 
are to cross the Atlantic. 
Write soon. 
Love to Papa and Mamma
Affy?
Kidd


yourself!  Uncle G. was 
very particular in 
showing me the the 
most hideous monkeys, 
telling me they were 
my "Ancestors" - I deny 
it.  Next he was 
much delighted 
because I was made 
very nervous by the 
screeching of a 
dozen or two of 
parrots & macaws. 

Aunt Bessie has 
a splendid plan 
in view.   On the 
2nd March, she isgoing down to Oxford
to see one of the
Professors of the
University - Dr. Acland -
Aunty proposes
that Uncle G. and I
should spend a
couple of days with
her at Oxford.

Won't it be good
to see the old University.
I only wish you 
were to be with
us.

Very many thanks
for the Valentine -
I accept it as an
omen that you


6 Burwood Place.
Hyde Park. W.
London.
March 10th 72
My dear Alice,
Your letter, written on the thin paper
came just in time to save you from further
accusations of faithlessness.  I am glad to find
there is no need of my elevating you to a very
breezy place in my vessel.  By the by, do you
know the name of my ship?  I haven't the
least idea what it was.  It is queer that
such an important item, as the name of my
home, should have totally escaped me.  The
Attorney-General (who tried Roger Titchborne),
would certainly say that I was an imposter!!

I don't believe there is the slightest chance of
war between the U.S. & Great Britain.  Prepare
for a shock! - Should there be war, of
course the U.S. Minister & all the American
consuls would be recalled & all Yankees who
remained behind, would be without any
protectors - I should certainly be one of the
Yankees who remained; for all my sympathies
would be on the side of England.  There!  What
do you say to that?  I may possibly resume my
old occupation & come and batter the new
house about your ears.

[*Rachel 
writes - 
"assure 
Alice that 
even in 
case of 
war, you 
would be 
safe in
England - &  
tell her she 
is not to try 
to draw you 
over to America.  
If she wants
you well 
looked after, 
she must come 
to England herself."*]Uncle George has just returned from Edinburgh,
where he went to attend the wedding of
the Countess de Medina Pomar.  She has
married Earl Caithness. Uncle G. will, I think,
return home early in May.  Don't I wish I
were going over with him!  The lease of
this house terminates on the 25th of March.
& as the landlord has raised the rent $50
for the next year, Aunty feels inclined to move.
The landlords here never pay any taxes on
the houses which they rent, & expect the
tenant to do all the repairs.  Should we move,
Aunty will be obliged to to paper & paint the
house from garret to cellar inside; & paint
all the Stone-work outside!

We are looking forward to seeing Aunt Marian
sometime in June.  It will be very good to see
another member of the family.  Couldn't
you persuade Papa & Mamma to let you
cross with Aunt M?  It is selfish of us
to want to take you, even for a short
time, away from home.  Unfortunately we are
selfish, very selfish.  But we want to see
you so much, Alice dear; & as there are
six cousins awaiting you at Abercarne
come to gratify us all; come if you can.


Aunty will have to spend so much money this
year on doing up this house, & also 
probably on a new house, that it is very
certain you won't see me in Boston yet.

The weather has been lovely
so far this month. Clear days, & warm as
May.  Violets have been sold about the
streets for the last month, & primroses
& cowslips for the last fortnight.  The
grass in the Park is very green & the
trees are all bursting into leaf.  I saw
a peach, & an apple tree in full
flower last week!

Master Paul has just been in to ask
me to go to the Zoological Gardens this afternoon with
him & I have promised to go.  Whenever
the young man gets anything he very
much likes at dinner or tea, he always
takes good care to tell me of it, as he thinks
all the nice things come from, "Miss Tets"
cupboard, & she may give him something
good again.  I received yesterday,
a letter from Floy, in which that young lady
reproaches me with not having answered
all her letters!  Now, I have flattered myself that
I was a faithfull correspondent, & as I answerevery letter which I receive, I feel somewhat 
indignant.

I sent by last mail a copy of the 
"Illustrated London News" thinking you might 
like to see the pictures of St Paul's, &c.
Also, I have sent the January & February 
numbers of "Science Gossip" __ have you  
received them?  I send by same mail as 
this the March no. of "Science Gossip."

I wrote a full account for you of 
what I saw of the Queen's progress to 
St Paul's, but have mislaid it - as soon 
as found it shall be sent to you. 

We hear from Aunt Marian that 
Papa is thinking of going to San Domingo. 
I hope he will go.

With much love to Papa and Mamma. 
I am, 
thy faithful Betrothed 
Robert Kidd.

PS. Don't frighten those girls too much - think 
how they would suffer should a war 
break out &  I come to H. Sq. capture them, 
& carry them off as prisoners of war!  Mind,
I should capture A.S. B. first of all. Be prepared 
at any time to see the "gleam of a well known blade." 



6 Burwood Place.
Hyde Park. W. 
March 24th 72

Dear Betrothed,

Your letter of March 
3rd arrived a few days ago. 
I am quite willing to 
abide by the bargain - in 
the letter way - that as I 
sow, so shall I reap.  Mind, 
I keep a list of all the 
letters I send and receive, so 
that I can call you to 
account if you do not 
keep to the bargain.

I am very sorry indeed 
that you don't make friends 
at school.  Surely all the 
girls are not silly; some 
must care for other 
things besides flirting.I am sorry to say, that
instead of being thrown
into a state of profound
dejection on learning
that my lover had thoughts
of an "early death," & the 
possibility of the 'Spring
dandelions" blossoming o'er
your tomb; I indulged in
a very hearty laugh over
your letter.  Cruel & heartless,
was it not?  I wish
I could only bring Harrison
Sq. & Abercarne Fach near
together, for I feel sure
you would fall in love 
with the place, & like
the cousins very much.

I feel sure you would
get on nicely with the
girls, at least with the


I are invited to go down the
night before the race & sleep
at the house of a Mrs Nicholl,
who's house is on the
Thames, just at the starting
point of both crews. The
Nicholls have a son at
Cambridge, & so, are interested
in the success of that 
University -- Fanny says
that of course the son would
be indignant if I wish his
foes success.  After the race,
Mrs Nicholl's gives a ball to
both crews, & we are asked
to stay the second night
and attend the ball.  I don't 
know whether I shall stay
for the dancing, but F. may,
for as she says, she is,
"aching for a dance."Sunday 26th. Sealands.  Here I am with
Aunt Bessie at Mme Bodichon's queer little cottage
in the woods.  This morning Aunty and I went
off for a walk through the woods and 
fields belonging to Mme B's. brother, Mr Benj.
Leigh-Smith.  The trees are all budding
as fast as possible, & the grass is already
beautifully green.  It is very nice to be able
to put on ones hat, and start for a walk
of an hour through ones own ground.
Mrs. B. Leigh-Smith is the great landed proprietor
of this neighborhood.  As Mr S's family are
away, we can roam through the woods andfields without fear of
meeting anything except
farm-hands in smock frocks,
and hundreds of sheep.

We discovered this morning,
a sunny bank in one of
fields, which was covered
with dear little primroses
violets and english daisies.
All over the woods and
on every sunny bank, those
dear little primroses are 
croping up. This afternoon
I been for a walk in the
woods by myself, I have
found not only primroses,
violets and daisies, but
butter cups & something that
looked like a spring beauty.Monday 27th Aunty and I
have been sitting sewing
and reading in the wood,
for a couple of hours.
It is so warm &
bright, that there is no
danger of taking cold.
The enclosed 'token'
is from Fanny, with
her love. She says, "Kitty
you have told me so much
about Alice, that I feel
as if I knew her well,
and ought to love her."
Much love to all,
most to yourself,
thy Betrothed.

three youngest, Rachel,
Maggie, & Lillie, who are
still in the school-room,
& very simple in dress, and
manner. Rachel frequently
asks in her weekly letters
"What is the latest news
from Alice, is she
coming to England?
We all do so wish to see
her." I saw in a late 
letter, that we were to
pay a visit to Oxford.
The very day we were to
have gone, I had such
a bad cold & toothache,
that I could not go; & Aunty
declined going without
me. I am not sorry our
visit is put off, for weshall now probably go to
Oxford in June when everything
is looking its best.
Yesterday the boat race
between Oxford and Cambridge
came off, Cambridge
winning; greatly to Rachel's
disgust, she being hotly
for Oxford.  The two shades
of blue, dark, & light, have
been exhibited in every 
shop window for the
last three weeks, & the
papers have had daily
reports of, "the condition
of the two crews."  I have
wished for Oxford's success
principally because I think
the "dark blue" such a much
prettier colour than the
'light-blue' of the Cambridge
crew.  Two days ago came on

6 Burwood Place
Hyde Park. W.
April 6th 1872

My dear Betrothed,

Your letter of March
10th has come to hand, after
a rather long voyage.  What
do you mean by calling me
faithless?  I consider myself
a model of the constancy of
a -- Pirate lover.  As to Lillie's
calling herself my lover, she
may call me so as much as
she likes, but never-the-less
I am not her lover.  I
couldn't accept attentions
from any other 'dear creature'
but yourself.  Besides tho' a
a Pirate, I am not a Mormon.

Do you know I couldn't show
your last letters to Uncle George,
which has grieved my soul,
seeing that he had been saying 
daily, "We ought to have letters
from some of the people."

If you wish to make remarks
meant only for my private eyes,put them on a scrap of paper,
which need not be shown.
Wishing to do as I would be 
done by, I like to show my
letters.  I couldn't have
shocked my own modesty
& Uncle G's, by letting him
see your last!!  So beware,
vengeance of R. K. if you
again transgress!
We, Aunty and I, went down
to Sevenoaks to spend Easter
Sunday.  We had some very
pleasant walks in Knowle
park, tho' every time we
ventured forth we were
rained upon.  One gets used
in England to such little 
accidents, and soon learns
never to venture forth
without the inevitable umbrella.
Uncle S. joined us at 8 on
Saturday and took us for
a pleasant drive round the
neighborhood.

Dr Bodichon is a very queer
man.  His wife is a very fair Englishwoman
 - he is very tall, and 
dark & is a Frenchman.  His
hair looks just like that of
a negro being in short curls &
wooley.  Dr B. never wears a
hat, and as he has lived in
Africa most of his life,
it is supposed that owing
to his habit of going bare headed
the warm suns have changed
the nature of his hair.
At 8 a.m. Mme B. and I meet
at breakfast, for which
we always have honey, and
a variety of jellies and jams.
After breakfast we start 
for a walk of a mile to the 
village, where Mrs B. is having
three artesian wells made
for the villagers. The Countyis looking lovely just now,
the woods being one mass of
golden colour. Mrs B's family,
the Leigh-Smiths (to distinguish
them from common Smiths!), own
most of the land round the
village of Robertsbridge; but her
brothers, leave most of the
duties of a proprietor, to
Mme B. She has set up a
library and reading room
for the people, looks after
the schools, & does endless
kind things for the villagers.
Whenever we go into the
village to see the wells,
quite a little crowd of men
gather round Mrs B., to ask
her advice on all sorts
of questions.
Oct. 20th A niece of Mrs B's, Amy

Leigh-Smith, about 10 years
old, arrived this morning. She
is a bright little thing, & we
have struck up an acquaintance.
Amy carried me off this
a.m. to the enclosure where
the dogs are kept, -- 8 or ten
disagreeable looking hounds
saluted us with horrid
baying. -- I was glad to think
there was a strong fence
between us. This P.M.. Amy
and I went for a walk
through the woods and over
the beautiful downs, to a
house where one of her
uncles lived -- all the family
were away, the gentlemen
shooting, the ladies [???ing];
so we wandered through
the pretty gardens, and then
took ourselves home.How I wish you could be
with me here! You would
so enjoy the house & the
country. Mrs B. house is
built in the midst of
an oak wood, through
which openings are cut
for views of the country--
Just now, the woods are
beautiful in their fall
dress. Sealands itself, is
a two story brick cottage,
covered with ivy . All
over the house, in queer
nooks & corners, you come
across odd
specimens of pottery. Mrs
B. has a fancy for collecting
common pottery wherever
she goes -- so the house 
is full of queer plates, dishes,
vases, & jars of all kinds.

On our return last Monday
we saw parties of volunteers
at all the stations waiting
to be carried to Brighton
to take part in the grand
review. I can't say much
for the war-like appearance
of the men. But I remembered
very well that a more
unsoldierly look set than
our own volunteers in the
early part of the war was
never seen, yet they did
good service; and so would
the bold Britishers if the
need came. I think it is
a pity that while they are
drilling the men, a company
of women, to act as nurses, 
is not drilled at the
same time; one company
for each regiment. The
nurses would be much
more useful in the
field, if they could followthe orders of the officers.
If a regiment of nurses was
formed I think I should join!
In Switzerland every man
is a soldier, and every
woman is taught at school
how to bandage & how to
dress gun-shot wounds.  So
if little Switzerland ever
has to fight for her
existence, all the inhabitants
can lend a helping hand.

April 9th.  Today comes a note
from Aunt Ellen telling
us that Papa is really off for
Santo Domingo -- I am very
glad for his sake, but am
afraid Mamma will have
more work to do than is
quite fair, during his absence.
Aunt E. also writes that all 
the Blackwell babies are a little
under-the-weather, which means,
I suppose, that they are teething.

Let me know in your next, if 
baby Ethel is quite well again-
Aunty seemed to think Ethel was
more ill than the other babies.


you would care for
much instruction
however, for it seems 
hopeless for anyone
except a Welshman, to
master the pronunciation.

I'm still in the agonies
of dress making, & shall
be for the next three
weeks.  If I make a
collection of sea-weeds
& shells, while in Cornwall,
will you add them to 
your Cabinet of Curiosities
when I return home.
We don't know yet what
the shores will produce,
but we mean to try
for some nice collection.
I am so vexed to find
that I've not sent youthe last numbers of
'Science Gossip,' I will 
collect them & forward by
next mail.

Has Papa read a little
pamphlet called the "Battle
of Dorking"?  It has made
a tremendous sensation
over here.  It purports
to be a story of the invasion
of England by the Germans
in 1875, told by a British
Volunteer who assisted in
fighting the Germans.

Everyone who reads
the article here says
it makes them shudder,
it all seems so real!

I'm sure the night after
I had read the "Battle of Dorking"
I dreamed of the Germans


taking London & generally
destroying the city.

Someone, disgusted with
the tone of the "Battle of
Dorking", has written
a pamphlet entitled "The
Second Armada," which
showed how the Germans
in 1874, aided by the U.S.
gathered a great fleet
together, attempted a landing
on the Surrey coast, were
repulsed by the English
army under the Prince of
Wales, took to their ships
again, & just as they thought
they were safe, down comes
the English fleet & totally
destroys the united Germans
& Americans. Then a German
has written a letter, to a Germanpaper in which he holds forth
about the want of pariotism [sic]
of the English, how their
Army & Navy are not to be
depended upon, &c,&c, &
finally tells the Emperor 
William (to whom he is
supposed to be writing), that
England would gladly
welcome him as a conqueror!!!
Heaven save us from
such a fate! I think there
is more fight left in old
England than she gets
credit for, people always
think she is in a bad way,
because she always will
grumble so unnecessarily.
Love to all,
Very much to my
beloved Bride
from her faithful
Captain
[*Aunt Bessie 
is well.
She sends
love to you
all. Looking
forward
with 
much
pleasure
to her
holiday.*]

6 Burwood Place
Hyde Park. W.
May 8th 1872.
My dear Alice,
I did so enjoy your
fine tirade. I to [be] called Benedict
Arnold & a Judas! It really
was too funny! Uncle G. did
laugh so heartily over
it all. As for me, for a 
week after the letter came,
whenever I though of it
I went off into fits of
laughter. How did you feel
while penning the thunderbolt? 
I only hope you
enjoyed it while writing,
as much as I did the reading.
It was curious, wasn't
it, that as Aunty was off at
a party, & I unable to use my
eyes, I should, when the
thunderbolt arrived, be engaged
in singing "Tramp. Tramp"
'Star Spangled Banner', 'JohnBrown" and other patriotic songs.
Well you see my dear, that the
U.S. is about to concede the
very point you blow me up
about!  I knew it must come
to that.  I like your idea of
sticking to one's Goverment
thro thick & thin. Don't we
amuse ourselves once every
leap year at least, in picking
holes in the then existing
government, & making out
the opposing candidate to
be just about the worst
kind of man living?  isn't 
the New York Times just now
saying everything bad of Horace
Greeley?  I declare tho', I shall
feel inclined to agree with
the Times, if H.G. accepts
a nomination by the Democrats.

May 6th. We had a Mme Gattayes
and her daughter Coralie &
Fanny's lover, here to tea last
night.  The talk turned upon
vegetables & fruits in France
and the U.S. & Uncle G. was


on Papa's birthday (we all wished
him, with our whole hearts,
many happy returns of the 
day).  Aunty and I went 
to see our old servant
Mary Davis, now Mrs Dews.
Do you remember a rather
plump, black-haired girl we
had at 2nd Avenue, whom
as there were several servants
called Mary in the house, I
always called "My Mary"?  She
was with us at Montclair, 
also.  She now lives 31 miles
from London, at St
Leonard's, a small village
among the Buckinghamshire
hills.  The place is 7 miles
from the station so we
had a most delightful 
drive over the hills, the
high commons being covered
with gorse in full blossom.

We spent a very pleasant
two hours with Mary at her
little cottage, which is attachedto the school-house wherein Mr
Dews teaches.  Mary asked with
great interest after all the
family - remembered Floy
as, "a very pretty & sweet tempered
little thing" -- and finally said;
"and how is your little pet
Miss Kitty?"  I asked who my
pet was, & she replied, 'little
Alice - she always was your
pet, at least I thought so."
Of course I told her all about
the youngsters, I reminded her
that you were all fast
growing into young ladies.

Mary has a small two year
old boy, the very picture
of health, who made friends
with me at once.  Mary's
housband has been sailor,
accountant, mechanic, & lastly
schoolmaster, & is really a
clever fellow.  He has quantities
of Curiosities brought home
from his different voyages.

My eyes before, & since
the thunderbolt came, have

been giving me a deal of
trouble, so that, and not
breaking our engagement
has prevented my writing for
so long a time.

May 7th.  Your repentant letter
of April 25th, just received.
I am glad you see the error
of your ways.   Uncle G. will
return so soon, that I shall
not send any account of our 
visit to Oxford; as you will
receive my journals with
full particulars, by his
hand.  I think he will leave
in less than a fortnight,
but the day of sailing
is not settled yet.  I suppose
we shall welcome Aunt
M. very soon.  How I shall
"pump" her for home news!
I only wish she were going
to sail from Boston, that 
I might have the latest
intelligence of you all, but
especially of A. S. B.I think Emma must be prettier
than ever. I like her photo very
much, but yours! Defend
us from so ferocious a
bride! You don't look so
forbidding tho', when I put
my finger over your mouth
& so hide those pouting
lips.
We are very sorry to
hear of Papa's trouble with
boils. Bring him nearer
this "effete civilization" &
I think he'll get rid of them.
Aunt M. would so like him
for an escorte.
You just warn those
schoolmates of y'rs, who take
liberties with the name of
Kidd, that it is a dangerous
amusement; --I shall be
down on them ere they
know it.
Thine own true
Sailor, now and always,
Capt. Robert Kidd.
on board the good
Ship Seafoam.

holding forth about things
at home till it made me
homesick; I should have 
said more homesick than
usual, for it is a chronic
state with me. Mme G.
asked Aunty whether I was
an American, to which Aunty
replied, "Yes; and very proud
of her country." Isn't that
enough to convince you
that I am still as
"dreadful a little Republican"
as ever? I am very anxious
that Uncle G. should go home
in time, so that he may
not lose his vote at
the Presidential election.
Not that I believe he cares
much for the right to vote.
I think decidedly that
Mamma ought to be allowed
Uncle G's vote, for she does
care for the privilege.You naughty, naughty child!
Why was not my heart
made glad by a letter this
morning?  Uncle G. pretends
to think, that you have
'cut" me, & as school boys
say here, "Sent me to
Coventry".  I don't believe it.

Aunty has made up her
mind that every Saturday,
when it is fine, we shall
make an excursion
somewhere. I am trying
hard to persuade her to
make a trip to Rugby; but
Rugby is 63 miles from
London, & rather a long
journey to go and return the 
same day.  Where do you
suppose I have been lately?
Why to Oxford. We went 
down Friday of last week
and spent a most delightful
Sat: and Sunday in the
old city.


May 11th  Aunty saw Mrs
Julia Ward Howe
yesterday, who gave a 
very pleasant account
of Papa's journey home
with her from San
Domingo. We had some
pleasant items about
you all at Boston, so
that we felt quite
posted in the 
latest news from 
home.

K. B.

Uncle G. says he shall sail
on the 14th.  We think in not
certain tho!If he go on the 14th he will
cross in same steamer
as Mrs Howe's daughter.


6 Burwood Place.
Hyde Park. W.
June 1st 72.

Dear Betrothed,

I've just seen Paul off
with his two nurses to the Park,
and set down in the midst of
the litter he has made in my
room, to write this.

We saw a notice of the arrival
of the "Cuba" at N.Y. in Thursdays
"Times".  I felt very envious
when I thought of Uncle G.
seeing you all, and I
longing for a sight of 
you.  Aunt Marian will
soon sail I should think
now that Uncle G. has got
home.  We shall be very
glad indeed to see Aunt M.,
but I for one, hope she 
will not wish to settle
in England for long.

You are not doing "as you
would be done by."  You haven't
sent me a line for three weeks!I am to begin taking French lessons next week.
I cannot, on account of my imperfect hearing,
join with others in taking lessons, but I
shall do nicely alone.  Paul is learning to
speak English rapidly, and is never tired
of asking - "What's that"? His "Maman-petite", as
calls Miss Durant, has been quite ill, so that
he has been much more under our care than
usual.  'Dottore' and "Mees Tet" are both in great
favour.  The youngster is looking forward to taking
his first meal with us tomorrow (Sunday).  He
told me with great delight this morning that
he was going to "diner avec Dottore et Mees Tet." This
dining with the elders is considered great promotion
by the nursery.  The young man is evidently
puzzled to know what Aunt Bessie is to MeesTet.   He settled it to his satisfaction
the other night.  I was in the 
nursery while Baby was taking
his tea and he begged hard that
I would take some, I said I would with Dottore
by and by; Paul turned to the
nurse -- "Louise, Maman-petite
est in bas." 'No; no,' said Louise.
"Oui Louise.  Pas la Maman-petite
de Pauli, mais las Maman-petite
de Mees Tet."  As the his, 'best-
friend is 'Maman-petite', Paul
has settled that my best friend
must also be called 'Maman
petite'.

We have had glorious weather
ever since Uncle George 
left; and we make the
most of it, by spending
all the time we can in
the Park every day.

What is the news with 
you?  Are you back in the
old house?  When do your
holidays begin?  Have you
received my journals, and have
you attended to all myinstructions regarding them?

Wednesday 29th was the great 
English race the Derby (pronounced
Darby) and Parliament, having
met only the day before, after
the Whitsuntide holidays;
adjourned over the Derby day!

Tom Hughes objected to Parliament
adjourning but it was
carried by a large majority.  One
gentleman remarked that Mr
Hughes "was the last person
whom he expected to find
so sanctimonious.

[*Alice*]

Please show Mamma the
enclosed - perhaps she has not
seen it.  It made me very angry.
If ever I marry that "Dandified
John Bull", I shall certainly
make him become an American
citizen.  As I am a faithful
Pirate, the above need not distress
you.

Always, my Bride,

Yrs affy,
(K.B.) nee Robert Kidd
Sea Foam.
Love to Papa and Mamma.
Is Phebe going to Cornell University?

[Lon?]
6 Burwood Place.
Hyde Park. W.
June 9, 1872.

My dear Betrothed;

At last you have written.  I thought you had cut me!
I am not (as you ought to know), of a jealous disposition, and 
therefore do what you may, you cannot excite such a feeling.
After a ten year's engagement, I am not likely to be much troubled
with fears as to your keeping faith with me - I am sure of the
"State of your affections."  You can tell "M.S.T." that I despise
her (his?) underhand ways; and that "A life on the Ocean wave"
with me, has greater attractions than anything she can offer
you.  By all means put in a claim, as my lawful representative
for that treasure of mine.  I've always had a dim sort of
consciousness that I had hidden my treasure off the N. Jersey
coast. Did the 'Spirts' (as Uncle G. calls them) reveal the whereabouts
to me, or was it in 'Harper' that I saw an account of
my doings in a 'former life', some years ago?  Think
how desirable it would be for us to have the use of my
treasure__We would take that trip to Loch Katrine at once!
We have been very quiet here since Uncle G. left.  Not
that we were very dissipated before, but, when he was
here, Aunty went to a party at least once a week, and
now she is never out in the evening.

A letter from Uncle G. just came.  It is written on board
the 'Cuba', off Sandy Hook, and sent back by the Russia; of
course before he had seen any of the home people.  He seems
to have had a good passage.  The 'Russia, which brought over Uncle
G's letter, made the passage in eight days and two hours.It is a great shame that the U.S. will not send the mails by
the quickest lines.

If Aunt Ellen has taken a second baby, pray what is its
name?  I can scarcely believe it possible that she has done
so, but as you repeat that she has I suppose it is a fact.
Nannie, Cornelia, and Baby No 3?  I think I am being very
badly treated to be away, when there are so many babies
to be looked after.  I've got Paul to be sure, and a clever
little fellow he is, but then Miss Durant when she
is well, will be taking him off for the summer.  Is
it not absurd - we have two nurses to look after one
youngster?!  Miss D. will have it so, tho' it is so needless.

Have you ever seen a book called "Piccadilly" - by
Laurence Oliphant?  It is a very amusing account
of fashionable life in London.  I borrowed it from Mrs
Sweet, and never saw Uncle G. so amused by a book
before, as he was by 'Piccadilly'.  I am disgusted with
Mudie.  If you want a sensible book, it is almost
sure to be 'out' or else, which I believe to be the real
fact with most books of any worth, "it is not in the
Library"!  Three volumes novels, of all degrees of worthlessness
you can have to any extent.  The favorite proceeding, is when
we send a list of books, for the carrier to bring us up some
day a trashy novel of the sensational kind -"Red as a Rose is
She", 'Black Sheep', "Cometh up as a Flower' or (most aggravating of
all) 'Good-bye Sweetheart', which last has been staring me in

the face from every blank wall in London, for the last
three months.  Next year I mean to walk to the Library and get
books myself, instead of the carrier bringing them here.

We look out daily for news of Aunt Marian's coming.  I suppose you
know what Frances is looking forward to in September?
I can't help laughing whenever I think of it.  It seems too
ridiculous.  She is scarcely better than a baby herself!
I am thinking of a new plan for letting you have my journal,
every fortnight, or every month.  My idea is that I should use
very thin sheets of paper, about the size of this sheet, and then
when the record for a fortnight or month is complete, send 
it to you and and Floy alternately.  The part you receive, to be read
and forwarded to Floy, she send you her part in the same 
way.  What do you think of that arrangement?

June 12th.  I am in a great state of delight because
a letter has just come from Aunt Marian, telling
us that she has taken her passage by the Tarifa
which was to sail yesterday.  Best news of all is that
Aunty will see you the very last thing, and so we
shall have the 'latest-intelligence" from Boston.
I am just sending off to Marian, a small box of
mistletoe, which Rachel has sent me up from
Abercarne.  M. wanted some to show her Botany
class in the Ware High School.

June 18th. This will be a scrapy letter.  Paul has left
us to be with Miss Durant at Hampstead. Miss D.having recovered from her illness sufficiently to have
him with her.  We shan't see much of him till
September I suppose.  We have for the three days
had regular N.Y. weather here.  Thermometer at 85 during
the day, which for England, is, as many people have
said the last few days, "excessively hot".  I find it
just comfortable.  We should do very nicely if
we only had good water, and plenty of fruit.
The London water is detestable, and undrinkable.
I've taken to making lemonade for our own daily use.
The ice which is sold here, is too nasty and dirty to
think of using for anything but packing fish &c.
Would that some enterprising Yankee, had thought
of bring ice here in winter & storing it for summer
use.  He would do the temperance cause good service, for
with the water so warm & otherwise unpleasant, it
is no wonder John Bull prefers drinking beer.

We often long for an abundance of fruit.  Just
think, strawberries on the 18th of June, at 50 cents
a pint!!!  We expected a letter from Uncle G. this morning
but none has come, so we are feeling very savage.  Aunty
says our life will be a burden to her henceforth, because
of Uncle G. has neglected us.  She weekly says that she
"expects to be nagged" by me.

With love to Mamma and Papa,
Your faithful
Robert Kidd.

[*In any difficulty you may
find in proving my right to the treasure
I should think you have 
a desire to know [where I've]
hidden it. [H?]
be ready to
[????]
Uncle G's advice.  He has often expressed

[*the 
marginal
notes
in yr
journal!!
Of course
I won't 
do so,
till
I receive
permission.
Aunt 
M. has
given
us a
full*]

6 Burwood Place
Hyde Park. W.
June 27th 72.

My dear Bride,

Aunt Marian made her appearance
here on Sunday evening (23rd) at half-past six.
I was seated at my solitary tea, indulging in
anything but complimentary thoughts as to the slowness
of the good ship "Tarifa", when came a furious ring
at the bell, a loud knock at the door, & looking
round I saw a cab at the door loaded with
boxes.  Out I rushed to welcome our 
long-looked-for visitor.  Aunty looked very well, for
her.  She seems to have escaped sea-sickness,
but to have had a bad state-room, and a very
dirty ship.  She has just sent home a circular
which you will see in course of time.

In the first hour I contrived to 'pump' her
as to the Boston household, pretty well tho'
not quite dry.  The precious journal
and enclosures were given me the first night.
Thank you very much for them all.  I shall
obey all your wishes regarding them, for I expect
"to be done by as I do".  Your photo has not turned
up yet Aunty having so many packages that she
forgets where she has put things.  We are all
delighted with the photographs of Aunt Emily.  I am
so glad we have a good one at last, I shall get rid of
the horror in my album, as fast as possible.Aunt M. has been searching for lodgings and has seen
many of all degrees of badness.  Finally, this
morning, I was sent round to engage Uncle G's
old rooms.  Aunty will therefore have a comfortable
bed-room and parlour opening into each other,
a landlady who thinks "Mr Blackwell the best
lodger I ever had", and who is delighted to have
another member of the family occupy the
rooms.  It is just round the corner too, which
is a great advantage.  Aunty will take dinner
and tea with us as Uncle G. did.

Aunt Anna is anxious to settle someplace
for the summer.  She wishes to take a house
at Wimereux, Boulogne Sur Mer & to have
Aunts B. & M. join her.  We shall probably do
so, for the sake of being with Aunt A.
The Abercarners who planned to visit France
this summer, have given up the idea and
are desirous to have us visit them.  If we
go to France, I don't think Abercarne will
be blessed by the light of our three
republicane countenances.

I suppose you have seen the photos of Nannie
and Cornelia?  I am in love with little Nannie's.
She looks such a sweet gentle little thing.
Cornelia is I dare say also very nice, but from


all I've heard, I think I should like Nannie
best.

I began taking French lessons yesterday
of a young widow, Mme Martineau.  She knows only
a few words of English, so I shall be forced to
rub up my French.  Paul has been
away for a week.  He returns next week to remain
with us only a few days before starting to
spend the summer on the Isle of Wight. 

Poor Aunt M's ears seem to give her trouble.
She has painful gatherings in them; but we
hope that a week or two's rest after her
voyage will make matters all right.

This is the way our days pass now.  Breakfast 
Aunts B & M. taking it in their respective
rooms_I like a respectable mortal breakfasting
in solitary state down stairs.  Breakfast
over, comes reading the "Times" & the letters
by first mail.  Aunt M. opens the door between
our rooms and treats us to some bit of 
gossip about one or other of the home
people.  Then alternates thro' the rest of
the day letter-writing and gossip with Aunt M,
sewing & ditto, a walk in the Park, and ditto,
meals and ditto.  How soon do you suppose we
shall exhaust Aunty?  We discuss

[*description
of
the
H. Sq.
house,
so 
that
we
feel
as tho'
we
had
seen
it.
When
Aunty
arrived
I looked
out
anxiously,

half
hoping
you
would
appear
 in 
the
back-
ground. 
Come
all
of
you
soon,
and
visit
the 
old
country.
I must
tell
you
that*]everything from books and the Presidential
election, to the latest baby, and the price of
fruit in New York.  In my French lesson
comes this sentence: "L'élection de le général
est infallible"--I hope it will prove so in
Gen Grant's case!  We were so glad to see that
the Republican Convention thinks Womens rights
"deserve respectful consideration", and doubly
glad are we, since we learn from Uncle G. and Aunt
M., that Papa has helped to introduce so excellent
a "plank" into the Platform.  The London
"Times" sneers and at the same time is
very angry about it!  A year ago the "Times
was anxious for Gen G's reelection, but now
it says there isn't a rush to choose, between
the two platforms, and that the election of
either Greeley or Grant would be a misfortune!!!

Isn't it odd rather, that my last letter to you
and your last to me, should both propose
the same plan--viz: that we should send
our journals weekly to each other?  Shows how
completely "bone of my bone" &c &c you are!?
With lots of love to Mamma and Papa,
Always your affectionate
Betrothed,
R. Kidd.

[*Any new treasure discovered? Why pray, may I not read
June 29th Diary to 17th just received.  My part shall follow in a day or two.*]

[*Aunt M. 
says 
she
thinks
I hear
better
than
when
I left
home.
I am
sure
I don't
know
whether
it is
so, but
at any
rate
we
will
hope
it is.
R.K.*]

6 Burwood Place
Hyde Park. W.
July 1872

Monday 1st. Went to market and gave out groceries
from store-room in the early morning.
Then, Miss M. wishing to do some shopping
& to go to Mudie's, I offered to escort her.  We
set out for our walk down Oxford St, I
carrying the three books which were to be returned.
We reached the Milliner's on Regent's Circus, and the
mighty bonnet question was gone into by Mrs.
Bland & Aunty.  I gave it as my opinion that a
certain black lace bonnet, with a helmet-like
arrangement of flowers on top, was decidedly
becoming to Aunt M, tho' not a bit like
anything I had ever seen her wear before.  That
question was soon settled and the bonnet bought.
Then followed a least three-quaters-of-an hour's
talk with the Milliner; on the alteration-of-dress-
lace-shawl-veil-and over-skirt-question.  I listened
till I was tired, and then retreated to a corner and
had "Smile's Character" till I saw signs of a
move.  We did not get to Mudie's after all, for the
finery took so much time, that we had to hurry
home to dinner.  In the eve Aunt M. and I bought
some tea of a man who seemed to think us too
inquisitive, when we wished to know the name of
the tea we were purchasing.  We, Aunt M. and I,
spent a pleasant hour in the Park, the scent of 
new-mown hay coming to us from somewhere.Tuesday 2nd.  Mme Martineau gave me my French lesson.
I ordered our vegetables from a new shop
& it seems that when Jane saw a strange boy
she told him he must have come to the wrong
place and that he must run back to
ask his mistress if it was 'all right.'  Back he
came saying "Misses say she is sure it is right, 
because she took particular notice of the young
French lady who bought the things."  This is the
second time I've been taken for a French lady since
I came to England.  I'm sure I don't look a bit French.
In the eve, Dr., Miss M. & I walked as [far] in the Park as
the Albert Memorial, which is gorgeous with fresh
gilding & all the statues, representing Europe, Asia,
Africa & America, staring in all the newness
of their white marble.

Wednesday 3rd. The small maiden Lizzie, who is
to open the door during Dr's office hours, came
today.  Sarah leaves us, as Pauli no longer needs
a second attendant.  Pauli began to day taking dinner
with us instead of in the Nursery - he likes it.
How he did open his eyes at sight of the pudding!
He is fast making friends with Aunt M.

Thursday 4th.  How strange a Fourth!  No fire crackers, 
cannon, or holiday crowds to remind one that there
is anything special about the day.


Aunt M. & I walked across the Park (where, unwelcome
sight, I saw an Aicanthus tree), down Piccadilly to a shop
where Aunty wished to buy an elastic stocking.  The man at
the shop was very rude and impertinent.  Would call Aunty
"good woman", & as good as told her she knew nothing of 
what she wanted!  Finally we left; Aunty saying she
wished she had not ordered the stockings as the
man had been so rude.  I wanted to run back & tell 
the man he need n't make them, but Aunty wouldn't let
me, fearing he would be still more rude.  Aunt M. thinks
that perhaps the style of her bonnet caused his
impertinence!  It is really not so, for the only difference
between her present & her old bonnet is that the flowers
are arranged differently and are green instead of lilac!
The fact is the man, in the absence of his master,
was freely displaying his natural impertinence.
We then walked up Regent's St to the circus going 
into numbers of shops endeavouring to match some
Japanese silk of Aunt M's.  Home by Oxford St. - a long
round for Aunt M., however, she says she is not tired.

Friday 5th.  Mme Martineau came as usual, and when
she was leaving presented me with some flowers.
In the p.m. had Paul on a visit and tried to do
some sewing, but the "youngun" hindered me.
He is just as full of mischief as can be - wanted to
clean his teeth with my brush & do many other equally

[*'circulars' 
She 
will 
send 
you 
the 
letter 
she 
promised 
you.
I suppose 
you 
remain
in 
Boston 
this 
summer. 
It [is]
must 
be very 
pleasant 
to have 
a home 
which 
one 
is not 
driven 
to have 
in 
the 
hot 
weather.
With 
love 
to all,
Yr. 
affy
R.K.
"Robert 
K. Barry 
Esq,"
 indeed!! 
I must 
tell 
you 
our*]objectionable things.  In the eve Aunt M. and I took
a walk in the Park along the Park Lane side
where flower-beds are laid out on either side
the path - the flowers were looking lovely.
Saturday 6th.  Down Oxford St almost to
Mudie's to try in at least a dozen
shops once more to match Aunt M's Japanese 
silk.  How tired I did get of going into shop
after shop, and all fruitlessly too!
At last we got the silk at Johnson's
not three blocks from Burwood Place!
Silk bought, we were returning from Johnson's
when, down came the rain in torrents, &
we sought shelter in a baker's shop.
My new dress was not improved by the
wetting it got.

In the evening, Mr Channing and Mrs Julia
Ward Howe called.


My very dear Betrothed,
I greatly approve of the new
plan of 'journal letters' which we have mutually
hit upon.  You need not trouble to send this to Floy,
as I have made out a like letter for her with some variations.
I mean to get "Stretton", which seems to have delighted
you so much, from Mudie's.  Aunt M. says that
as soon as she feels better & has got off all her necessary

[*servant 
Jane, 
was 
much 
bewildered 
when 
I 
laid 
claim 
to the 
said 
letter, 
as 
belonging 
to me.
Adieu
A.S.B.K.


6 Burwood Place.
Hyde Park. W.
Aug: 6th 1872

My dear Betrothed,

First for the contents of your last letter.  I hope you 
have recovered from the effects of the accident, [and don't 
feel any].  You are quite sure you are all right again?
I doubt whether I have received all your message; because, tho'
I've industriously pumped Aunt M. for a month, I did not when
she left for Wimereux, seem to have exhausted her powers
by any means.  You had better give it up as hopeless - I can
not be made jealous!  Don't you feel exasperated, now, for
I'll allow you with perfect good will to make 'odes' to as many
of your friends as you have a fancy to!  There! 

Always fond of babies? - of course I am.  Won my 'young 
sporting affections', indeed!!  Please remember that as F.B.B 
appeared in this world of woe some ten months ahead of my
Pirates Bride, why the 'Sprouts' were won by her.  You'll
probably not mind this, as my mature affections are still 
fixed upon that trying, but still charming, love of my
early years - Alice.  Of course I love Pauli dearly, but if I 
had to make a choice between leaving him and never seeing
you, it is unnecessary to say what the choice would be.
Hurrah!  I am glad you are sound on the Grant or Greeley?
question.  Of course, I vote for Grant.  Greeley believes in
State Rights and that is quite enough to condemn
him to this household.

We have quite enjoyed reading J. T. Fields "Yesterdays
with Authors" - have you read it? Do you know,

P.P.S. Aug: 13th 
Just 
heard 
from 
Maria. 
She 
was 
about 
starting 
for 
Cape 
Ann.that the account of Thackeray amused and interested
us particularly, because Aunt Bessie & I both
thought how very like him Papa [was] is!  I hope you
feel flattered by our thinking so.  The account of
what occurred when Mr Fields carried Thackeray
off to hear a dull lecture, struck us as exactly 
what one might have expected Papa to do
under like circumstances.  We enjoyed reading of
Thackeray not so much for his own sake, as
because it called up pleasant pictures of Papa's 
merry doings.  By the by, please bear us in
mind when you read any interesting books & let 
us know the titles of such books.  Stupid
Mudie has no complete catalogue of his books &
so we are often puzzled to know what to send for, as
it is impossible to keep in mind all the books
you have ever heard of, ready for use at a
moments notice!

We are not to go to France.  Aunt Bessie has
several patients on hand who are anxious
to be able to consult her, so she has decided
to go somewhere within reach of London, and
come up once a week to see people.  Herne
Bay, in Kent will probably be our retreat.
It is only 60 miles from London, so Aunty 
can run up to town in a couple of hours.

Excuse 
this 
tattered 
sheet, 
only 
just 
torn 
it &
have 
not 
the 
courage 
to copy 
all 
this 
twaddle.


Sunday Aug: 11th 1872.

We have had a grand tearing up of things in the
house, in preparation for the painters, who
take possession on the 15th.

Aunt Bessie doesn't like to leave our servant, Jane, 
alone in the house during our abscence.  She is young
& pretty & very sociable, so we are afraid she might
get into bad habits of gadding.  Yesterday, we 
discovered that Jane has set up a very 
respectable "follower" & so we feel reconciled
to leaving her here, knowing that the "follower's"
mother lives near, & is, as well as her son, highly
respectable.

Have you heard anything of Maria Barlow
lately?  It is three months since I had a line
from her & I am in a great state of wrath at
the fact.  If she had been ill, I should have heard
soon enough, so I am not troubled on that score.

If F.B.B. is with you, give her the enclosed.  Send it to Somerville
if she has left, but read it first if you care to.  I hope 
F. is with you.  I heard that she was to be.  Won't you have
a pleasant time together!  How very much I wish I could
take part in some of your confabulations.  Let us hope
my turn will come soon.

I have not had anything to record in my journal, at
least nothing that seemed worth the recording & have
neglected it.  When we reach Herne Bay, I shall doubtlessthat [l]etter; I hope to make an excursion from thence
us Canterbury.

I must hurry this to a close, as I have 
many packings to do for Aunty, who starts tomorrow
to look up quaters at Herne Bay.

With a most tender squeeze (F. may
be my proxy), I bid you adieu, till the 
sea-breezes have inspired me, with something to say.

Always affy,

Robert.

P.S. Aug: 18th.

Our small grocers-boy appeared today, & announced
to Jane that the world was to come to an end
at noon precisely!  It is now 4 p.m., so what
said boy thinks of the "Times," on the authority of
which he made his startling announcement,
I don't know.  I am afraid his faith in the
thunders of the "Jubiter" is forever shaken.
It did not seem to strike the youngster that if the
world was to end so soon, it was unnecessary to
leave butter & eggs for a half-past-one dinner!

It is reported that the good people of Paris were
much alarmed by the prophecy, & some of them
began moving away from Paris as fast
as they could, not realizing that Paris, tho' great
in their eyes, was still not the world, & that they
were still in danger outside its walls!!!

[*What does 
the 
enclosed
mean?
It has
appeared 
so two
weeks
running!*]

6 Burwood Place
Hyde Park. W.
Sep: 24th 72

My dearest Betrothed,

What is the matter?
I have not had a line
from you since July
29th (posted in Boston on
July 16th), and I cannot 
understand it.  Dear Monkey
write; if you give me
up I shall be worse than 
homesick - a deserted
LOVER!!  Cruel charmer,
relent.

Last Thursday 18th, Aunt
Bessie returned from
Hampstead, with a bad cold,
which has since proved
a regular attack of "Chills
and fever."  On Sunday 22ndI called in an old fellow-student
with her at St Bartholomews Hospital,
a Dr Gibbons.  He says I need not fear
that there is any danger, only great
care must be taken of her food &c,
& she must not be troubled about
things.  You may guess my state of
mind when Aunty took to her bed;
for I never in all these years,
have known her sick in bed
for a single day!  Of course I am
busy, as I am nurse, housekeeper,
and have to answer heaps of letters.

The Dr assures me that very soon
Aunty will be 'all right' I am sure
& trust so.  Miss Durant took Pauli to
her house for a day, but she is not
strong, so I've brought him back.
He is very good, dear little fellow, and
goes about like a mouse, 'because dear
Dottore is sick'.  Poor little man! he
finds it hard to understand why he
may not pay his usual morning
visit to 'Dottore's' room.Miss Durant is an invaluable
friend - I know her so well,
that I can call upon her
for anything & be sure to
find her ready to help.

Some journal letters to you,
Floy, & Maria, one from 
Maria to me, one from
Aunt Anna to Uncle George,
have most unaccountably
disappeared. High and low
I've searched & nowhere are 
they to be found.

I've neither the time
now, nor the courage, to
copy from my journal
again. When Aunty is
well perhaps.

Do write directly dear.
This is the first time in six
years, that a month has passed 
without my getting at least
one letter in that time.

Much love to all
Affy,
Kitty

[*You know
of course, that
Frances' baby, a boy was born on the
18th Sep:  I sent on the account to N.Y.*]

6 Burwood Place
W.
Oct: 3rd 1872

My dear Betrothed,

Many thanks for
Wilson's life which 
arrived yesterday.  I am
glad you think me still
so good an American,
that I care for 
politics.

Aunty sits up
every day now and
is certainly getting
well - slowly.

She said in a note
she contrived to scribbleto Aunt M. yesterday "don't
let them know in America
that I am ill"!!  Too late!
Besides if I didn't say
anything in home letters
I should have to stop
writing altogether.  If any
of you take notice of
her illness, pray don't
make much of it - Doctors
can't bear to allow that
they are ill.

Do you never mean to
write?  Are you trying to 
make me jealous?  No use
that, but you may break
my heart, at least when
Aunty is well.  I can't well
go into a 'Decline' or have
a broken heart just now
as I'm nurse, housekeeper
& woman of business.

Love to all, from
us both,
Affy,
thy Cousin.I answer all letters which come 
for Aunty & sometimes sign myself 
K. Barry or Kitty Barry. One gentleman 
writes to me as 'Madame' & adds a P.S. 
hoping he is "right in addressing 
me as a lady"?  And I receive letters 
"for the Secretary of Dr Blackwell"


6 Burwood Place
Hyde Park. W.
Oct: 8th 72

Dear Dr Emily,
For the last three 
days Dr has been able to 
get down as far as the 
dining-room & there 
lie on the sofa all 
day.  Hitherto she has 
rejected all idea of 
going to the sea-side, but 
today she asked me to 
write to Mrs Blythe & to 
Mr Bicknell to ask 
them if they knew of 
any good boarding houses 
at Ramsgate. 

For several days 
Dr has refused alldrugs & I think has improved 
decidedly, since doing 
so. Of course we feed her 
well, & Miss Durant is 
constantly bringing in 
some dainty or other. 
I am very busy indeed, 
have a great many letters 
to answer & a daily postcard 
to send to Mme Bodichon in Abercarne.
I've had offers of 
assistance in my 
nursing duties from 
all the Abercarne girls. 
Mr Ward, who called here 
the other day, went back 
& reported to the Abercarners 
that I "was quite knocked 


up"!! Which is not a bit 
true. I've had nothing to 
"knock' me up. 
Miss M wants to 
return from Holland, 
& if it were not for all 
the expense Mr A. has
been put to, I should 
wish her to be here, but 
as the worst is over, 
it seems not worth 
while to shorten her 
visit.
Fanny wants me to 
go down to Abercarne 
when Dr is recovered, 
& Dr says she shall be 
glad to have me go - I 
certainly shall not gounless Miss M. is back from Holland before December.
With many happy returns of the day.
Yours affy,
Kitty.
What is the matter
with Alice, that she
does not write? Have
not had a letter from
her from two months?
She sent me a political
pamphlet as a birthday
gift the other day, but
never a letter.


6 Burwood Place
Hyde Park W
Oct:9th 72

Dearest Alice
I am writing to
Maria, so having
a little room, get her
to post this to you.
Aunt Bessie is
mending slowly-
Since Sunday (6th). She
has come down to 
the dining room
to spend her dayShe refuses to take any
more drugs- Which I
think a very good sign, &
the fact is she has
steadily improved since
doing[s] so. As soon as
we can move her, those
good friends Mme Bodichon
& Miss Durant mean
to find some nice sea -
side place for her to go
to. Miss Durant is like a
sister, she is so kind &
thoughtful. I'm sure I
don't know what I should
have done without her. away
from all the family
as I am.
Pauli is sealed in my"yap" so I'm writing
under difficulties!

Maria sends me
very sad news of yr
cousin Clara - I
hope she really has
got over her illness?
M. seemed to fear the
worse.

In haste,
Your affte, but
neglected,
Betrothed.


6 Burwood Place
Hyde Park. W.
Oct: 18th 72

Dear Dr Emily,

I hope you have
seen the reports of
Dr's state which I
sent to Boston.

Dr is very weak - no
fever now- [but] and has
no appetite tho; we do
our best to tempt
it.  She comes down
stairs daily - but it
is a great effort.  We
have written to three
boarding houses in
Ramsgate & I hope to
be able to take herhere she will not really
recover her strength.

I think some of you
might write.  Here has
a Steamer which left
N.Y. on the 6th, arrived, &
no letters!

As for Alice, I've
given her up for a hopeless
case-.

Many happy returns
of the 7th of November to
Floy & of the 8th to Mr
George, from Dr, and K. B.

Floy dear, do write, & don't
for once, do as I've
always requested you -
follow Alice's example.

I should have put many
happy returns of the 3rd Nov:,
first- Mr Sam!down there on the 21st or 22nd.  I shall
have to accompany her - it will be a
great expense - [but] for she still needs
help in all sorts of ways.  Miss Durant
is untiring in her kindness & Mme B.
says- "Call me up from Sealands Kitty
if you want me at anytime".

Miss M. need not regret being 
away from London for every day
since she left has been either
rainy or a heavy fog!  It is disheartening,
this weather & I'm sure while Dr isMiss Ellen, don't you ever mean to write to
us again? We've heard nothing from you
since January!
With love to all,
Affy 
Kitty.


Seaford. Sussex.
Nov: 1st 1872

My dear Betrothed,
Just a week today, Aunty
and I came down here. I am
glad to say Aunt Bessie bore
the journey well and, if these
English skies would only
not send down such
perpetual rain so that
she might be out of doors
more. She would pick up
strength rapidly.
I enclose a picture of our
place, the black cross marks
the house we are in. The
-cooking is not much to boast
of. We have however, very nice
fresh vegetables, chickens
ducks &c, & the best milk
& cream I ever tasted. I
drink a quart of milk daily.


[*Please return when read.*]Woe is me!  I've just turned up
my paper, & behold this mess!
I can't stop to recopy for the
post goes soon - so you
must excuse it.

We not had one fine
day in a week.  Today
we went (Aunty in the
donkey-chair) for a little
air, & down came the rain
in torrents.  I got a good
wetting, but Aunty was 
under cover.

Send this to Aunt Emily - I've 
so many letters to write, that
I can't write to all at home.

Nothing from Aunt M.
Aunt Anna has had to go to great
expense in doing up her house,
which was much damaged
by wet during the summer.& Aunty makes away with half-a-pint of
cream each day at dinner.  Her appetite
is very much better.  I think we shall
remain here a fortnight, & then go to
Hastings, where we hope Mrs Bodichon
may be able to come too.

In a letter just come from Aunt
Emily, she doubts whether Aunt Bessie
can have had chills & fever in England!
There is not the slightest doubt that
for the first ten days of her illness
Aunty suffered from her old Long Island
enemy.  After that time, it was as 
certainly Gastric fever from which
she suffered.  Of course picking up
strength is slow work,- much slower
work than I thought possible.

Twice Aunty has been for a ride in a
Bath Chair drawn by a donkey, & enjoyed
it very much, for the air is very 
invigorating here, tho' the country is very
flat & the beach the most hateful I
ever saw.  You have to grind through,
& up & down, nearly 200 feet of loose
shingle before you can get a the sea.


1 Carlisle Villas.
Hastings.
Nov:16th 1872

My dearest Alice,

If you knew how
happy your letters,
however short, make
me, I know I should never
have to wait three months
again for a letter.

I suppose you use pink
paper to testify how great
your love is for me?  I've been
given to understand by a
certain young lady, who is
also fond of using pink
paper when writing to me,
that that colour is devoted
to love-letters!!

I am very busy, for
Aunty, as her own letterwill tell you, is not yet
fully recovered from her
illness. I read the "Times" to
her daily, which take
me at least three hours,
as I read everything except
the advertisements, police 
reports, & money article.
We generally take a drive
for an-hour-and-a half if
the weather [pre] permits, &
enjoy it, tho it is very cold.
I have not explored
Hastings yet. beyond and a few
shopping expeditions, & our
drives along the Esplanade
which extends for two or
three miles by the sea.
We have been very anxiously
reading the papers day by daywhich are full of the terrible fire at
Boston. We cannot quite make out
whether Tremont Place has suffered,
but fear so, because the "Times" speaks
of "Temple Place" being gone, & we suppose
Tremont Place, Tremont Temple, & Temple
Place, are probably near together. We shall
be very anxious till we get a line saying
whether the Journal office is safe or
not - So don't delay writing. We over here
cannot realize that Boston of all places
has suffered so great a misfortune-somepapers say that the reason of
of the fearful spread of the
fire was that the Fire department
was so ill managed - we deny
that it is true, & I am glad
to say that a Bostonian has
just come out with an
indignant denial of such
statements in a letter to
the "Times."  Old Boston in
Lincolnshire, was the first
to start a subscription for
her namesake.  Everybody is 
more distressed by the calamity
in B. than they were by the far
greater one of Chicargo, for
people here have a very
kindly feeling towards Boston
as being the most homelike City 
to them, in the U.S.

With very much love,
Your
Betrothed

[*Pardon the blot.
I've just
shaken my
pen over
the paper!*]

Love to Papa
& Mamma.


I fear that as you have [given]
disappointed me in my hopes
of seeing you this side the
"nasty pond" as Aunt Anna calls
the ocean.  I must also tell you
that there is no prospect of
seeing "my well known cutlas"
under your window some
moonlight night.  (I am writing
with a quill pen, so please
excuse the scratchy writing).

Aunt Emily sends a note
saying, "there is always a bed
for Kitty, if she comes over."

I make up my mind
bravely enough when we have
no home letters, to not seeing
you all this summer, but
a letter from home always
makes me so homesick for
a sight of you.  And here
has just come a letter from
Maria saying "You are coming 
home Kitty are not you?- It isvery grievous to have to disappoint so many
"great expectations' - my own also! - but as I am
well know to be an utterly heartless mortal, it
is only what might have been looked for.

Of course if I do not deliver my journals
in person I shall seize so good an opportunity
& send the packet by Uncle George.  If I only
could find my buried treasure!  What is the
good of being Capt. Kidd, when I cannot
tell where my treasure lies; and now when I
should be so glad to use it; for so good a purpose
as claiming my lawful bride!  Aunt Anna
ought to be forced to reveal to me, what I
have so completely forgotten.Aunt M. wrote about her thought;
that little Nannie looked like
dear Grandma. It is all well
enough to laugh at my having
been Capt: Kidd; but I utterly
decline to believe that Grandma'[s]
has come back in the person
of wee Nannie. No one is, or
ever can be, equal to dear
Grandma; and the only thing
which reconciles me to staying
in England is, that a return
home would make me realize
more keenly, the loss we have
sustained.------

Paul's guardian, Miss Durant
has just lost her Father.  Miss
Whitney's note came for Miss
D., two days before Mr. D's
death.  Miss D. begs me to thank
Mamma for the trouble
she has taken in handing
Miss W. her letter.Aunty & I have been doing some
of that interesting work - house
hunting.  Not that we mean
to move now, but we shall look
about, & perhaps by next
Lady Day (25th March), find
some nice little house with
a garden, which we shall
like better than our present
house.

You will have been
puzzled at my last note beginning
in the middle of a sentence - the
first sheet slipped out some-
how.  I enclose it now.

With heaps of love
to all at Boston,
Yr affate Pirate,
Robert Kidd.

We are doing without fires
today - first time this year.
Wish I could send you some of
the dear little primroses from our vase.


1 Carlisle Villas.
Hastings.
Nov: 22nd 1872

Dear Betrothed,

I am glad you feel so
repentant for your various
shortcomings - I suppose it is
useless to deny that I was
jealous.  If you insist upon
my being so you will have
to kindly inform me of whom
or of what you consider I am
jealous, for I don't know.

We are still at Hastings &
will probably remain here
for two weeks more at
least. It is four weeks
(Aunt Anna would call that
"an Americanism" & tell me I ought
to say "a month"), since we left
London, & it is only now
that I being to see any
decided improvement in
Aunt Bessie's state.  She eatmuch better, sleeps generally very well, & has
some colour not looking the gastly object
she has done for two months past.  We
have a walk or drive daily, & tho' it is Nov.
Hastings is so protected from the North
winds that we can drive, walk, or sit
out of doors several hours each day.  We
are very lazy in these days, & read nothing
but light literature.  Geo Elliot's story of
Middlemarch, we find very good for reading
aloud, but it is stupid to have it brought
out in parts.  I've read 'Waverly', 'Guy Mannering'
& the 'Antiquary' to Aunt Bessie since she
has been ill.  We tried at four circulating
libraries in Hastings the other day & not
one possessed a set of Scott, Dickens,
Cooper, or Charlotte Brontë, & after I had
examined all their book shelves, & found
lots of trashy novels, I came away in disgust
telling Aunty I wouldn't be seen carrying
such books home.  We finally bought a
copy of one of Florence Marryat's stories called
"Petronel".  

Why of course we hit upon the same
ideas my dear.  Naturally we do. This is not the
first time, Aunt Anna says, that we have
been Betrothed.  In fact I believe it is considered
that we have been husband & wife several
times already, so we certainly should be ofbut 'one' mind in all things.
May I ask how you have
invested that $13.00?  I trust
to the best advantage!  I shall
look after my 'treasure', & you
need not fear that a Pirate
will ever lack means to
carry his Bride where she
lists.

We hope in a few days
to learn news of the fire in
Boston - the steamer is due
tomorrow. The "Times" says
today that the fire has broken
out anew!  We can't believe
it.  We are very anxious to know
that you have not suffered
any loss - so many people here
have lost heavily by the fire.

More in a few days - for 
this only goes to fill postage [to]
in Aunt B's letter.
Love to Papa and Mamma.
Affy,
thy,
Pirate.


6 Burwood Place.
Hyde Park. W.
Dec: 29th 72

My dear Betrothed,

How nice it was of
you to send a letter which
should reach me on Xmas
day!  On our return from 
attending the Christmas
morning choral-service
at Westminster Abbey, our
eyes were greeted by four
home letters lying on the
dining table - from Aunt
Anna, Aunt Emily, Uncle
Sam, & yourself!  It was
a pleasant Xmas gift.

Xmas day, was very mild
and cloudy - warm as a
day in June.  I got up very
early (7 a.m. but it is so darkat that hour that one needs a candle), went
down to the kitchen to look after the mixing
the pudding, but Jane had not made
her appearance, so I trimmed my German
student lamp, dusted the drawing room, &
then decorated the house with holly.  As
soon as breakfast was over we hurried down
to the Abbey in a cab.  Took a seat near the
door just as the great Organ pealed forth
with a Christmas Anthem.  I thought of you & how
much you would have enjoyed being seated
in the beautiful old Abbey - for I remember how
you used to like going to Trinity in N.Y.  The service
was choral entirely and was very fine.  As
we could not hear Dean Stanley's Sermonconsidering it is the first
time I ever did it alone.
You see we were very quiet
here - from Somerville
we expect much more
lively doings.  I am curious
to hear what you thought
of such an assemblage
of Babies!  It must have
been amusing to see
such a party of wee ones.

I meant what I said &
did not think (tho' you deserve
it), of exciting false hopes.

Aunt Bessie declares I
am to go home next summer.
Very possibly I may see
you, if Aunty is quite well
& if as she says, her
"money tree blooms."  Don't
excite yourself with too
"great expectations."

Of course I shall first
appear in Mass. Bay, for Ihave private information, that my treasure
is to be found not a hundred miles from
its shores. Your hand and heart shall be
claimed, & my gracious pleasure is that the
tour be made Somerville wards.  What dress
do you think I had better have made for the
grand occaision?  Would not a Navy-blue
serge, gold buttons with anchors thereon, black
sailors hat (ladies wear them here in Summer by sea side)
and jacket with broad [hat] collar, be suitable?
I should charm Paul in that dress!  He has a sailor
suit and his cap bears on it, in big letters the
word "Monarch" he is greatly delighted to be
called "Mees Tet's Captain".  You must know Pauli
greatly dislikes a monkey, he think them a sort of
ugly baby.  I one day showed him my album &without thinking, when he
came to yr photo, I said "that
is my dear monkey."  Pauli, who
had seen it before - "No; Ayis?"
A day or two after I was in
the nursery, he setting in
my lap, & making grimaces,
and I said - you look like
a monkey - down he jumps,
rushes up to Miss Durant
& said Maman petite, Mees Tet
say Pauli is monkey & dear
Ayis - little girl - is dear monkey."
I thought he hated a monkey, so,
that he would not like to be
told he was making himself
look like one!  Behold it is
taken as a compliment!

Aunt Marian is fairly
established in Pauli's rooms &
will soon be ready to go about
sightseeing.  She has finished
the four volumes of "Middlemarch" 
- & I've just given her 
a story of Florence Marryatt's
called "Petronel".  If "Middlemarch"
has given her too high an ideaof the feminine mind, 'Petronel' will serve as
a corrective for Miss Marryatt thinks womenkind
like the men who could give them a sound
thrashing, but who from consideration to their
weakness, are graciously pleased to abstain!
I expect you to be one of the Petronel class
when you become mine, as a rule - When my
truly masculine spirit does not get the better
of my contempt for you as my inferior - I'll not
send you to the masthead!

When is that harrowing tale to reach me?  I'll
duly report its effect on me!

I do hope the eyes are all right now.  Don't
write if the eyes give you trouble but when
you can write, you know a letter is welcome.

With love to all. Thine, Kidd.being so far from the
pulpit we left & wandered
for a long time, round the
Abbey, the Houses of
Parliament, & the Courts &
passages in which the
Church dignatries live.
Home to an early dinner
of a big Sirloin; plum
pudding & Almonds &
raisins.  We drank to all
"over the water a Merry
Xmas & happy new Year".
In the p.m. we talked over
our letters, looked at the
photographs of the family
and wondered what you
were all doing "at this
moment."  At 6 p.m., about 
the time you were sitting
down to dinner, we satround the drawing-room fire, & I read aloud
from the Xmas No. of the Graphic, Charles Reade's
"Wandering Heir".  It is founded on real
occurrences, which you can learn all about
from the introduction to the household edition
(Ticknor & Fields) of Guy Mannering.  I recieved
from Aunt Bessie a rose wood work box, lined
with oxford-blue silk, from Aunt Marian a
 russia leather portfolio & from Abercarne several
 Xmas letters & Xmas cards, such as the one
I sent you.  It is as much the fashion to
send these cards at Xmas, as to send a Valentine on
St Valentine's day.  I was wholly responsible for
the plum pudding, & tho' I don't think
it was the perfection of a pudding
it was very welcome