SD2864. Mary Altham Altham to William Surtees Altham
Listed in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 355.
Stoke Court
January 9 [1867] [1]
My dearest darling Papa,
Two letters from Combe Head this morning and both for me!! So tremendously kind of you and Mama, I could hardly have expected it, as your time is so thoroughly taken up– Miss Berry and I went to Taunton yesterday and after having got all sorts of fineries for the Ball made our way to Mr Coker’s. He stoped two bottom teeth but not the one I complained of the other day– He said it was sympathy, for if the back tooth which he stoped was decayed the other one would be sure to ache. A very extraordinary thing is’nt it?
Franky Malet came here the day before yesterday to ask for his part in the play; I gave him the book, and asked him to write his part out, which he said he would do, the book was brought back yesterday– I hope you will be more fortunate in your shooting this time; I am very anxious to know how Althy gets on– His Photos came yesterday, all very nice, in a pretty little green case– I will send one of them to Uncle Harry at once–
We shall be very glad to see you back again—though we have not freted away our time by any means. Lord Carabas’s nickerbockers are nearly finished, looking very smart with stripes of silver paper across them and the ogre’s yellow trousers are done– We got three sheets of tea paper the other day for five pence, which was almost as well as the expensive silver paper, so that we shall be able to do wonders—
Tell Altham that I have succeeded in making two most satisfactory silver stars after having spent a whole evening at them–
I have nothing more to say so I must “shut up”; with best love and many kisses to all the darlings,
I remain ever dearest Papa
Your most affecate daughter
Mary A. Altham
Give my very best love to Uncle Harry and Aunt Amelia, and bid and entreat them to come for our party. James pronounces the live stock to be perfectly well and flourishing. There were two eggs yesterday and one today. Please excuse very bad writing as Mary always says.
I am afraid I have thoroughly shocked Miss Berry with this letter– Farewell!!!!
Address: Major Altham / H Moulton Barrett Esqre / Combe Head / nr Tiverton / Devon.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Altham Archive.
1. Year provided by postmark.
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