NAWSA GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Lakeman, Jane H H [Go?er] Place Errston Square December 21st 177 Dear Miss Barry [?] I thought you would not mind me sending you a few lines wishing both [?] and yourself the compliments of the season, I can scarcely imagine Christmas being so near the weather is very muggy and dreadfuly dirty we had a London fog yesterday it was perfectly dark twice during the morning, We still continue to get on nicely and keep in poor health Ive got my little niece with me - The one as my mother brought up a nice little girl but rather delicate you know her poor mother died last March She's great company for sure her age is 10 We intend keeping her Christmas over I think the change has done her good, I had a letter from America. My brothers are getting on so well he tells me he has got a nice farm he says apples are very plentifull he has got 80 gallons of cider above all he has a dear little son that he wishes I could but just hear him trying to call his father (what a treat it would be for me) I still get needlework to do My machine goes very nicely, I suppose Mr Lakeman will have two or three day's holiday at christmas in Jack. They are compelled to, we have joined the building society -we pay so much monthly as yet. we have only paid [?] monthly I think you have to get [?] 60 [?] in then The society sends you the other to buy a house and you have to pay them back within a certain time of course [it?] will be many many years before we shall be able to get it but still its worth trying for when once you get the house it will soon bring enough in to pay for itself really you may go on paying rent [?] per week from year to year till you pay for the house over again you can draw your money out again in case you require it and they give you good interest on your money I hope we shall be able to keep it up. I've got my sister a little nearer me [Her?] family has come to live at South Kensington I expect she will spend Xmas with me, there's another wedding to take place on the 14th of January Mrs Lakeman's eldest daughter she is going to live in Derbyshire my sister. is to be bridesmaid Well dear Mrs. Barry I think Ive told you all the news this time hoping all and your self is enjoying good health and will spend a Happy Christmas my husband joining me in wishing you both a very Happy New Year Yours ever obediently J Lakeman No 1 72 Goldsmith Avenue Acton W June 3rd Dear Miss Barry I have been quite distressed about you, one trouble for another, poor Mr George I was in hopes he would have been spared so you until all your worry + trouble was over. I pray that strength may be given you to go through this great trial of loosing your dear ones 2 I would gladly come to you if I could be of any service, but I do not want to upset your household, but why they should object to anything you like to prepose seems strange. I feel sure that Maggie + her husband would do anything for you. What unrest their seems all over, what are things comming too. They will soon make it impossible for the middle class to live[ing] everything has gone up in price + our 3 rates for the last half year has gone up 8/- + no more money comming in, + this insureance [?]at will raise strife for instance where Percy works where hitherto they have been paid for the bank holiday or for sickness this Whitsun + all other holidays, summer ones included, they will have to loose so the working people will have to suffer. I was very much amused at Mrs. Sweets note poor dear I had my doubts at one 4 of her ever making an angel dear me are how she worked us, & was it not strange that although I did my duty by her, & saved her many a pound, [?] I never seemed to take to her until she was ill, then any heart-seemed to go out to her & I nursed her day & night slept in her room she preferred me to any one The Dr wanted to send, Mr. Sweet & the gentle men were travelling & I did everything to keep her until 5 their return she always wanted to tell me something & was unable So, I will put her note [?] with the one she wrote me concerning my Bertie where she had him under her care & one you sent me Aug 10th, 83. It's a shame to trouble you with all this but sometime when you have a little spare time I will amuse you. Are you really beginning to part with your things. The Cheffonier is too wide for where I wanted it. 6 to stand but I could put it in Jerry's room we may not always live here, although I am sure you will say we are nicely situated but unfortunately they have started a road through our nice field Have you put Rock House up for sale, I supposed we could not come as caretakers for our summer holidays just leaving us a few odd things, my husband & I could come first then Alice & her family after or my sister I should love it. If I was only a few years younger I feel I would rent it & turn it into an Hostel for ladies & a home for you 7 If when you get to Scotland you ever feel you would like a change, you shall come to me & I will take care of you we are very quiet. Tell me if you having a sale I might come for the day or get Maggie to get what I wanted. Little Winnie is standing by my side wanting to write a letter to you 8 Well dear Miss Barry now be sure if their is anything I can do for you shall be only too pleased I think it was Drs sideboard that Maggie told me she would like, It seemed to me she was not too well off for blankets etc I am sure if Dr could only know she would be pleased to think her things were comming where they would be appreciated & valued Wish kind love & deep sympathy for you yours sincerely J Lakeman Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.