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Caparn Photos and Letters -
Scott
Letters
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Gracey Bible
all arrived with me as one lot, not sure they originated together but
you never know
from auction in 2018
Caparn Photos
I.? N. G. to L. A. Oct. 19/58
Caparn Letters
In Affectionate Remembrance of Sophia, The Beloved Wife of William Horner
Caparn
Who departed this life October 21st, 1864, In the Thirty-fifth Year of her
Age
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1) 1854 - Mrs. Caparn, Seaview House, Booterstown, Co. Dublin
2,3, 4) Jany. 2nd 1854 My dear Kate, You must excuse me not writing since
you left this, indeed the reason was I felt lonely as I could not sit down
to pen a line without reflecting on the day we spent - and never to spend
again. So much of our time together - but still I hope its all the better
for your sake, for I am sure if the Governor understands the prize he has
taken, he will both nourish and foster it until that change comes, which we
all look forward to with such dread and anxiety - you were the only
counsellor I had, take one of the cases, for instance, if you remember how
we panned Bella's first introduction to her man and how nicely you acted
when I first popped the question would you have him, this was for the
purpose for him to take the more notice and to encourage both sisters, least
they might have any objection, as he was not a first rate Mabob, the
plan was so well laid under your advice, of course you ? would have him, I
said you may be mistaken, the chance may be between Bella & Gussy? they
smiled and staired (stared) at each other, not knowing who the person was so
I left them to fight among themselves & chat over the matter, after a little
time I. L. took courage & made a move, and after that Bella found she was
the favourite, she then began to listen to all the Queere things he
had to say - but I could never find them out - poor Gussy now finds herself
so lonely as both favourites are gone, she flatters herself by going
elswhere, she may conquer some fool, I hope whoever he is he may put a new
pair a boots on her, as the new ones she brought are all tattered & may be
her cloths too - so between them I will have to pay the piper. I don't
recollect for many years sitting down to so lonely a dinner as I did on
Cxmas day, there was at top my Ould Aunt & self at the bottom. I must say we
did not make much noise, only what the Knives & forks make, making harty
work of all the good things Cxmas is sure to bring. Mrs. L. & I.s dined with
us a few days ago, the Dr. came with them, but he was on his way to Clonmel
to dine at the Fremason's lodge, he was in great glee as he intended as
being his first time to entertain the meeting with a speech & song! he began
to give me a sketch of the speech to know would I approve of it, "Bravo says
I" - go on - but he began to sing in the middle of the speech, I thought he
would never (stop), he was so full of it, in fact I could not forget some of
the words - here they are ~ Let coxcombes grin and cities sneer, while all
are blythe and jolly, Let fops despise the badg we wear, We laugh at all
their folly; Let empty fools, Despise our rules, By jove we will never heed
'em, Say what they will, we're masons still, And will support our freedom,
hima? huma huna! Cho. - Let empty fools etc. - well what do you think now,
the whole house must ring/sing a flu? that nothing but clapping of hands & a
full volume of Kentish fire, I have not seen him since. Now about yourself,
I don't want to flatter you when I say after you left this I did not know
you were such a favourite, I was quite surprised at the daily enquiries made
after you, even up to this day. I could not believe it. I had to answer a
great many of the queries put to me even from those you formed no
acquaintance with, how you were & how getting on - this is pleasing to me,
as I fought a hard fight to keep both ...... into the hands of others. I
thank .... he enabled me twenty years ago to ? anything me in that
undertaking - but no more of this - I see my paper running short and
not half done - but must cut short. Regretted much I could not embrace your
very kind invitation to Cxmas, nothing would give me more pleasure, but at
this time we are so ? in the Nursery I could not think of leaving, wishing
you & George a happy New Year, believe me your affectionate uncle. J. Hurdy?
5) Cashel JA 3 1854 & Dublin 5A JA 4 54
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1) 19th May 1856 to Miss Sturdy, Hurdy? Mr. Fitzgerald's, Gordon Street,
Clonmel
2, 3, 4, 5) Belhampton? May 18th '56 - My dear Louisa, In my letter to
Marina? unacknowledged as yet you will ? I promised that my next
communication should be inflicted upon you - True to my word, I am ? to
inform you how very beautifully, (notwithstanding the solitary feel of the
house as well as the inclement state of the weather) we are all progressing
- I must not however forget to tell you that since I wrote two accidents of
a very grave character had very nearly occurred with us - One was, the
falling of the half cwt during his athletic exercise upon Williams' head,
and the other, the tumbling of the stove over the hall door, (? I suppose
some six or seven ?, on the heels of Gertrude and the two boys as they, had
got in from Killinniney? Without entering more info detail, I shall merely
say ? had a wonderfully providential escape they have had. By the
first accident as Dr. Duke has said, William might have been killed on the
spot, and by the second, all three might have sustained if not fatal at
least very serious injury. On Wednesday last when passing by I looked in
upon your old friend Mrs. McCalley?, to my utter surprise and I must add
with no small amount of commiseration for her rapidly sinking circumstances,
I found her the picture of despair with her numbers once so respectable now
reduced to TWO! Poor woman! I apprehend? her day for worldly property though
not forgive ? ?, is gone by. Without a murmur however ? she resigns herself
to the Lord's dealings, assured that whatever may be our position in this
world, as every well taught child of God must be the rough path rather than
the smooth ice ? ? ? found to have been the ? to the feet. This moment I
have been favoured with a peep at your letter to George. With the classic
purity (as William would say) of its language & the admirable arrangement of
its varied subjects, I am, I do confess, not a little comforted. While
acknowledging so much however I must not omit to add how much my seasoned
eyes have been offended by the appearance of the billhooks. In very ? such
conclusions to your sentences should not be seen from you. My condemnation
of them you have often heard, and once for all I would now say abandon
billhooks (they are made you know in ??) as vulgar things. William I find
has been favouring Mamma & his Uncle Jerry with lengthy specimens of his
rhyming capabilities. That he above all my boys as well as girls inherits
most of that unfortunate propensity from me, is to portent to admit of
contradiction - Favourably however as I think of him in other respects, I
cannot fancy him a poet. A bad one myself, he is hardly a shade better, and
therefore wishing him no harm I would have him fling his poetic effusions to
the winds. How does your beautiful Dublin accent go down with the good
people of Clonmel? Whatever they may think of it, I should hope at all
events they do not regard you as a ?able specimen of a Metropolitan belle. A
great deal of care you know has been taken of you, and it in surely not too
much to expect that fruits correspond ? to that care ? ? produced. Hoping
poor Mamma's cough is improving, and that while she was away she received no
?, I am my dear Louisa will love to hear and all the Uncle, Aunty, Your ever
affectionate Father
5) yeah I didn't do that bit, I got tired Mary
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1) 15th November 1861 Postmark Dublin to Miss Dowling, Cashel, Co. Tipperary
2, 3, 4, 5)10 ?intonville Avenue, Sandymount, Nov. 14/1861 - My dearest
Kate, I duly received yours of the 7th Inst. with enclosure all safe. My
object in sending you that document was to give you method a chance of doubt
the correctness of its statement, and altho' you write rather sarcastically
upon the point, I cannot bring my mind to think you doubt its correctness or
the fallacy of my statement. You ask me "was I at the Kingsbridge Terminus
on Tuesday with," I did not come to town until the Thursday from Athy so ?
not well be there. If I recollect right ? you I might possibly spend the
Christmas day with you, but you will want to hear what a great change of
circumstances has come over and since then. First on the Saturday after I
got to Dublin I wrote Mr. M. and resigned my situation ? an unpleasant ? we
had in reference to my journey (and amongst other things we had an alright
discourse upon was the ? I sent Uncle John) and I felt his manner so
decidedly disrespectful that I determined to ? him. I have howsoever (after
trying to obtain an Irish Morris travellers hip in ?) succeeded in obtaining
a good one from an English source altho I will only visit Ireland twice a
year still the ? arising from it will be worth double ? ? so as the old
saying is "out of evil comes good" I expect to have everything arranged now
in a few days and will then write you further on that subject, my engagement
is to commence almost as soon as I have ? ? and owing to this, ? ? ? ? and
running down ? I go as I am anxious to spend a few days at home not having
been there so long a time, I have however every hope of seeing you as soon
as if I had stayed in Dublin, that is setting aside my home visit. My home
when at home will be the great metropolis of England and my journies
extending over England, Ireland and Scotland at regular periods - I shall
much regret leaving dear old Ireland where I have received so much kindness
and good feeling shewn towards me, I shall on the other hand be nearer my
home should any thing happen there, although removed from the object of my
fondest love but please goodness only until time has removed that barrier, ?
from between your dear self and liberty to do as you will. You will not
blame me my own fond Kate for this step, tis ? for the best, I feel long the
unkinship with which I have been ? by my employer, both in his manner and
illiberality?, I have strained every nerve to serve him so as to get him to
fulfill his promise of giving me a partnership in his business, and after so
doing am spending every thing I earned almost for his benefit ? like the
poor Fiddler, "more kicks than halfprnes"? look upon this act of ? in your
sound, sensible, business like manner, and you will say I have acted right,
do not think that because the sea will for a time divide us that affection
will be less, but take another adage "Absence makes the heart grow
stronger," Almost my last words to you were not to doubt me and I pledge
myself you shall never have reason to doubt my affection from any act of
mine. I had the pleasure of dining with your kind Uncle and Aunt on Sunday
back and the Sunday previous. Next Sunday with your Uncle Arnold? D.V. and
the Sunday following at Rathmines which will I believe be my last Sunday in
the dear land for some months. In conclusion my dear Kate give my kind love
to your Aunts and Cousins explaining these matters to them and say I shall
write them a farewell letter ere I go and for yourself my fond one accept
the most heartfelt feelings of sincere affection of your ever true and
devote lover, Geo. M. Caparn. Miss Dowling
6) Cashel No 16 1861 A
5th January 1862 - The Wash, Hertford - My dear Kate, I duly received your
kind letter at home and even amidst the festivity I was then enjoying I
regretted not being able to meet you at Cashel. The weather was fine with us
and to me I assure you the happiness of seeing my whole family (one
excepted) and the greater portion enjoying such good health was truly
gratifying. My Mother I am happy to say looks as young as ever, the Governor
as he is styled is getting rather gray and all the rest I could discern
little or no difference in, with the single exception of my youngest sister
who was quite a child or rather a young girl when I last saw her 4 years
since. I should like to place yourself and her by side as a pair, for like
yourself she is of a youthful and modest style of beauty, fascinating and
irresistible. Her inimitably proportioned features literally glow with light
and warmth, her hair adds great attraction to a face remarkable for simple
beauty, and yet to a stranger she might not shine forth at a first view,
requiring an intimacy ? able to appreciate her character of beauty, but why
do I run on thus on a subject which cannot interest you in the least, but
let me add that even with every luxury and comfort and also means of
attracting the mind alone to the scene of festivity pending, that one little
spot in the Emerald Isle was uppermost in my thoughts and accompanied with
the fondest remembrance of your own ever dear and beloved self. My ever dear
Kate little did you imagine or do you yet think the reason of my quitting
Ireland for a time, as I have now the opportunity of recalling much of my
ill-spent life alone and savour to record to you my solutions for future ?
and happenings. I must have informed you as my confident of the situations I
held in various parts of England ere I came to abstain in all of which I
believe I acquitted myself both to my own and my employers entire
satisfaction and at this I was by each one ? liberally I found it totally
impossible to keep my head more than just above water or rather it took all
my means to live upon and sometimes more, the reason of this was too many
companies and being of an easy disposition easily led away to scenes of
excitement suitable to my temperament, I noticed this often and with great
regret but found after on several occasions resolving to do otherwise, I
can't not muster moral courage to keep my resolutions . I bethought myself
therefore that a removal to a part where I had no companions and no
inducements to such follies might enable me 'D.V.' to do that which is so
necessary to any young man aspiring as I am to take unto myself a partner
for life, namely to provide ? for table home or the means of at any time
forming one. I have come here dear Kate with these intentions and regardless
of what my Irish friends may say of me I have taken to myself the lot of
Hermit to eventually reappear a different man, both in circumstances and I
trust habits for I feel my life to have been most shamefully abused and only
regret I did not resolve fixedly? at an earlier date to do what I have now
done. You my dearest Kate have now my reasons for leaving you and who has
more right to know than your own dear self who are the principal of my
so-doings. I trust and know you do also that my endeavours may be crowned
with success. I will send you a likeness of myself in a few days now the
"Carte de visite" I had taken in Dublin I do not like so intend getting one
done in London on Thursday next. In conclusion of this long and somewhat to
you tiresome epistle let me wish you all a very happy new year, and with
fond love to remain My ever dear Kate, Truly and affectionately your
faithful lover Geo. M. Caparn. Miss Dowling
20th March 1862 - Hertford - My own dear Kate, Yours to hand ? ? ? ? ? I do
not wonder at your wishing me to live nearer, I cannot bear being so long
and so far away from you, but you know dearest I cannot avert my fate, and
oft do I think of one of my schoolday poems "Grays"? "The Birds in vain
their amorous descant join, Or cheerful fields presume their green attire,
These ears, alas! for other notes repine; A different object do these eyes
require" how I can run over that and wish to be with you again but time must
glide away for some four months ere I can again see you unless by some
strange events, what as age it does seem and has assured for some time, my
dear mother said only a few days since to me when speaking on this subject
"absence makes the heart grow stronger" my dear, you will I know forgive me
when I state I could almost have contradicted her, I felt at the time that
nowhere could the imagination ? so to the susceptibilities? of the mind, as
to form so strong feelings of affection as in your dear presence, then again
when I ? on the subject I say to myself I am wrong, tis only now I begin to
know how strong is my love for you dear, your presence has an influence over
me I cannot explain, nor account for, I ? no more when with you but say as
much as I have written since than I com? how it is, I know not but ? say you
? me of the power of speech?, still ? than that influence increasing more
every time, explaining no doubt the lyrical transposition of how being blind
to turn ? your letter do not work yourself too much or confine yourself to
that miserable shop? I must ? ? was ? what was he saying, you do surprise me
about Coleman, he was I believe a well meaning young man but not up to my
taste, he was slovenly, I cannot say how long it may be ere I go to Dublin
again, Trade is just now brisk in Cloves, who would think we have ? over 20
Tons already and our wholesale Trade nearly 400 ? very heavy is it not.
Hoping you are well, with fond love my dearest Kate, believe me, your own
faithful George
1st February 1863 Hertford - My dearest Kate, You may possibly think this ?
it is finished an astounding ? but I know it will be a pleasing one. Your's
I had, my dearest thanks, I cannot find words to express my deep gratitude
and love for your affable and kind reciprocation of the slight token of
affection ? for last letter. I will not further ? to it, but in a few brief
words tell you it is my intention to leave Hertford in about three weeks and
to return to Ireland, I have obtained the situation of traveller to
Alexanders and a better salary than I could have eventually got here and
shall be near to you, blame me if you will I cannot help it, your kind love
has so ? upon me that I must be so that I can constantly be near and
frequently see you. It may seem as tho' I ? form of changes, tis not so, to
you I will explain all when I see you (D.V.) ? long, let me know what you
think of this, I may also excuse me being concise and accept my fondest love
believing me to remain Ever Your Own Geo. M. Caparn. Miss Dowling
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1) 4th September 1866 Postmark Kilkenny to Mrs. Caparn, Cashel
2, 3) Waterford Sept. 4/66 - My dear Kate, I spent last eveng. with Charles,
he is quite well. Maria went to Dublin on Saturday last and he says he
expects before the time you name for coming up to ? that all ? be over, he
is going on Friday or Saturday next over to Mallow, thence to Killarney for
a few days and up to Dublin about the middle of the week is he be not
telegraphed ? before then. So you will see it is almost imperative on you to
be in Dublin ? Saturday, it would look very bad to us here in South and her
only female relative away and no one to give her any comfort at all. I heard
you threw away that nasty fish, I thought I smelt it as I came away
yesterday. Uncle Chas. was here again last week, he went home on Wednesday.
Write ? position of post to Imperial Hotel, Kilkenny, with love your ?
George
4) I could be down by Saturday morning. ? (inside envelope) Tell George he
may hear from me ?
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1, 2) 22nd September 1869 Prince William College, Grand Canal ? ? W. ? to My
Darling George - with fondest love & a kiss from Kathleen from your fond
Wife Kate Caparn
28th April 1872 Cullingwood? - My dear John, Our friend Bates? having in
conversation with me this evening, alluded to your ? ? I write hurriedly to
ask in what way are you affected, In what is really the nature of your
complaint. By yourself & all who are acquainted with you it must be ? ? ?
you have been long ? with no small amount of robust health. But this state
of things does not always continue. For wise purposes we are occasionally
obliged to ? to devises, and in a moment the long enjoyed health of our
bodies may be withdrawn from us as necessary then my dear John, as we know
not what a day may bring forth, that we always be in a state of readiness to
meet our God that our minds be fully convinced that as the blood of Jesus
Christ, God's son cleanseth from all sin, so through faith in the efficacy
of that blood, this humble ? dance on his finished work, we stand before God
? Christ, being one with Him, and ever complete in Him. Thankful to my dear
old friend & school fellow ? ? for his very kind ? to you, and with love to
my dear sister Alice?, childhood etc. etc. Believe me, my dear John, as ever
Your fond brother Oswald. Katie Caparn & ? ? are to drive with us tomorrow -
George is all right now but very hard worked I hear, and ? wgo was lately
laid by for a week, is himself again, ? ? & affection to ? ? as his ? ?
could desire.
24th August 1881 - Main Street, Cashel - My dearest Kathleen,
I was so glad to get your letter this morning & Sunday. It is ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
? to that you are enjoying yourself. Mrs. Wilson? went up to Dublin?
yesterday for a few day. Maddie? & Babe were over for a few minutes last
evening. Mrs. ? was ? ? ? Mrs. Tainsh? (I give up) there's mention
of Eddie, Bob going back to Dublin, Miss Grubb went to Co. Meath, Mrs.
Andrew Kingsley. signed Kate Caparn (that womans writing)
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1) 21st November 1881 Postmark Lincoln to G. M. Caparn, Esq., 71 Marine?
Park, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, Ireland
2, 3, 4) 5 St.? Nicholas Terrace, Nov. 21 - 1881 - My dear George, I cannot
tell you how grieved I was this morning when I read the sad news that your
dear Wife was ? I scarcely know how to express by sorrow, it is indeed a
terrible blow, may God give you strength to bear it. I know too well what a
trial it is. This morning before your letter arrived I was thinking what a
pleasure it would be to see dear Kate and now she is gone from our midst,
how strange it is that we should never meet, you do not say if the baby is a
boy or girl? I wish we were closer to you, we are so far apart, poor
Kathleen, I am indeed grieved for her too, losing a Mothers love & care so
early. Her dear babe will never know the loss, but the poor girl will feel
it worst surely. Jennie is with us for a few days, she ? Arthur and Cousin
Jennie all send love and such sympathy, and now my dear Niece is only one
who can give us support in this dreadful trial, I pray the ? gives you
strength & comfort. ever your Affect. Sister H.? Bishop ps Write me again
when you can
5) Above Hill Lincoln Nov 21 81; Cashel B. No 23 81; Liverpool 15W 22 No 81
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1) 24th November 1881 Postmark Dublin to George Caparn Esq., Mamit? Cashel
2, 3, 4) 13 Belgrave Road, Dublin 23 Nov. 81 - My dear George, Words fail to
express our deep and heartfelt sorrow in your great affliction. It was only
last evg. we heard of poor dear Kates death, and was not even aware of her
precarious state, the shock therefore was greatly increased by the sad
intelligram which dear Maria forwarded. It seems to me but a few short years
since it was our pleasure to have her amongst us and I have often thought of
the very pleasant evg. I spent in the Cottage with you and our dearly
lamented Cousin, her graceful and cheerful manners, at all times so
endearing. It is hard to realize that one so loving & so gentle should be
taken from our midst, but then the Lord's will be done, and she is now I
feel assured happy with Him whom she loved and I shall pray that the Lord in
his mercy will keep & sustain you and yours in your deep bereavement. I am
joined by each member of the family in deep sympathy with you and dear
Kathleen. Believe me. Your ? ? C. Hurdy? Geo. Caparn Esq., Cashel
5) Cashel 8 No 24 81
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1) 26th November 1881 Postmark Lincoln to Miss Caparn, 71 Main? Street,
Cashel, Co. Tipperary, Ireland
2) Mrs. Geo. M. Caparn
3, 4, 5) 5 St.? Nicholas Terrace, Nov. 26 - 1881 - My Dear Kathleen, It
seems strange that my first letter to you should be one of condolence and
very sorry indeed I am that it is. I had so hoped to see your dear good
Mother, the sea had kept us apart & that I dare not cross. I often wonder if
I shall ever see you, my heart is with you now, I should indeed like to help
you to ? the little babe, it will be a ? for you my dear but as it gets
older you will be ? for your care in seeing its ? ? and ? its ? ? I am very
grieved for you dear to be left so early without a Mother's care & I know
what a loss it is, no one can explain it, but you have your Father and in
trying to comfort him it may help you to look up to him who is ever ready to
hear our ? and ? he give you peace. I shall be so glad to leave a few lines
where you can have this time. Give my kind love to your Father and say I
will write next sweet, tell me all you can, how you are getting on with Baby
etc. I like its names, which are you going to call it, Maria or Lizzie? I am
so pleased with your Cute? (maybe the word photo missing?) you shall have
one of mine when taken. I hope to have it done early in the coming year.
This is a very indifferent letter but you must ? it. I wanted to write you
to ? tho' I really don't feel in letter writing mood. Auntie Jennie is with
me, she sends her love to your Father and yourself. Kiss your dear
little pet for me and with such love to your Father & yourself. I remain My
dear Kate, Your Affectionate Auntie. H.? Bishop
6) Cashel A. No. 28 81
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1) 22nd November 1881 Postmark Dublin to Miss Caparn, 71 Main Street, Cashel
(letter came in this envelope with another)
2, 3) The Palace, Kilkenny, 28 Nov 81 - Dear Mr/ Caparn, I was ? and shocked
on opening "The Cashel Gazette" this morning to see that you had lost your
excellent & ? wife. I feel most deeply with you & your dear child in this
trouble & ? but God himself may be your comfort in this time of trouble. I
know full well all that she was to you & what an irreparable loss her
removal must be; but thank God, I know too what an earnest & sincere
Christian she was, & how ready she was, through her serious merits, to go to
Him when he called for her. I know how you valued & esteemed her, and I
trust ? ? she is gone from you, her kind & tender counsel will never leave
you, but that you will try, & form peace, to follow ? ? fully, and look
forward to meeting her in that better home, when ? & know ? ? come - ? ?
your sincere friend & former pastor N. P. Osory?
4) Cashel A No 23 81
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1) 22nd November 1881 Postmark Dublin to Miss Caparn, 71 Main Street, Cashel
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) 39 Grosvenor Road, Rathgar - My Dear Kathleen, I (no
idea, next page) I have been quite laid up with (? again no idea) I hope
Papa, Aunt ?, self & little Sister are well, remember while I like you, can
always write (I give up)
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1) 25th November 1881 Postmark Lincoln to G. M. Caparn, Esq., 71 Main
Street, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, Ireland
2, 3, 4, 5) 6 St. Nicholas Terrace, 24th November, 1881. - My dear George, I
should have written to you 'ere this, but I thought as I ? ? writing to
sympathize you in ? ? ? I would wait until your grief was abated a little,
although I am sure it will be some time before this great burden of sorrow
is lessened. We sympathize deeply with you dear George, & you must give our
love & heartfelt condolences to Kathleen, I wish we were living nearer to
you & could spend a little time with you & your dear girl who is such a
comfort to you. As regards the photo of your dear Wife you can leave it
enlarged to any size but Arthur does not know the exact cost, he would have
to send it to London to be done, & see ? the Company would charge about a
sovereign for doing it. Shall you like it cabinet size or larger? that is,
of you have it done. Thank you very much for sending Kathleen's likeness, I
do hope we shall see her at some future time. With our united love to you
both. I remain, George, your affectionate Sister? Miller
6) Cashel B NO 26 81
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1) 4th April 1884 Postmark Dublin to Miss Caparn, Main Street, Cashel
2, 3, 4) The ? ? April 2 - Mr dear Kathleen, I am (whatever too hard to
read) from Maggie (she can sign her name clearly but writes like chicken scratchings Mary)
5) Cashel B AP 4 84
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1) 4th April 1884 Postmark Dublin to Miss Caparn, Main Street, Cashel
2, 3, 4) from Louise J. Scott (this could be the Scott in those letter) (I'm
not even going to try and transcribe the letters, reading this small slanty
writing is giving me a headache)
NO DATE
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1, 2, 3, 4) 27th August From Miller, Kings? Gate, Newark to My dear George -
Very many thanks dear boy for the box received this morning, the contents of
? are very much ? indeed by all of us. I cannot give you an account of dear
Mother's illness as I did not get home until after her death, so you may
judge it was rather sudden. Sally was telegraphed for on Saturday, but poor
poor Mother did not know her - she was quite unconscious - her sufferings
were dreadful. Only think dear George what a severe pain it was for me,
having left her about three weeks before, only rather weak as I thought &
then to come home and behold, her lifeless corpse, but to see her in death I
think you would not have wished her back again in this world of troubles,
for she really looked beautiful, younger than ever I have seen her, & such a
happy, smiling countenance - we must recollect dear George that our loss is
her eternal gain, & bear up with it as well as we can, dear Father is as
well as can be expected - indeed much better than we ever thought he would
be. Sally or Molly sends her love & will write on Sunday. I must now say
good bye. With fondest love from Miller
Dear Kathleen, I am afraid you will have to pack up and come out again. The
new domestic is certainly one of the most remarkable young women in the
County. Its 10 o'clock now or a quarter to, to be accurate and mamma says
she has no boots cleaned, no clothes washed, in fact no nothing! Tonight in
addition to her other manifold attractions she showed a remarkable capacity
for appreciating the pathetic - in her own circumstances, and expressed a
decided objection to being jawed.? She also wept copiously. And in addition
to all this the Great Mr. Goff (NB he bought some herrings for breakfast
which were ----) expressed, his opinion that one servant was not enough, and
said that he would not think of having the celebrated but mythical dinner at
home during the reign of the present domestic. All these points having been
duly considered it has been determined by the authorities and I am desired
to convey to you the said determination, that one more efficient be
appointed to carry on the duties of this most important post and therefore
it is earnestly requested that you return to the scene of action as quickly
as circumstances will permit. Your affectionate Cousin Charles
Callaganstown, Thursday
My dearest Kathleen, I was very sorry I could not be with you on Monday but
I was very sick and had to lie down all day. I was glad to hear from Maud
that you were keeping up so well, and that Baby is so quiet. It is a good
sign that she is healthy for a sickly infant is always wailing. You have a
heavy charge on you dear Kathleen but please God you will be equal to it. I
am glad it is a little girl, they are far more easily managed than boys and
easier ruled and guided. I wish I was living nearer to you and could see you
oftener. I am sure Mrs. Wilson will advise you in rearing baby. There will
not be much trouble with it for a few months. I hope your Papa is feeling
better, and that Aunt Annie is pretty well. Your own dear Mother was only 9
months old when her Mother was taken from her, and she grew up to be a great
comfort to many, and greatly loved, and your little sister will be the same.
With fond love to your Papa, Aunt Annie, Maude. I am N- Kathleen V
affectionate Cousin G. Hayes?
186? Prince William Cottage, Grand Canal, Dublin, Sunday - My darling
George, Knowing you write to ? about Baby I will try & ? this to the funeral
body? ? is going on very well indeed, tho in fact asking ? ? cradle. I have
? ? in the parlour with me, I sent for Dr. Bogus? yesterday, more to make my
mind easy than anything else, & I would not send her out, so he came & ? two
more ? & told me to give her nothing but milk & water and light food I have
? for her, she is much better better this morning & more lively, she got a
present of a doll & she [2, 3, & 4 Marys Abbey, Dublin 186] has it in the
cradle with her & got a very good night, of course Mary has left she did not
go till 10 o'clock Friday night, I gave him 2/6 to ? for a cab as the ? is
long and left? Baby a? & minded her all the ? I could not be off ? ? child
seven I think that night out for a drink & ? ? down again in the morning she
called ? ? & ? ? ? but now is quite content & does not mind she never left
my arms all day yesterday & last night lay down till I ? to go to bed & had
no food all night & then this morning waited in bed till I was ready to take
her & ? ? ? then went asleep in my arms after a while. She has just got up
so I must ? ? now. Well now the strangest news yet to come yesterday evening
Marys Cousin bought me a letter Mary had not gone to America her Mother
would not let her go (her Mother wrote it) & to hear how Baby was so seems
strange. The girl I have is going on Wednesday I am very sorry for her, she
is a nice quiet girl & has very ? ? ? her sickness ? ? ? yesterday & said
that she had a letter from ? Mother & wants ? home I believe there is some
love lost? so she goes - I mean to get ? in till you come home she can sleep
here at night & ? ? ? ? over what is but if she is any good I will
keep her for a while - Mr. ? ? was here yesterday morning to see if he would
engage a seat for me on Tuesday night but I would not leave Baby till she is
quite well - I suppose you are spending a pleasant day with Bat???? I did
not go out ? ? ? ? you must have felt very much flattered at going so far?
So now I will say good bye with fondest love from your ? fond Wife Kate
Caparn (that woman's writing is dreadful - Mary)
39 Grosvenor Road, Rathgar - My dear Kathleen, Your kind letter received
this morning & the two Jacks? have just been ? I am exceedingly obliged to
your Papa for all the good things he has (page missing I think) give our
fond love to Aunt Avis? & accept the same for yourself, kisses for dear
Baby. We miss the old Lady ? ? She was the last link of my fondly loved
Husband - again thanking your Papa for his kind & useful present? by Mr.
James in kind regards to your Papa. I remain your affectionate friend
Elizabeth Devlin? P.P. I am getting around nicely D. G.
 
 
"The Rosary" To the Editor of The Daily Mail
Sir, - The conflicting criticisms which have appeared in The Daily Mail on
"The Rosary" are easily explained. They express the woman's and the man's
point of view, Weak, sentimental, and full of impossible episodes, the book
exactly suits the average woman, who reads solely for the plot. Its
unreality would disgust the other sex. The authoress doubtless reaches a
higher literary standard than the usual run of modern novels (in fact, the
style is the best part of "The Rosary"); but were half the adverbs and
adjectives deleted the book would be a stronger and therefore a finer
artistic work. May Tucker, The Hall, Ashburton
To the Editor of the Daily Mail
Sir, - May I as a blind man express my opinion of "The Rosary"? In the first
place it is utterly ridiculous to suppose that Garth would not have
recognised Jane by her voice the moment she entered his room and spoke. In
the second place, does anyone suppose that a blind man is so helpless that
he cannot find his way about his own apartment without the aid of strings
passing from his chair to the window, door, and piano? Again, Garth is
represented to us as a thorough musician, yet the doctor very
unintelligently suggests that a notch should be cut in the piano to enable
him to find the middle C. How absurd! I am afraid the authoress understands
very little of blind people and their ways, or the book would have been
written very differently or not at all. H. S. Elkington, 3 Holland Road,
Hove
An Impromptu addressed ? ? To Kate Caparne
on the presentation of a few Tea Spoons
The spoons are made at last dear Kate, And crested too you see;
Long may it be your happy fate, To use when at your Tea.
And when I chance to go the way?, And hour with you to spend;
Ah! won't you give a Cup o' Tay. To your dear Spoony friend. |
