BLACKWELL FAMILY
KITTY BARRY
MacKinlay, Eliza B.19 Ann St.
Hillhead.
Glasgow
Dear Kitty & Alice
Many thanks for your very
delightful, long, interesting letter, & P.S.es
at the end. Also for artistic & comical
Halloween P.P.C. Every one has admired it
so much (of 12th Oct..also 27th.) I am missing
the two dates, but please forgive 81. My
memory is failing but I am wonderful
notwithstanding. I very grateful to my
Heavenly Father for all His Goodness &
Kindnesses showered upon me from day
to day. So glad you enjoyed your visit.
to Mrs. Barlow she must be a very
able & clever person. I was charmed
with the description of her place.
You must all, Jock included, had a
most delightful time while there.
Also Jock's first dog friend in Ware &
the little lost doggie! It was nice that
Howard's eldest boy down saw you down to Ware.
N.B. Miss Grant & I did not get down to
Kilman to see Mr. McKinlay & Miss Mitchell
but, they were both well last accounts.
Did you hear of James Scott's wedding to the
farmer's daughter at
Dollinglongart they were
married by Rev Dr Harper
of Kilmain at Dunoon!
pardon this terrible scribble of a letter
& burn after you are done with it.
E.B.McK
I am very tired, writing seems to try me more than anything else, trust your eyes dear Alice keep better.
2
I was so pleased to hear he managed about
the Taxi so well & attended you so nicely.
His suit of clothes including waistcoat
must have been quite up to date!
I was charmed with the description!
Yes I turned up my hair. I think at 16 years,
I tried on all my Mother's silk dresses
with trains to them, up & down our
Acre of garden in Dumbarton when
she was away from home! & thought oh
how I would like to have a train to my
dresses!! Oh, the happy days of youth & dear
old school days free of care & happy
as the day was long. yes you, but you
may well have been proud of your lovely
head of hair, I never saw a finer.
Yes I think you are quite right to keep
it short. I have had such pleasure in 
sleeping with mine since I got mine
bobbed & shingled! I was so pleased the
shortbread arrived all right & that you
all enjoyed a wee bit.
Mrs. Hayne's mother is a marvel at ninety years

3
It was good of you to give the dancer
daughter the Scotch Scarf & Glengarry!
Trust you got a good servant in the
place of the one you expected from Canada.
Yes it would be nice if you could get
one to come in by the day. Miss Grant
engaged an Ex Serviceman's wife to come
here to 19. Ann St from 2 o'clock till 8 in
the evening, gives her £1.. a week for her
services rendered, her husband was
Captain Thomson during the war, & for over
a year has not been able to secure work of
any kind. He has got a position now as
traveller to a Photographer in Sauchiehall 
street. Mrs. Thomson has been so nice & kind
to me since she came in every little way
she could. I did miss dear Mrs. Govan
after he sudden death, She was an angel
to me oh how I miss her dear loving face.
Miss Grant has to part with her Mrs. Thomson just now
her youngest sister is dying of Consumption
& has been brought home from "Bridge of 
Weir"4
Sanitorium no hope just fading away, 
such are the trying scenes of this life.
Pleased to hear you are able to take
all the nice things for breakfast.
I do not think you will starve if you 
have dear Alice beside you, & glad
you enjoying the fruit coffee & toast.
I am glad you hear from the 
Tittertons, they were going to Corsica 
when you wrote. Glad you have your
very good reader Miss Hoogs every day.
Jock seems fond of her so she must
have something nice about her.  Good 
old Jock, he knows a friend when he sees 
her!  Yes I have a lodgers vote & "Sir 
Robert Horne" (Conservative) sent a Taxi 
for me, & also an old Uncle of Mrs Taylor's
next door whose age is 87.  So we all 
bundled into the Taxi, Kate Grant, Mrs Taylor 
& Mrs Barras a Polish Lady flat above me.
It was a a dreadful day of rain never
stopped the whole day, we were driven
home in the same Taxi.  I am a Liberal

5
and the daughter of staunch Liberals -
but I don't bother about politics I am 
like you keep quite & vote for the 
party now that will do the most
good for the Country & those in it.
Our could weather is on, but as yet 
it has not been very severe & I 
trust we may have not too severe a 
winter if it is God's Will.  Miss Grant got 
your Halloween P.P.C. all right will answer
it some day.  She has a very busey life 
just now.  She has a Mr. Ravenscroft an 
Englishman in the "Grain Trade in the City" 
he occupies Mr & Mrs Govans two rooms, 
(dining room & bedroom,) & she let my 
room to a Student from Stirling a 
Mr Frazer who attends the University here. 
When Miss Bell brought me over here after
about three week's happy visit to Eton Place
Miss G said to me you are to have my 
bedroom, as his Aunt said he could not 
afford to pay for the larger rooms.
I told her I was sorry as I liked the smaller 
room, bu we must just forgive6
& accommodate one another in the home, 
& be nice to one another, she has the use
of her bedroom along with me, the other
room was my room & I was quiet & retired
there but we get on all right, & she is kind. 
It was a great blow to her Mrs. Govan's death
as Mrs Govan did all her own work & cooking
that is the reason she had to engage a lady 
help or House Keeper, as I can simply do
nothing it is my resting time at my age
take no notice of these remarks when 
writing me please as it is best.  Miss Grant
is over head & ears with - work & has [her]
Mrs. Glen her sister through helping her
with the making of £17 of sweets
Toffees et cetra for a large Bazaar
in Glasgow, & Mrs. Paterson (Edith) her
other sister & the Dr. Grant's wife (Peggy)
has been helping also, the "Sweets" have to be
delivered tomorrow the 17th & the smell of 
Toffee & other lollie making is terrible
in the house.  She Miss G has started a
"preserve making" business Jams Jellies
Chutney et cetra, too many "Irons in the fire"
I trust she will not collapse in the midst of it all,
Also dinner parties for the Englishman (Mr. Ravenscroft).

7.
Miss Bell desires to be remembered to you also
Miss Grant. I think I told you in my last that Mrs.
Dr. Davidson had been in Glasgow for several weeks.
Her brother Dr Grant made her come from London
to undergo an operation on her nose, she has been 
troubled with matter coming down into her mouth & 
causing her great discomfort. she went through the
operation under, another Doctor & Dr. Peter, her brother,
& feels much better is back to London & she is -
thinking of starting Tearooms some where in the 
suburbs of London along with with her daughter Mrs. Hill
who has one dear little daughter ("Pamela") about
four years of age, I enjoyed her company so
much the time she staid at 19. Ann St so gentle 
loving & kind just like dear Mrs. Glen her sister
both their sympathies were sweet to me. Mrs. 
Paterson (Edith) who's husband who died very 
suddenly (after an operation) she has helped.
Kate very much also during Mrs. Govans death
when the house was all turned up Mrs. Govan 
took ill with a "Clot of blood" on the brain at 
nine oclock never spoke after, & died ten minutes 
past one, it took place the evening of the 18th
of September & Miss Bell took me home that night
to Eton Place.  I can never no never forget dear "Betty"
she meant such a lot to me, her love & daintiness.
I think I told you of one fall I had at 
Callander when Miss Grant & I had a tour to the 
Trossachs the beginning of September. I had another 
fall about a fortnight ago fell down a8
flight-of steps and smashed my forehead, &
knee how my neck was not broken is a 
miracle.  I am nearly all right again God's Care
over us is wonderful, at all times, a step
sometimes between us & death thanks be to 
Him for all His sparing mercies.  I think I 
must have ten lives & not nine like the
cats. I have had so many during my life time.
My time had not come evidently!  Give
dear wee Jocksie a warm pat & rub from 
his old friend E.B. McK.  I think I see his
lovely black intelligent eyes looking up in 
my face, he is a true faithful little friend 
& no mistake thanks dear Alice for your
lines at end of letter you are the "Leal
& True" & not Miss MacKinlay my love
to you both dear ones often I wish
I could pop in & have a nice chat
with you wouldn't it be jolly --
I am with you both in spirit may
God watch over you & keep you
both at all times Ever you loving friend
E.B. MacKinlay
P.S. You dear Alice seem to be feeding
dear Kitty well her Avordipoise weight will not
soon go down !! Meat, potatoes salad & pie for dinner!19. Eton Place.
Oakfield Avenue.
Hillhead.
 Glasgow.
25.9.24.

Dear Miss Alice
    Many Thanks for 
the long interesting typed 
letter recv'd sometime ago -
so kind of you to take the 
great trouble, & your eyes
so weak, you really should 
take great care of them & not
tax them so much! a P.C. is
quite sufficient. I am here 
on a visit to Miss Bell for 
a week or two & very happy
able to get out these lovely
days to walk please accept 
this small box of shortbread with
my love & kindest regards -
Miss Bell sends kind regards -
Yours -
 E.B MacKinlay.[*POSTCARD*] 
[*GLASGOW WDO
25 SEP 
1924*]    

Miss A. S. Blackwell.
3. Monadnock St.
Boston. 25.
Mass.
U. S. A.TIS MONEY MAKES
THE WORLD TO GO,

BUT FRIENDSHIP SETS
THE HEART AGLOW
                                             
W HTho' time may scatter old friends far and wide,
In thought they once again unite at Christmastide.

Heartiest Greetings.

WISHING YOU EVERY
JOY AND HAPPINESS
THIS CHRISTMASTIDE.


From   E.B. MackinlayP.S. 
"Good luck" to 
"Jocksy" in his 
new quarters 
this "Christmas"
& "New Year"
& many may 
he see!!!
"Bon Soir!!!
Mary sends 
kind regards -
also Mrs Parker
much love.

Firewood.
Kilsrun.
Argyllshire.
15th Nov 1921.

Dear Miss B. Blackwell
Many thanks for your
delightful long letter of Oct 27th
also the three beautiful picture 
P.Cs. I have written you very 
many letters in my mind but 
unfortunately did not get them 
transferred to paper so pardon 
my long silence & negligence.
I would much rather come
and see your dear Cousin & you 
than write, but that would mean 
too costly for us both. So here goes 
on paper "Many thanks for all 
interesting news which your
dear letters has given us. It is 
a great labour of love your

2.
Cousin has in transferring
your thoughts to paper. But I 
well know & feel that she loves 
to do it for you. I know I would 
& I feel she does !! She will get her 
[her] reward. Although I have not 
been writing you. Not a day
passes but I think of my dear 
loving kind friend now 
far away in Boston. I have
many things to remind me of 
my loving absent friend.
I can never never forget you 
as long as I am spared & your 
many kindnesses to me . Yours
 is a heart of love & you must 
always be giving, giving to 
those whom you love.
I am so pleased that yourself
& dear little "Jocksy" are so very
comfortable, & warm, & cozy in 
your new home across the sea.
Pleased you both enjoy nice walks.3.

You have many splendid
appliances to keep you so
comfortable & warm, your lives
are cast in "pleasant places!!!
Yes I wish we had some of
them here in Firwood.
Pleased to hear that Jock is
getting used to the lifts he
would feel the new quarters
strange at first, but time
works its wonders even with
little dogs. He has got a very 
good home & they will all be
kind to him I am perfectly
sure for your sake as well
as his own, for he is & was
always a dear little doggie;
May he long be spared to keep
you company & cheer you.
Give him a hug from me
his "Aunt Eliza" to little Jockie
in New Zealand used to say.
the other day his Grandma

4.

was looking at my photograph
& she exclaimed "dear "old Aunt
Eliza" & they heard a "little voice
saying "Aunt Eliza not old"
"Aunt Eliza" not old & stamping
his foot,. well done little Jock
he did not like to hear me called
Old!!!
I don't wonder at you being
nervous when trains & motors
pass you after the fright you
got before leaving, I have not
forgotten it either!!!. I  am
perfectly sure the great fright
you got hurt your eyes, &
ears as well.
I am glad you are being 
renovated, you will be all
right with your new set of teeth
when you get them in.
I hope the operation on your left
eye will help your sight very
much I pray it may be so.5

Yes I think your eyes were
not properly attended to.
Mary Macdonald is still
with us & a kind girl she is.
She did not get the "Halloween"
card you sent her. I never saw
cards at that time before. I got
mine all right many thanks for
it. Trust Jock's side profile will
come out all right further on.
I had a delightfull holiday at
Miss Bell's, "Eeton Place," & all
Invery[?] air Helensburgh. Miss 
Bell was very pleased with
the "Card" you sent her, I enclosed
she has written you by this time.
She took me to Dr. Alice McLaren Newton Place
& she (Dr. McLaren) gave me a tonic which
she hopes will improve my appetite.
it has not been very good for sometime
indeed since you left. it began to fail then.
I missed you oh how I missed You.

6.

We have been in sore trouble Mrs
Parkers grandson (Mr Frank Galpin)
died a fortnight ago in Manchester,
leaving a widow & two daughters.
He had been ill for some months & in
Hospital, Mrs Parker has felt his
death very much, as when his
mother died (Mrs. Parkers stepdaughter.)
She Mrs. Parker took Frank home 
& brought him home, he was only
five months old & kept & trained
him till he was fourteen years of age
& his father (Revd Mr Galpin) took
him & put him into business
in Manchester, no wonder she
feels his death so much, I knew him
well, & loved him as a boy long ago
down at Green bank Strowe[?]. He
was a fine young man & every one
that knew him thought highly of him.
he was not afraid to die, he loved
his Saviour, & is with him now.
What a loss to his dear wife & two girls.7.

Then eight days ago, the 7th of Nov. about
nine or ten at night her nephew
(James Grant,) who was living up in
the Bungalow on the hill above us
was coming down the hill with
his lamp lighted & other things to
stay all night at "Heather bank" to
help them in the morning as their
servant was away on holiday, His
foot caught in a rabbit hole & he 
fell down twelve feet into a burn
below, His heart was very weak
& his brother (Dr Grant) thinks death
was instantainous with the great fright
of the sudden fall, what a mercy if it 
was, & he did not suffer any time. 
He was found by a boy gathering
sticks, lying in the burn, his lamp
still burning brightly in the morning
light. Mr Scott, Hotel[?], & Mr Fergusson
(Ferry House) carried him to "Heather
bank", and Miss Grant came round
herself to break the sad news to us,

8.

fearing some stranger might tell
us, [?] we were plunged into such a
state of grief, we were stuped at
first, & could not think it true as
he spent an hour in the forenoon of
that day with us, & was with us
between eight & nine that night before
he went round to Heather bank for
his supper, He brought us a "Tin of
Tomato Soup" for our dinner that day,
also blocks of wood for our fire 
from the hill, good kind James
Grant we can never forget his very
tragic death only three months since
his Mother died & was buried the 
day you left Kilmun, he is laid
beside his Mother in the Necropolis
Glasgow. Miss Grant & Mrs. Parker
are in a sad way of grief, Mrs. Parker
was not well when it happened, had
been in bed for two days with a chill,
so the shock was sore upon her
& upon both of us, as he was a favourite9.
with all who knew him, he had 
such a kind, good heart & was very
fond of his "Aunt Alison." Revd Mr
Mackinlay is much the same, not making 
much of it in the speaking line I think 
he is losing heart poor little man.
Miss Mitchell was calling on Saturday
night to ask for us both & she was 
crying about our MacKinlay; they 
had been round in the church during 
the week & he had taken such a fit of 
crying she would scarcely get him 
home; he seemed so depressed & vexed.
It is very pitiful , so trying to think
he will never be able to preach in that 
pulpit again. The weather has been 
very cold & trying, but when we
think of the starving thousands
we are glad to hold our tongues & be
silent - what a disturbed world 
it is all over, we would need more 
than this world to keep us up.
Nothing but theatres, racing, & dancing
all around. Mrs Parker was not able

10.
to go to Church on Sabbath she 
tool a little turn & dare not venture
She had everything ready & the Cab
ordered but had to cancel it. I went 
to church alone, Moss Grant went bacl 
with her sister after the funeral to 
Morton House Colinton Braid Hills
Revd Mr McKinnon preached his 
subject was from Hebrews 12 & 1st
TThe great cloud of witnesses. He is a 
good minister & spoke from the heart to 
the heart, but I felt it very trying although
enjoyed the sermon, but as all my dear
ones, are gone, I felt it so touching 
& broke down several times, Mr & Mrs
Scott were out- hearing Mr McKinnon, 
And thought I looked so white & ill 
they walked with me & made me go
 up to the Hotel with them & have a 
little lunch & it did me much good.
Mr. McKinnon called for Mrs. Parker
& sympathized with her in her losses.
We found him so nice, It is a pity his 
heart is so weak. He has got a church at 
11.
Weem. Sunday last was his last 
service in Kilmun, He took 
farewell of us all from the pulpit
& said how much he had enjoyed 
being with us he was staying at 
the Manse with Mr MacKinlay.
The "Free Church" have got a 
splendid man a Mr McGilp, a 
bachelor & all the young ladies 
& spinsters are busy attending 
the Free Kirk. Mrs Parker Miss Grant 
& I were at his "Induction Soiree" in 
the Free Church & enjoyed it very
much. It was held the night of my 
return from Helensburgh. You will 
be tired (or at least your Cousin Alice
will be} reading this long, rambling
"Epistle", so pardon & forgive the 
inelegant penmanship & scrawling, 
wishing your Cousin & yourself every
good wish for the "Coming Season"
& every needed blessing with much love
Your faithful & true friend
Eliza Baird MacKinlay.


[*P.S I am 
enclosing one or 
two little flowers
pressed from 
Dr Elizabeths grave
a nice clap for
for deer old
Jock.
E.B.McK.
written in bed.*]

Firwood.
Kilmun.
Argyllshire.
8th Feby.  /22.
Dear Miss B. Blackwell
Your dear characteristic letter
of 10th Jany. was received with great pleasure
& all its interesting news was duly
appreciated. We were both glad to hear
that you were feeling better though
still confined to "Blanket Bay", & trust
by this time you are feeling almost
about your usual. I was delighted to
hear about the ice cream service &
so much of it. I just imagined I had
some in my mouth!!!
I was pleased the Ball had
arrived, & trust the children will like
it. I am sorry to tell you that Mrs.
Parker & I have been in bed almost
since the year came in, trying to keep
warm. A most trying severe winter2.
the like has not been for 47 years !!!
Mrs. Parker sends her love, but not able to write
you yet so I am writing this in bed for 
both. A very trying time all over. The "Flu"
is raging all over & very many deaths.
Edinburgh & Glasgow very bad with it.
Old Mrs. Buchanan who visited Miss Bell
at Dr Johnstones House Kilmun, is laid up
in Glasgow with it. I think you saw her.
It will stand very hard with the dear old 
lady. I always think her such a picture.
I have asked Mrs Parker for the 
recipe for "Scotch Broth" & will enclose 
it in this letter. We had it today at dinner.
We were delighted to hear that
"dear Wee Jock" was having such a good
time of it in "Boston City" enjoying
five walks a day "Well off" darling Jocksie
Not many dogs so highly favoured.
You would be very sorry to hear of 
poor Rita Scotts death from 
"Meningitis" what a sore trial to Mr & Mrs
Scott & family. There have been


3.
six deaths in and about Kilmun
lately I can't remember them all just now
but old Donald Smith was one whom
Mr MacKinlay was very good too, & another
old Man called McIntyre who went by the
nom de plume of "Pickydab", the severe
winter was the cause.
The 4th of Jany. Kate Grant & I went to 
the Manse to see Mr MacKinlay & Agnes &
had a nice afternoon but oh it was piercingly 
cold, hard frost just a little too trying
for me, I am so thin the cold seems to go 
right through me. Mr McKinlay & Agnes 
were in good spirits & we had a nice 
time. Miss Grant sang & I played to
cheer them up a bit!
Doctor Robertson is away ill again
in the Royal Hospital Glasgow & Dr
Johnstone is taking his practice.
We had him here attending Mary's 
Cousin from the "Island of Barra", She 
had a great storm coming & was so sea
sick & weak, we had to get the Doctor.4. 
So out poor Mary has had three beds
to attend to once more again. her Cousin
is going to Miss Grants. Heather bank,
Jenny her present  servant leaves today.
Mary's Cousin is a Mary Macdonald also.
Mr & Mrs. Richard Grant has 
got a beautiful little baby boy about 
three weeks ago, whose name is to be ("Harry")
Richard Henry, Bereford, Grant.
Mrs Parker & I had our Christmas Dinner
at Heratherbank & had a nice time, Mr
Grant had a Cab for us to & from.
I have had several letters form Miss
Bell, she was asking very kindly for you.
She wanted me to get Dr Johnstone in to see me as I have
had several faintish & sick turns lately, just the 
effect of the severe cold & moving my arms too much about .
She wanted to pay all visits & medicine, but I could 
not think of such a thing as I am for two days
past feeling better & able to eat a little more.
How good & kind of her. - She desires to be 
remembered to you, also Miss Grant & Mary
Macdonald, poor Mary she has far too much to do. 
Mrs. Parkers bedroom bell is going constantly!!!
With lots of love from Mrs P & I & kind regards to 
your faithful Cousin Alice your loving E.B. MacKinlay.Firwood.
Kilmun
Argyllshire.
22nd Feby 1922,

Dear Miss K.B.Blackwell
Just a few lines to say
thank you very much for the
beautiful Valentines we all
received, I am charmed with mine
the words are so beautiful, just like
your own dear self. so loving &
true many, many thanks,
Mrs. Parker, Mary & Miss Grant
were all delighted with theirs.
And Miss Bell was so charmed
with hers that she sent it down for
me to have a "peep" at, & I have sent
mine up to let her have a peek at
mine. So they have all been very
much appreciated!
I trust by this time you are
feeling much better & regaining
your usual strength, & that "Jock"
is flourishing!
I am still in "Blanket Bay" the
weather has been so cold, glad to keep
under the warm blankets with two hot bottles.

P.S. Mrs Parker
& Mary desire
to be remembered.
excuse the 
torn edge of 
paper.
E.B.McK.
Many thanks
for all the other
beautiful cards
you sent me.

2.
Miss Bell would not rest till I got Dr.
Johnston to examine me & prescrible a
heart-tonic for one as she was sure I
needed it, He came twice and examined me, &
found the heart pretty weak, & prescribed a
heart-tonic for me & I feel much benefitted
by it. I was taking fainting turns, & Miss Bell
would not rest till I had the Doctor.
Dr. Robertson is away ill & Dr. Johnson
kindly took the practice, But Doctor Robertson
has sent down a Locom Doctor to relieve Dr
Johnston so I am glad.
I trust all your dear friends
keep well, your faithful Cousin Alice
& the others. Miss grant has got Mary
Macdonald's cousin from "Barra" to be her
servant same name s our Mary, Miss G.
is delighted with her. Our Mary is as
"busy as ever" not much rest everything
to do, she is well & attentive to her Mistress
& myself. Mrs. Parker is up these few days
past, but Dr J. said I was to keep my bed
till milder weather set in.
Mr Kinlay & Miss Mitchell are
about their usual, he (Mr K) is taking
flying your flag for "Princess Mary" on
Tuesday I have no doubt, "We are" I trust
the sun may sine on her, with much love
& every good wish for Cousin Alice & your
own dear self, & a pat for dear "Jocksie", yours lovingly
E.B. MacKinlay.Firwood.
Kilmun.
Argyllshire N.B.
30th April 22.

Miss K.B. Blackwell
As this is the last day of
spring. I think I will send you a
few lines to Boston. I have just been
writing to New Zealand & thought 
better write my dear friend K.B. a line
or two to let her know how we were
both getting along.
Many thanks for your last long &
most interesting letter also for all
the beautiful Easter Cards we each
have received at Firwood, all the other
friends you sent them to were charmed
with theirs, and the different paper
cuttings gave great pleasure in the
reading of them. We were delighted
with Harry Landers the latest.
What a winter & spring of cold we
have had Mrs. Parker & I have suffered
very much not the like of it for 4 
years. Hail showers today & very cold
to finish up spring with. But it is
prophesied that we are to have tropical

P.S. I met
Miss Boyd
& she was
delighted with
the Easter card
you sent her.
Revd W. Bell
his Bells
brother is to 
preach in 
Kilmun
next Sabbath
EB McK3.
joke a flitting. I am invited up to
stay a few days by & buy when it is
warmer to 19.August! & 19 Eton Place.
Miss Bell thinks of coming to Dr Johnston's
house. This summer again, but has not
made arrangements yet. The Doctor has
bought a "Motor Yacht" so he will be
able to go away & enjoy himself. He
came in to see how I was keeping
a fortnight today. so nice of him of
course I was safe in Blanket Bay
keeping warm.
Mrs Parker & I invested in a
very nice "Gramaphone" to keep us
"Cheerie" got a great bargain of it.
from the "Universal Stores" Manchester
we saw the advertisement of the
Sale of Gramaphones in the paper
"John Bell" A twenty Guinea Model
I'd "Six Guinea Gramaphone" reduced
to 35  - that just cost us 17/6 each
a Book of 6 double Records of 7/6.
3/9 each of us & a box of 200 needles free.
it only cost us in all £1..1..3d each.
& £2.2.6 in all, and it is a beautiful
little instrument, and we have little
concerns Mrs. Parker Mary & myself- so you
you will see we did get a bargain &
no mistake. We have got some lovely Scotch
Irish & operatic airs, Irish figs & Scotch
Reels, & we are almost dancing to them!!!

2.
weather in May!! How are you keeping
dear friend I trust well & that you have
been able to get your walks & enjoyed them.
What about your eyes & your teeth.
Have you been strong enough to get
anything done to them? And how is dear
Jocksie trust well & as loving as ever and
what about the other dog you spoke of?
I hope your Cousin Alice & your other 
young friend are well, also your Cousin
Howard's family & all other friends.
Mrs. Parker & I are looking forward to
the summer days with much pleasure
after all the weary winter & spring.
Miss Grant has bought a nice flat in
Glasgow she gave £700 for it two stairs 
up at 19 Auer St Hillhead Glasgow. W.
the reset street above Miss Bells. She 
had her sister Mrs. Glen at Kilmun helping
her with the flitting. Captain Campbell
wanted the house Heatherbank  for 
Willie Scot & his intended bride.
"We miss Miss Grant" very much,
she was always so bright & kind, I had
a letter from Miss Bell yesterday & she
says Miss Grants flat is so nice & roomy
& she is getting it into nice order, no4
Mr MacKinlay & Miss Mitchell have
secured Forest Hill house I think it is the 
first house pas[s]t Finnart House, the Arrols
old house & Paradise Bay. They are not to get in till
July I think, as it has been let for
May & June to another party coasting.
We are so glad that they have got a corner
to put up in, houses are not to be
got, you cannot get a flat in Glasgow
unless you "buy it", terrible state of 
matters.
Mary's eyes have not been so good 
so she had to get spectacles from a 
specialist in St Vincent St Glasgow, 
What a precious gift sight is.
We cannot value it too highly.
I am still reading away with 
"My second sight" never use an 
eyeglass at all. How grateful & 
thankful I ought to be to my 
"Heavenly Father" for His Great Goodness
to me in granting me such a most 
wonderful blessing.
I trust this may find you & all 
friends at Monadnock St. well, also 
dear wee "Jock" a clap from me to him,
with much love to yourself & your
kind Cousin Alice
Yours lovingly
E. B. MacKinlay.
N B Love from Mrs Parker, she is getting frailer.
we both are!


19. Ann St.
Hillhead
Glasgow W
18th June/22.
Dear Miss B. Blackwell
Many thanks for long
interesting letter recv'd from 
you with all news, also for
second letter just before
leaving for Glasgow on a 
visit to dear Miss Grant.
I came here last Tuesday 
the 13th & am having a most
enjoyable time with all
dear friends.
Oh how pleased we 
were all to hear that you
had got over so successfully
the operations on the lids of
the eyes et cetra, & had been 
such a very patient individual
Oh what matter for thankfullness
it will be if all the rest you 
have to undergo is as successful
& your sight restored. If it be
God's will I trust soon May2
your dear loving eyes be 
restored. I have been praying 
constantly for strength to be 
granted you to go through it 
all. God alone knows what 
you suffered all the years
with the eyelashes growing 
inwards. How noble & patient
you were all the time.
I was so glad to know 
that Cousin Alice had 
taken "Jocksey" under her
care poor we doggie
he will be wondering what 
is wrong that he cannot 
see his dear loving mistress!!
I handed round your
long letter to all dear friends
& they were all delighted, & I 
will do the same with the
last all friends are so interested 
to hear about you.
How Kilmun misses you 
& none more than the two friends 
at Firwood!. Never, never, can 
we forget you & all your dear love.

3.
Miss Grant sends her love to 
you she is speaking of enclosing 
a few lines to you. This is 
a beautiful flat so bright - & 
every convenience she has
seven rooms - & a dear couple
called Govan are staying 
with her great company - 
She has been so good & 
kind to me also Miss Bell
who also sends her love to 
you She asked Mrs Parker to 
come to her fro a few days
when I was at Miss Grants
but Mrs P. said Eliza dont ask
me, if you dont want to bring 
me back in a Box, She was
wonderful when I left her - but 
dare not venture from home 
her feet are failing her  she is 
troubled much with gout,
not a nice companion,
Kilmun church was to be 
preached vacant today the 18th 
June then we hear Candidates.
The dear wee minister is feeling4
the leaving of the lovely manse
very much & Miss Mitchell is 
busy getting Forestside House 
ready for him, Miss Bell 
goes to Dr Johnston's house 
for two months in 1st of July,
with Sarah her maid. 
Willie Scott's wedding on Tuesday 20th
June Miss Grant & I are 
sending a conjoint telegram
to congratulate them.
Now dear friend excuse 
these few scrawled lines - 
but I wanted you to get them 
soon to cheer you up - 
May you be sustained all 
the way - & keep up your 
"Pecker" you have always
been brave & strong never
a grumbler or complainer
My kindest regards to Cousin
Alice she has been good to you.
Mrs Parker desires to be remembered
& all your old friends at 
Kilmun, they are so interested 
in you & Jock .
Ever your loving friend
E. B. Mackinlay.Firwood.
Kilmun.
Holy Loch
(Scotland) Argyll.
24th Nov /22.
Dear Miss K. Barry Blackwell
Many, many thanks for
the delightful, long interesting
letter which you sent me through
your cousin Alice, thank her
very kindly for writing it to
your dictation.
I did enjoy reading it &
hearing all you had come through.
What a trying time you must have
had with these operations & what
a model patient you proved.
"One above" must have given
you strength & courage to go
through it all. I broke down
when reading it & thought I saw
your patient face!!
I trust you have been the better
of the fortnights rest in hospital.

2
Mr Scott sent along the last
note you sent him telling about
your being in the hospital &
undergoing the operations.
If it be God's good will I
trust both seeing & hearing
may be granted you, you dear
dear good kind soul can I
ever forget all your love & kindness
when you were here I always
felt I was near a kindrid spirit
and when we walked back to
the hotel ("Jock" you & I) we
were always so happy, so very
happy at seeing one another again.
I have had quite a nice
time this Autumn on the 19th Sept
I was invited to the "Golden Wedding"
of my oldest friends Mr & Mrs Hacking
of "Invergair" Helensburgh, the first
golden wedding I was ever at.
At the dinner I was called on to
say a few words being their oldest
friend, got strength to say a few words,3
& I entertained with music, singing,
& fortunes during the evening; but I had
taken too much out of myself &
had to rest in bed for a day & a
half afterwards, I spent about a
week with dear friends there &
felt much cheered by the visit.
In October I spent about a
week at Kilmacolm with relations
of friends I met in New Zealand,
I had a lovely time the sun
shone every day I was there!!
I finished up with two days & a
night in Paisley before coming
back to Kilmun.
I had such a delightful visit to
Miss Bell Eton Place Glasgow,
spent eleven days with her &
had a specially good time with
friends there. She (Miss Bell) is
like yourself when here, always
doing good to some one.
I must settle down now to the
quiet life of Kilmun, Mrs. Parker
had a touch of Influenza,

4
but is all better again she is
a wonderful old lady & many
think she will live to be a 100.
she has a big strong body.
although she takes heart turns
sometimes, Mrs Parker & Mary
McDonald desire to be remembered.
Mary's marriage to Archie McCallum
comes off in the Parish Church of Kilmun,
on the 19th Dec. (next month).
Our new minister (Rev. Mr Harper)
"tieing the Knott", they have taken
the Lodge of Craigendarroch, Blairmore
& are as happy as two doves such is
life, some happy & some suffering.
Mary & Archie are to spend their
honeymoon at Loch Fyne with his
Mother.
I spent yesterday afternoon
at "Forestside" & saw Mr McKinlay
& Miss Mitchell they were so pleased
to hear all about you & desire to
be remembered to you
Mr McKinlay has had a long letter
from his brother who is now
living in New Zealand.5.

with his wife, they left South
Africa to live in Onehunga N.Z.
They are not strong the husband 
had a mind of shock & lost his
speech like our Mr. McKinllay
but fortunately has got his back
again. Our old, dear little 
minister's speech is much better
than it was, he does not need to 
write it down on paper so often
now & he is able  to take his food
along with others at the table.
He's really a very wonderful person
always so contented & happy, he is
well off with Miss Mitchell, she
has been a faithful housekeeper &
nurse, he would not be living if it
had not been for the care & nursing
she gave him.  both send very kind 
remembrances to you they are
very happy in their cozy new
home at 'Forestside'.  Miss Mitchell
& Dr Johnston have made it so
nice & the view from 'Paradise Bay'
is lovely, quite a change from the
other lovely view of the Manse!!!
Miss Kelly & her Mother are both
pretty well the old lady is

                       6.
troubled with rheumatism & 
feels a little stiff on rising.  I am
going to have my tea with them
some "Sunday afternoon" how you
did enjoy going there of a Sunday.
The hotel people all seem to
be well & going about our new
minister Mr Harper has rooms there
until he gets married in spring.
& they like him very much he is
so pleasant & bright.
They have started a "Guild" at
Kilmun church now it used
to be just a "Work Party" so we are
advancing, tonight they are 
holding a Whist-Drive & Dance
in connection with it I bought a
3p ticket to help but I feel it is too
much excitement for me. I enjoy a 
quiet game at whist but not the
noise of the other.
Miss Muir has gone back to the
Strone Parish church where she came from
(the Rev Mr McArthur's)
How is "dear wee Jock" many friends
ask after yourself &  him a kind 
clap from me to him.7.
We have five cats now
Jet, Blackie, Toddles, Spunkie,
& the  baby kitten.  Timmy has
been lost, the best of the lot.
Mrs Parker has three of them lying
on her knee & the baby kitten sometimes
pulls her cap off, & sometimes they
are all five lying on her bed.
She is so fond of them all I think
we will need the Sanitary Officer
after us, too many cats.  One with a 
blessing is plenty!!
It is drawing near the end of another
year how time flies & brings
such changes with it.
If we are all spared to see 
Xmas & the New Year may you
& Cousin Alice be well & strong
enough to enjoy it best of wishes
for you both may good betide
you & loving friends always
beside you!!
A bright Xmas & a "Gude New Year"
from your loving & true friend
Elizabeth McKinlay.c/o Grant
19.  Ann St,
Hillhead,
Glasgow.

17.10.23
Oct. 17 1923

Dear Kitty
Many thanks for
all your past kind loving
letters also the beautiful card one
of Martha's Vineyard.  It seems
a very picturesque place -
many thanks for it.
And how good of you
to ask Cousin Alice to mail
me "Pollyanna" which
arrived all right here -
when Miss G. & I were at
Kilmun spending a week
with dear little Mr McKinlay
& Miss Mitchell.  I found it
lying on the hall table on
my arrival back. I have 
read it. through & was sodelighted with it; truly
Polly-Anna "played the game"
& taught a lot more to do 
the same. Miss G. is reading it 
now, then Miss Bell next
when I shall post it down to 
Kilmun for the dear ones
there, I am sure they will be 
charmed with it, it is so 
very interesting. I enjoyed every
page of it, & such delightful 
large type!
The weather has been very
wet here & changeable
rain, rain almost every
day but we must remember
that it is only a few days 
from winter & be glad 
as "Pollyanna" would say 
that is is not worse. We
went down to Kilmun last 
Friday week & returned last
week. Got a lovely sunshinny day

to travel the dear old "Holy
Loch" & Highland Hills looked
charming! Mr McKinlay had a
motor waiting for us at Strone
kind good little man, - the 
garden was looking beautiful.
Miss Mitchell had it in very 
goof trim, of course, we 
pay our board for the time 
we are there also out Motor
Cars to & from & we take 
down with us a large parcel 
made up at Coopers, Howard st,
of fish, fowl et cetra & cakes
from the Bakers Mr McK is 
very fond of a meringue with 
"whipped cream" - also cream 
sponge as it is so soft & easy
for him to eat. I always
take him some every time 
I go down. We were often 
speaking about you & all 
the kindnesses you showed
to the "Kilmunites" you were
& have been missed very much 
I can assure you!There was a great storm of wind
& rain on the Saturday night I did 
not sleep well so let Miss Grant 
go to the Communion at Parish 
Church alone & I stayed & read
to dear Mr McKinlay, I only wish I 
was near you to read to you but 
I know what a friend you have
& have had in Cousin Alice
& the others may God bless them 
for their kindness to you dear
one. I think I see you coming 
along the shore road to 
Firwood with "Jock" toddling 
at your side! I must tell 
you before I forget that our
mutual friend poor Mrs Gerrard
Firwood died very suddenly 
since I last wrote you not long 
in following her old mistress
Mrs Parker. She (Mrs Gerrard)
looked so well when we saw her 
last July was out walking with 
the three children, Mt Gerrard has 
got a housekeeper & the children are well.
a great loss to the poor husband.

5
Mary & Archie McDonald are
both well. I think I told you in a 
former letter that they had flitted
to the Attic flat of Firwood the 
rent of Cragandarroch Lodge"
was too dear for them & Archies 
sister Mary is still 'servant at 
Mr Harpers Parish Church Manse,
& they are pleased with her services.
Hugh McColl the Cab driver met
with a serious accident. He 
was driving on the road & took 
like a fit & fell off the machine 
on to the road & got very much 
cut && bruised, some one found 
him lying insensible & got him 
removed home where he has 
been lying for some weeks
very disfigured & ill, poor
Hugh we were all so sorry for 
him & the family for they are 
not very well off. I went along 
to see Miss Kelly on the Monday
the sunshine was lovely when I 
started but rain began to fall 
just as I reached her little shop -6.
& got a rest in her inner room & a 
chat. It is a good distance form her 
shop to Forestside Paradise Bay & oh
I was so tired & wet when I arrived
at Mr McKinlays house I nearly 
fainted & took a little turn Miss 
Mitchell gave me two teaspoonfuls 
of whisky & hot water & I lay
down in the easy chair poor Mr
McKinlay had got a chill the time 
I was seeing Miss Kelly & he was 
in the opposite easy chair with 
his feet in hot water & mustard
along with saltrates, we looked a 
lovely pair Miss Mitchell cried
"the poor two wee Clan-McKinlays",
Miss Mitchell doctored us well-
& we by evening were quite
lively again, so I cried their's 
life in the Old Boys yet!!!
I was never able to get along 
to the village again until Molly 
Scott came the day we left & motored
us & our luggage to the Calais Boat 
at Kilmun Pier. I saw Mr Scott & 
he said he had your kind letter with 
all news. How you were.

7
Miss Grant collected for the 
Royal Infirmary when she was here.
They had had a flag day a short
time before, Dr Johnston is 
delivering a course of Ambulance
Lectures in Strone Hall this
winter, He came on Sunday night
& had supper with us at 
Forestside, He is looking out 
for a flat in Glasgow, during 
the cold months - He is Doctor
for the Schools in Glasgow now 
& comes from Kilmun first 
Boat & does now get back till last 
steamer.
Miss Bell has just been in with 
delightful chicken broth for me
good, kind,, dear Miss Bell always
doing good turns to some one
just like your own dear self,
she brought me the other day
a two pound jar of Bramble Jelly,
a two pound jar of Rowan & Apple
Jelly, & a 1. lb jar of Marmalade.
So I am set up for the winter!!
A Mr Graham of Sandbank a
great friend of Mr. McKinlays died8.
lately Mr McK. felt it very
keenly, Mr & Mrs Graham attended
his ministry, when I arrived at
Kilmun he pointed across to
Sandbank & said dead & broke
down all his old friends are
passing away. We spent a
most delightful afternoon at the
McCalmans second house from
Forestside going in to Kilmun. Mrs
McCalman was a Miss Baird,
Mr McKinlay, Miss Mitchell, Miss G.
& I. The little outing did us all
good. & a large box of grapes home
with us! Miss Grant proposed
for me to tell about one of my
accidents which happened at
"Mototapu Island" New Zealand,
in which I nearly lost my life.
Mr McK & Miss M, also Mr & Mrs McCalman
seemed very interested. Mrs McCalman
said How do you not write a book!!
How are your eyes & hearing
keeping I trust better & that you
do not need any more trying operations.
I am often thinking of you & speaking
of you & the dear times of the past.

9.
Miss Grant & Mrs Govan (who
with her husband) lives here
with us are busy making sweets
or "Lollies" as they call them in
New Zealand, & have acquired
a nice little business making
"Treeckle Toffee," Old English Toffee,
& lots of fancy sweets for Bazaars,
& "Cake & Candy Sales". & are
making quite a good thing of it.
This of course is the busy
time of the year when all
the "Fettes" sales of work et cetra
are on.  Miss Bell gave them a
receipe for making Chutney &
it also is a great success - so
they are doing well - Mrs Govan
is such a sweet gentle creature
both her husband & she are
well connected, Mr Govan's sister is
married to one of the Hendersons
of the Henderson line of steamers &
Mrs Govan's brother is married to
a daughter of Sir Robert McAlpine's
the gentleman who has drawn all
the plans for the Great Exhibition10
to be held in London next year!  
I am writing a few lines to Cousin 
Alice thanking her for mailing
me the Book Polly-Anna.
You will be tired, listening 
to this long screed about 
every subject excuse me 
rambling style but I must
just put down what comes
uppermost or you would never
get any at all, so pardon 
and forgive my dear friend
A hug for Jocksie. Trust
he is well again & got over the
fight & able to get out a 
walk now & again. Miss
Bell & Miss Grant send
love & best wishes to you
Miss Bell's dog "Deen" is 
a great comfort to her & she
takes him out some lovely walks.
I only wish I was near I would
be taking both you & Jock out
lovely walks too!! with much love
to you & all thats good to you
Ever Yours lovingly
E. B. McKinlay.
(Leal & True))

2..11.23.

C/o Miss Grant.
19, Ann St.
Hillhead.
Glasgow.

Dear Kitty
I am sending
you my "Christmas Card
"photo" in plenty of time
in case friends coming
in take them all away!
So I am making sure
you will have yours first
dear one.
Accept it with
my love & very best
wishes for the coming
season, may every good
thing be granted youis spared to see it.
Miss Grant speaks of
going to Kilmun tomorrow
(Saturday) to see about her
Aunt's grave; She will
take your last letter &
Pollyanna for them
to read. Many thanks
dear Kitty for both.
You are so kind &
attentive to me.
The Halloween Cards
arrived duly yesterday
morning for which I
thank you very much.
I gave one of the church
to Miss Grant which I

think you intended
me do. She was pleased,
& sends thanks.
Trust this finds you
feeling much stronger
& better also Jock ditto!
a hug from me to the
wee doggie!
We have had a whole
month (October) of wet
weather not a dry
day in the lot, but
fortunately today 2nd
Nov. the sun shines
out & everything looks
bright & lovely & our
spirits are up & we
feel glad! I have notbeen feeling quite so 
well lately had two or 
three bad turns of the 
heart, so am not writing 
much just now, I feel 
the writing tires me out 
a good deal, I have been 
in bed a week, but think 
I will venture out to get 
the fresh air, Miss Bell 
was up with her dog "Deen" 
on Wednesday, & sends her 
love to you also Miss Grant. 
Kindest regards & love to 
Cousin Alice, & a big 
share to your ainsel

Ever your loving 
Leal & True 
E. B. Mc.Ky 

P.S. Many thanks again for your most interesting long letter & cards.


[*P.S. A good 
hug for old 
Jock from 
yours truly 
L. & T.!!!*]

19. Ann St. 
Hillhead. 
27th. Feb./24.

Dear Kitty
You will be thinking 
me careless in not acknowledging 
the lovely & picturesque Valentine 
I recv'd from Cousin Alice Yourself 
& Jock. Many, many thank you's 
for it, —  I was delighted with it. 
You are far too mindful of this 
individual thanks also for the 
nice interesting magazine you 
sent rec'vd yesterday (the 26th.) 
I have enjoyed reading it, & 
Miss Grant is having a reading 
of it. Very interesting, nice pictures 
of The Socialist premier, many 
thanks for it also, you are a 
dear attentive friend & one of the 
finest I have & tried2
I am so lazy at lifting the
pen now, I am getting behind with
all correspondence. Writing seems
to tire me more than anything else.
I sent off to you yesterday the
"Christmas Number" of the Auckland
paper which I trust you may get
all right, so many friends here had to
get a look of it that the edges of the
front page got so raggly I had to
pare a piece off with my scissors,
to make it look respectable. I thought
after you were finished with it at
Boston you might send it or take it
when you visited there next time
to your Cousin Howard's boys, Miss
Kelly sent me on your last interesting 
letter which I enjoyed reading very
much & heard how you were keeping 
trust the treatment you have had
has done you great good & the neuralgia
quite gone. So pleased to hear all your
news & Jock's adventures He is quite a
public character now!

3
At Kilmun & Boston, dear wee
Jock I think I see his wee black face
looking up into mine as much as to say
Any biscuits for Jocksie! I am now back
into my own room after three months
in Miss Grant's sunny best room, my
room gets the sun in the afternoon but
not so much as the other one; Miss G
has a nice couch bed there & I just lay
& looked out at the trees budding in
the gardens opposite & inhaled the
exhilirating sunshine, we have had
some bright spring days, but the
air very sharp & cold, but I did
not feel much of it under the bed
clothes, with a nice fire & a hot bag
beside me to keep me cozy & warm!
My lives truly have been past in
pleasant places & loving, kind friends
all quite near. I have been taking
great care only up a few hours in
the evenings. I don't do with much
excitement now quietness is best for me
& not seeing too many people, too much
talking excites me. I am if spared looking
forward when the milder days4
come in to get out a nice walk in 
the "Botanic Gardens" - Miss Bell is well 
also her brother they are thinking of selling
 No 19. Eton Place & getting a flat, much 
less work for the Maid (Sarah) & Miss
Bell. I told you of the lovely reading
Lamp her brother & she gave me at 
Christmas , she has presented me also with 
a lovely Tray for my food & two 
beautiful linen tray cloths with real 
Torchon lace she made all the Tray herself 
such beautiful work. It is really a gem
so good and kind of her. On Sunday
had a visit of Dr Johnston (Kilmun)
who is residing in Glasgow for six
months taken a house for the six months
& brought Jeanie his housekeeper to
look after him. He was looking very
well & bright. He was engaged to
look after the. health of all the schools
in the city £450 a year. It was
good of him to come & see & cheer an
old lady of 81 now! I had a Mr Leslie
(nephew of the Denny's Dumbarton) calling
for me when the Doctor arrived. Mr Leslie
was one of my first music pupils When

5

My my parents died at Dumbarton.
I did enjoy both visits very much
& brought back old memories! How
I wish Cousin Alice & you could come
& pop in & see me too wouldn't it be
so nice to see your dear loving faces!
Mr McKinley has got the Wireless in
I think Dr Johnston put it in for him.
We are very glad the snow has gone
not nearly so cold Miss G has a
coal fire in her drawing room where
I lay the three months, she has a
small gas stove in my room which
heats up the room when necessary.
& can be turned off when room gets too
hot. I have a nice hot India rubber bag
at my side which keeps me comfy
& warm as I write you. What a 
comfort there are such things to be
had for poor frail humanity!  I had
letters from New Zealand my nephews
Mother in law died after long & great
sufferings & was buried on Christmas Day
the Anniversary of her husbands funeral Day!!
She longed to get Home!My nephew (Mr. Ritchie) has been 
better this summer & he hopes the 
Asthma may leave him altogether. 
It is to be hoped so if it is God's Will 
he has been so patient & suffered so much. 
Mr. McKinley & Miss Mitchell recvd your 
last kind letter all right I had a few 
lines from Agnes she is a faithful nurse
what would the little Minister do 
without her. I had a few lines from 
Miss Kelly the old lady keeps well 
only troubled with "rheumatics". 
Did you ever meet the Misses Thomson 
at Kilmun, the eldest sister Jean died 
on Sunday last & was buried yesterday at 
Kilmun. A great number of Mr. McKinley's 
old members are passing away to the 
"Other Side". It will be our turn some day 
too May we be ready to answer the call; 
Miss Bell & Miss Grant send kind love & 
accept my very warmest to dear Alice & 
your beloved self, & forgive & pardon 
this badly written letter trust you may 
decipher it - your old leal & true 
friend.

E.B.McK.19 Ann St.
Hillhead
Glasgow
17th [?] /24

Dear Kitty & Alice
Many thanks for your
kind letters of Nov 30th With all news.
So sorry to hear that your neuralgia was
bad. May you get strength to bear on to
the end. How patient you have been
all the years, suffering so much, & 
always so bright. May God grant strength
to you. I am only writing a few lines
by this mail to wish you both a very
Happy Christmas & a Bright New Year.
 have been in bed since Thursday &. have
developed a cold in my throat & chest-
something new for me to have, as I very
rarely have had such a thing wrong with
me. Miss G. rubbed my throat & chest this
forenoon with a linniment & put a
piece of cotton wool on afterwards & I
think it has soothed me very much. I
don't have much appetite but that is the
cold all through my system. It has been
very mild for a good many days now.but we will be having the cold 
& frost further on! I had a nice letter 
this mornings post from Miss Mitchell the 
first since she buried her dear Mother 
I sent down your letter the one before 
last & she was pleased. She & Miss Kelly 
think Mr. McKinley is failing the dear 
little man has done nobly & Mrs. Anderson 
nursed him herself & attended to him at bed 
time & the young people read & played 
to him when Miss M. was at Johnstone. 
My eyes have not been quite so well I 
feel them very tired, but am able to read 
all right having my second sight for which I 
am grateful. It is nearing the end of another
year. Miss Grant & Miss Bell join me in 
wishing you both & dear wee "Jocksie" 
the compts of the season a merry Xmas 
& a Happy New Year & Mony may 
yon three see!! excuse more at this 
time, Mrs. Glen left for the Pentland Hills 
(Barton House) her home 500 feet above the 
seal level, she says it is very cold up there. 
How I will miss her loving sweet care, & 
kindnesses she has been here helping Miss Grant 
with lollie & preserve making for friends who 
have ordered them also with house alteration 
sewing etcetera. good night much love to both & a 
warm clap for good Jock your loving friend

E.B. MacKinlay.19. Ann St. 
Hillhead. 
Glasgow. W. 2. 
14th. April 1925.

Dear Kitty, & Alice

Many thanks for the two beautiful 
"Easter Cards" recv'd, also Miss Bell's & Miss Grant's. 
So good of you both to remember us so often very 
many Thank Yous for them & the last kind letter 
also which you sent I forwarded it to Miss Mitchell 
& Mr. McKinlay Kilmun. I have turned up my letter book 
& find that I have not written you since the 5th Feby. 
Oh how I enjoyed that lovely little book "Dinnae Forget" - 
& many other dear friends as well, you will be I 
am sure thinking that "Leal & True" is forgetting 
you but such will never be the case only 
the "Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak" 
& I have had such a lot of letters to write - this
sometime past Birthday letters & presents 
from loving friends & Easter Cards & 
gifts it has been far too much for me. 
I wrote seven letters one day. It was 
some time before I quite got over the strain 
of the fatigue. But "thank you" is quite 
necessary & ought never to be omitted. The 
least thing one can do: How are you both 
keeping, & the eyes how are they my dear friends.

I trust stronger & better both of you & the
hearing & the 'demon neuralgia' how are they? We
had a second winter in spring, rain, rain, rain & very
cold. I have not been out of doors , only up in my
dressing gown & mocassins, but expect soon if spared
to enjoy God's beautiful sunshine in the Botanic Gardens.
We have had several good days lately & oh it will
be lovely to feel lovely fresh air & hear all the birds
singing. Trust all friends keep well, Miss Grant was
down spending the weekend last Friday week at 
Forestside with Miss Mitchell & Mr McKinlay & enjoyed
the Communion Service at the Parish church. I was
not able to accompany her too cold & early in the
season for me to  attempt it. We have such a nice
maid from Cullen in the North & Bella Ingram & 
I got on so well together. I was in Blanket Bay nice
& cozy & warm. I have had several weak turns when
using my arms too much & have just to rest all the
time but wonderfully well otherwise so grateful &
thankful to my Heavenly Father, loving friends all round me
& quite spoiling me with their kindnesses Mr McKinlay &
Miss Mitchell were wonderfully well, but he is failing.
She has such washings of his things owing to his bodily
powers getting weaker. She has been a faithful nurse to
him & will get her reward! Did I tell you in my last letter
Mrs McCalman (who was a Miss Baird of "Hillside" Kilmun)
before she married died suddenly when up visiting in
Glasgow. Dear Kitty I sent one of your snap shot photos
to New Zealand & my niece Mrs Ritchie thought you
had such a kind, kind face. I am very proud of the
little photos both of you look so natural & nice. I
often take a look of you to cheer me up. I feel I cannot write
more at this time With fondest love to you both &
may Gods best blessing rest on you. Miss Grant
& Miss Bell join me in kindest regards Aye your
loving old friend Leal & True.P.S. Forgive the long silence!
19 Ann St.
Hillhead
Glasgow
1.6.24
Dear Kitty, 
Your will be thinking
I have forgotten to answer
your last kind loving letter
of April 19th do pardon &
forgive I have written you
several in my mind but
never got my thoughts put
down on paper (but I
cannot let the "first of
June" pass without writing
my two dear attentive
friends in Boston a
few lines.  I trust your
Cousin, yourself & all2
other dear friends keep 
well & that you dear one 
are feeling the neuralgia 
getting away from your 
head. Oh how you have 
suffered so patiently all 
these months & years. 
God has truly given you 
patience & strength to endure 
however trying it has been, 
& you will trust Him 
still to grant strength to the 
end! Such a trying spring 
it has been & such a severe 
winter. We are thankful that 
we have entered summer now 
& trust the sunny days that 
are promised will come to 
pass, oh how I have longed 
for to be out in God's sunshine 
& I have had my wish granted. 
3
I was out with Miss Grant 
for a short walk & another 
day with dear Miss Bell & 
oh how sweet the beautiful 
air was to me after being 
in all winter & spring. I 
made Miss Bell stand still & 
we both inhaled the lovely 
fresh air better than all 
medicine & Doctors stuff - 
though when seriously ill we 
are glad to have it. It was 
just like learning to walk 
again my ankles seemed 
weak & I had to practice 
going up & down one stair 
then next day two, then three 
& lastly four halves. My 
next outing will be to the 
hairdressers to get my bobbed 
hair shampooed & pointed 
also singed. It is growing verywonderfully already & I feel it 
so much more easily to brush & 
do up. That day Miss Bell came up 
with me to the door & saw me 
safely landed I felt oh so 
done up & frail, we were in four 
different cars, & I felt the exertion 
rather much for me, but I will 
feel stronger I trust in the limbs 
next time, we paid a visit to 
a very dear friend, a Mrs. Leslie 
of University Avenue & Miss 
Bell thought walking would be 
too much for me so far & so 
we went by car - & the steps 
are pretty high in the Glasgow 
cars. We have had great excitement 
& trouble since last I wrote you 
my nephew in New Zealand has 
been at death's door with Asthma 
his wife thought all was over 
but he rallied & is getting injections 
from a specialist a Dr. Thomson & 
he was rather easier last letter 

Miss Bells brother Rev. William 
met with a car accident, a week 
ago foolishly he was coming up 
before it was right stopped & was 
knocked down by a motor car 
coming from the opposite direction 
& got a terrible smash on the head 
& limbs, he first struck up against 
the private car - & then was dashed 
to the ground they carried him to a 
near hand doctor who bandaged 
his wounds & sent him home in 
a cab to Miss Bell a policeman 
on the outside with the Cabman. 
Oh what a fright poor Miss Bell 
& Sarah the maid, got they got him 
carried into Eton Place & Miss B. 
phoned for his own Doctor Dr. McNair, 
who came at once & said Willie 
had got an awful smash, but he 
thought as far as he could find no 
broken bones what a miracle his 
life is he was ordered by the Doctor 
at once to be driven to a nursing 
home at Park Gates Kelvingrove6
where he is being nursed they 
took him to the top flat on a 
stretcher he was not able to walk 
his clothes were all cut right 
through to his skin, Miss Bell 
has not been well for a good while 
with rheumatism & sciatica 
has had a specialist masseuse 
for weeks & is now getting injections 
but I am glad to say is feeling 
much better of course she is very 
anxious about her brother one 
never knows where smashes of 
that kind will end, he has not 
been able to sit up in bed yet 
but has his wireless taken up 
to the Home & got it attached to his 
bed to cheer him up. Doctor Johnston 
[?] Kilmun has been also very 
ill since his return home from 
Glasgow - His housekeeper & he 
have been in Glasgow in a flat 
for six months. A Doctor & Nurse 
attending him now he may pull 
through if no complications ensue, it is 

7
pleurisy he has very dangerous, 
& his minister at Kilmun the 
Rev. Mr. McGilp coming home from 
Sandbank was caught up by 
wires on the road & dashed down 
where men had been mending the 
road. Mr. Dobie coming from 
Strone in his Car got the men 
to lift him into his Car & took 
him to the Dunoon Cottage Hospital 
but oh the agony poor Mr. McGilp 
was in no hope & he passed 
away oh how we have all felt 
his death (beloved by everyone 
that knew him & oh so kind 
& attentive to dear Mr. McKinlay. 
It was a tragic death but our 
loss is his gain, he was a very 
devoted Christian minister & how 
the church in Strone & Kilmun will 
miss him. I am so sorry to have 
such sad news to send you, I have 
put off & off writing you for it 
brings the dreadful tradgedy to my 
mind.And one more sad thing to 
tell you, Dr. Davidson of Crouch
End London husband of Jeanie 
Grant sister of Miss Grant here 
was returning the beginning of 
April to the Gold Coast Africa 
where he was head Doctor in the 
Gold Mines there died of 
Malarial Fever on board ship 
& was buried at sea, his poor 
widow got such a shock when 
the Cablegram came they were a 
very devoted couple he had been 
back in London getting a rest & 
his wife & he sent me £2 to buy 
a Xmas present at New Year 
time & he was very kind to 
Mrs. Parker & myself when 
visiting old Mrs. Grant before 
she died Mrs. Davidson has a 
married daughter & granddaughter 
left - but there is little left for 
them, she is trying to let her house 
in London oh the sad scenes of this 
life & the partings! We need more 

9
than earth to comfort us in 
scenes like that. May it all 
lead us more to prepare for a 
happier & better world than 
this passing scene.
I do fain hope you are 
keeping better & that your 
neuralgia is not so severe. 
I never forget you night & morning 
asking God to bless & restore you 
also your dear Cousin Alice.
I never saw Miss [?] before 
she went to Boston, she went 
off in a great hurry. I so 
much wished to see her before 
she left & send you some 
little gift, for all your love 
& kindness to me. She will 
have called on you, & we will 
get the news. when she comes 
back, many thanks for all 
the lovely cards & science papers 
also the "Pilot" you sent they 
were very much appreciated by 
all who read them. I handed them 
about to friends10
You will be off to "Martha's 
Vineyard" by the time you 
get this; So pleased to hear 
of all your friends in your 
letter & the different families 
so interesting to me every word, 
so glad you enjoy all the 
delightful books that are 
read to you, you have a 
most wonderful memory & you 
enjoyed Mrs. Gaskell's "Cranford" 
reread to you I must have 
read it long ago, but forget 
all about it now, I have 
not such a retentive memory 
like you. Sorry your Cousin 
Howard has not been able 
to get your Wireless into 
working order; he is such a 
busy gentleman. I was very 
interested in the lovely pots of 
Castor lilies Cousin Alice got 
also your Basket of Easter Eggs 
I was delighted 

11
with the description of the 
breakfast you described. You 
are well attended to & not 
scrimped in your food every 
one so good & kind to you 
loving friends all round about 
you. How are the eyes keeping 
& your hearing. I was telling 
one of my visitors who goes to 
see an old lady a Miss Scott 
who is almost stone deaf & 
she gets so tired out I was speaking 
to her about the paper trumpets 
you used. Miss Bell is still in 
19 Eton place, but Wilson Street is changed 
to "Oakfield Terrace" Hillhead. 
And how is my dear little friend 
Jock, trust well & taking care 
& looking after his dear mistress 
he is a very well off little doggie - 
everyone so good to him he 
is a faithful friend & no mistake 
& will guard you well he is 
not a "Common Dog" but a very 
extra ordinary12
little specimen & worth his 
weight in gold to you my very 
dear friends, Miss Grant 
Miss Bell & little black "Deen" 
all return love & kindest 
regards. You will be 
tired reading this very 
mournful epistle so many 
tragic things in it - I hope 
I have not made you sad & 
dispirited with such a 
very sad recital but I had 
to tell you all & get my 
mind releived "Friend After 
friend departs" who hath not 
lost a friend, as the Hymn 
goes: but we are looking forward 
to rejoin them some day in the 
"Sweet By & Bye" where no tears or 
partings come! With much love 
to dear Alice & yourself & a little 
hug for Jock. Ever your loving friend
E. B. MacKinlay.
Leal & True.

19. Eton Place, 
Oakfield Avenue, 
Hillhead, 
Glasgow, W2

25.. 9. 24.

Dear K.
I am on a visit to dear 
Miss Bell for a week or two! 
Thanks so much for your last 
kind letter & "Ode to Jock"! I sent 
them on to Mr Scott to be handed 
round. Trust you are still 
keeping better, & enjoyed 
your visit to "Martha's 
Vineyard," I am sending a 
small box of "Shortbread 
Fingers" for you & Jock - 
with my love. Miss Bell 
sends her love & kindest 
regards. Trust you receive 
the Shortbread all right. 
With much love
Ever Yours
E. B. MacKinlay.POST CARD
Glasgow. W.D.O.
3 45 PM
25 SEP
1924

Miss K. B. Blackwell
3. Monadnock St. 
Boston 25. 
Mass. 
U. S. A."Novar"
Bridge of Weir
c/o Miss Bell
28th July 1925.

Dear Kitty & Alice
I arrived here on Friday 
to spend a holiday with our
mutual friend dear Miss. Bell
after a most delightful fortnight
spend with dear Mr. McKinlay
& Miss Mitchell at Forestside
the weather was splendid & Miss
Grant & I had a most delightful
time sitting out in the garden
in the sunshine My time was
mostly taken up reading the Herald
to Mr McK. in the forenoon &
after dinner out again in the garden
& we had the Wireless from seven
oclock to eleven. Mr M. & Miss M
are very fond of it - He is wonderful
but the limbs are failing but the face 
as bonnie as ever We were often3.
Kilmun but I could not 
settle down. We had such a 
lot of visitors coming to 
see us, so put off till I 
came here. We had ten 
visitors the last week. We 
had a happy time had a 
lovely drive to near Ardentinny
& were in at Miss Kelly's 
new Bungalow & had Tea. 
We had a visit of Mr. Harper 
asking us to see his Baby 
Boy so we all drove along 
in Mr. Scott's splendid new 
motor, Willie Scott driving us - 
waited over an hour - but 
unfortunately Mr. & Mrs. Harper 
were out in their little two 
seated Car so we had to return 
as Mr. McKinlay got tired & wanted 
4.
home.
We walked back to Miss Kelly's 
shop & had refreshments of 
"Kola" et cetra, Miss Kelly treating 
us all, & we got Willie Scott to 
motor us home, & I put 2/6 
into Willie's hand to pay for 
the drive, but Willie laughingly 
said no Miss MacKinlay this 
is my treat so good of him 
I said how kind of you Willie 
I thought it was so nice of 
him & Mr. McKinlay looked 
so pleased at the kind act. 
Mr. McKinlay & Miss Mitchell 
drove me to Strone Pier on Friday 
when coming here, & Miss Bell 
met me at Princes Pier Greenock 
I was so well all the time at 
Forestside & am still feeling so 
well & happy with dear Miss Bell 
& her brother, the Dog "Deen" & Polly2
speaking of you & the dear 
old times of the past, they are 
flitting down to Ben Ledi Strone 
the house on the other side of 
Mrs. Henderson's - a two flat house 
the people Malloch to whom 
belong Forestside [belongs]
wanted it so they had to 
remove Mr. McKinlay has bought 
the house & no one can put 
them out of Ben Ledi, I 
think it will be a very nice 
change for Mr. M & Agnes so 
cheerful & near Strone Pier 
& the view from their windows 
splendid. Miss Mitchell has 
had a lot of care & excitement 
till all was settled about the 
matter, & now her mind is quite 
settled & releived. I intended 
to write you a few lines from 

5
you know that Miss Bell 
has Mrs. Parker's Polly, & he 
has got such a dear, good 
loving home they are all 
delighted with him & he 
is out in his beautiful new 
Cage in the garden every 
day. Miss Bell is feeling 
much better & the lovely 
hill air of Novar is very 
bracing & delightful. We 
are on the top of the hill. 
Miss Grant spent last 
weekend with us, but is 
away at Glasgow making 
her preserves for the winter 
& attending to her gentlemen 
lodgers, as her maid Bella 
Ingram is away at Cullen in6.
Banffshire her holidays & she 
well deserved them, does everything 
almost at 19. Ann St. Hillhead 
& is so attentive & kind to me! 
I trust these few rambling lines 
will find you both & dear wee
black Jock well also all other 
friends. All Kilmun friends 
& the household here send the 
kindest regards to you both — 
We often speak of you & the 
dear old days, I saluted all 
the Kilmun & Cowal Hills for 
you knowing how you 
loved them accept my 
best love & good wishes
Ever your loving friend
E. B. McKinlay —
alias Leal & True!!!


19. Ann St. 
Hillhead. 
Glasgow. 
15th April/26

My dear friends 
Kitty & Alice
Just a few lines to 
say many thanks for the 
other pretty "Easter Card", & 
the delightful little Book 
of "Mexican Poetry" you 
sent me on March 26th, 
so good & kind of you 
I have not been able to 
write you sooner, I told 
you in my letters my 
eyes were troubling me 
especially my right eye 
with ("Astigmatism") I made 
up my mind last Monday 
to go & see about them 
& went to Mr. TrotterOptician in Gordon St. 
He has an "Eye Place" there. 
The old gentleman tested my 
sight - said the right eye 
was pretty bad but he 
would be inclined to let 
"well alone" meaning my 
second sight. He advised 
Miss Grant, & I, to go to a 
good specialist - a Mr. 
James Gilchrist of 2. 
Somerset Place, Charing 
Cross. Found him at 
home, he tested me very 
particularly, said he would 
give me glasses for seeing 
but would not give me 
any for reading owing to 
my second sight leave that 
alone. He gave me a 
prescription to wash 

my eyes with night & 
morning & return to see 
him a week tomorrow, Friday, 
so I trust the treatment 
will do them good if 
God wills. I trust this 
finds you both well 
also dear we Jock. 
I am not to read or 
write for sometime but 
to try & take care of 
them as it is the most 
precious gift we have. 
Miss Bell was down at 
Strone seeing Mr. McKinlay 
& Miss Mitchell her first 
visit to their new home 
"Ben Ledi." Miss Grant the 
maid Bella & I went out 
to Campsie Glen on"Glasgow Spring Holiday" 
got a lovely day & I was 
none the worse although 
pretty shaky, & frail when 
we reached home, but the 
little outing did me good, 
the weather has been much 
better, more sunshine & 
warmer. Excuse more as 
I must obey the specialist's 
orders & not strain my 
sight, when I am under 
treatment! I sent all your 
letters to Strone & "Jocks 
Poem" Mr. McK & Miss M 
were greatly delighted & 
Jocks Poem is off to N.Z. 
to my nephew's in Auckland. 
I thought they would be so 
pleased to read it, much love 
to both, your old loving friend

Eliza B. MacKinlay

Leal & True!19. Ann St. 
Hillhead. 
Glasgow W.2 

6th July 1926.

Dear Kitty & Alice

You will be sorry to 
hear that my dear nephew's 
wife (Mrs. Ritchie) died on the 
10th of May at 81. Queen Street 
Onehunga Auckland N.Z. Oh what 
a shock I got when I received my 
nephew's letter with the sad news 
of her sudden death. She died of 
"Cerebrel Hemmorage" a shock & 
never regained consciousness, 
but the Doctor said she suffered 
no pain & often said she would 
wish, if it was "God's Will to die 
like that, so the dear one got her 
wish, but oh the grief & loss to 
the dear husband, & daughter. 
She nursed her husband  for 
fifteen years & the well one was 
taken & the invalid left. She is2
now with the Saviour whom 
she loved & served & joined the 
loved ones "Gone Before" what 
a comfort that Mary Ritchie is 
clever a good cook & can look after 
her father well & a great comfort, 
she was 20 years old last April. 
I am so glad that my dear nephew 
can say "Thy Will Be Done" & 
looking to Jesus for to be with 
him in his loneliness, God bless 
him & be with him. She was 50
years & my nephew is 49. One 
year younger. He & his brother 
who died in the "Phillipine 
Islands" were good were good & 
kind to me, were more like 
sons than nephews. How are you 
both keeping, I trust well & 
all friends you will be enjoying 
your lovely change to "Martha's 
Vineyard" & I trust be much 
the better of your holiday, 
hope dear "Jocksie," the dear 

doggie is well & enjoying life! 
He will have plenty room to run 
about at the Vineyard. I wish 
I could get a peep of you all I 
often think on you both & would 
just like to see your dear faces. 
God Bless you both & spare you 
to one another for long time. 
Miss Grant & I intend going to 
visit Mr. McKinlay & Miss Mitchell 
at "Ben Ledi" Strone on next 
Tuesday the 13th July, I generally 
spend about a fortnight with 
them if all's well & Miss Bell has 
asked me to go to her, as I did 
last summer, to Deep Dene Cove 
Dumbartonshire on "Loch Long" 
good dear kind loving Miss Bell 
Her brother has gone on holiday 
to Harrogate dear old "Sarah" 
the maid is still with her & oh 
how kind & attentive she is not so 
young as she used to be Miss 
Grant spent the first week end 
with Miss Bell & she is quite charmed
with the lovely cottage.4
& garden lots of beautiful 
flowers & strawberries! God 
has been good in giving me such 
loving kind friends both in 
this & U.S.A. I am looking 
forward to enjoy the sunshine 
& the breezes at Holy Loch & Loch 
Long if spared. Mr. McKinlay is 
failing very much & a great 
charge to Miss Mitchell, constant 
care & attention his limbs are getting 
weaker, Miss G. & I are paying guests 
we could not do otherwise only 
right. We cheer him up also, Miss M 
& they are looking forward to our 
visit. I read & play the Piano to him 
if I feel well enough. I am wonderful 
the spirit is here, although I feel 
my powers failing also, Miss Mitchell 
said in her letter yesterday, see & not 
fall out of the gangway, or any other 
place as you did last year. Miss 
Grant was behind me coming out along 
the gangway instead of before was to help 
me down the step & I fell right over on a 
meringue of one I was taking to dear Mr. 
MacKinlay who is very fond of them & a cream 
sponge & I dare not appear without them, he 
feels them soft for his poor mouth! 

5
So you may imagine when 
a gentleman lifted me up I 
was "dripping" with the soft 
meringue all over my coat 
sleeve however there was the 
greatest part saved for the 
dear little minister, & Agnes 
(Miss M) & he had a good laugh 
but I might have broken my 
neck as it was a pretty deep 
step from the gangway down
to the Pier. So I will ask 
Miss Grant to go before me & give 
me her arm down from the 
gangway & make sure if spared 
to go this time to the Coast. 
you will both be tired of this 
long personal epistle! much 
love to you both, & remember me to 
all friends & a kind pat for dear Jock.
Your old loving friend 
E. B. MacKinlay