[This letter, although not dated at the top, was postmarked 1843. Apparently written in Boston, Sept. 30th, 1843.
It was addressed to Miss Anne Murray 6 Wilson Street 
Bristol, England
Per Royal Mail Steamer

There was no stamp. The letter was folded and sealed with sealing wax. The amount of postage was stamped on the outside but is unreadable.
D. Bilodeau]
Dear Anne, 
As I intend making you my chief correspondent in England, I enclose you the accompanying letters & I hope you will put the one into the post enclosed with this in an envelope & put the other as it is. As I have said pretty much about Boston in Papa's letter I will not repeat it in this but will give you an account of my voyage & the adventures I have gone through since my departure from Suffolk Place. 
I assure you your letter was very acceptable to me, indeed I never felt before so much the pleasure of receiving a letter from you nor missed home so much. However, from my first setting foot on board the vessel down to the present moment I have never regretted the step which I have taken, though I have often felt queer when I reckoned up how many weeks' subsistence I had in my pocket & the idea came into my head of not getting employment before that was exhausted. However these are groundless fears. Our feelings are always pulling against our reason, and when I reason with myself calmly on the subject I cannot but come to the conclusion that however long I may be getting a situation in America I should be longer in England & however badly I get on, there in England I should get on much worse. But I expect to date my good fortune from my arrival in America. I have no doubt I shall ultimately do well there. Do not think that I have not yet had the means of judging. As the sailor long before discovering land sees bits of seaweed & logs of wood which convince him he is near shore, so I picked up on the route a great deal of information & since I have been here much more.
Before I begin my travels I will tell you at once to ease your mind that I have not yet obtained a situation but have not yet by any means lost all hope of doing so. I have more than a month's subsistence to back me & I am certain of success in some way before that is out.
You ask me when I first thought of going to America? Long ago - 3 years at least & I would then have gone if I had the money tho' I should have got on I dare say very badly, at first. However I believe even then had I gone I should have been by this time much better off than I am now. I should have learnt some business by this time and that is what I do not now possess. Ever since then I have cherished the idea & every book I have read about America has confirmed me in the belief that I shall get on there or nowhere. Had I saved up my money I should have gone before now I expect. When I left Mr. Speed's you know I had some 25 or 30 pounds due me which I have been receiving ever since, but I have not been able to save any of it. I put some in a savings bank in Farrington St. But I was obliged to take it out again. I had received more than £10 before I left Mr. Spencer's. Just before I left there, I received £8 which, with the £3 Mr Spencer presented, was the capital I began the world with. 
I took my passage in the steerage in Barque Velasco, Captn. Cheate, from her London docks for which I paid £4, my provisions & bedding & tinware cost £2/10 & £1 was expended in some other things. I wanted carriage porterage etc etc so that I started ultimately with £3/10. I have paid my first week's board (2½ dollars) & have yet more than a month's subsistence to look to, so I am well off. 
I told mama, I was going to Foster Porter's. Got my two boxes off on board the ship, on Friday, walked about the city the rest of the day. Slept at home for the last time. Walked about again until 4 o'clock when I went on board & went down to my temporary apartment. The BARK was about 350 tons burden & in a very dirty condition. When I had gone into the steerage before that there were no berths up so you may be sure it looked dreary enough. I suppose you know what a barque is. It is a vessel with 3 masts, the two in front square rigged & the one behind with two sails on that are always on one side of the mast. Our vessel had but little cargo in it & stood high out of the water - the bulwarks were just high enough for me to see over. In the front (the bows) is a raised deck called the forecastle deck under which is the forecastle where the sailors are. In the stern was another raised deck higher than my head, about as high again as the forecastle & called the quarter deck. Between this & the deck is the cabin & behind it is the wheel; just before that was the hatchway which led down into the steerage without any covering over the hatchway but a tarpaulin when the weather was very rough. The steerage extended from the foot of the hatchway to the stern of the vessel & from side to side, the only light being admitted down the hatchway and through two little windows in the stern. There was no separation between the steerage and the rest of the space between the deck above and the steerage deck & below that was the hold which had no covering, so that if one made a false step, down you went. We had to creep along every morning along side of the vessel on some boarding to the fore part of the vessel from the steerage to where the water casks were placed to get our allowance of water in a can, which was not very much in rough weather.
Well, to continue my description of my lodgings, come down the hatchway & look straight ahead -- on each side are six sleeping berths, hastily knocked up - made of deal boards, with one put up to prevent you from tumbling out. We did not have one berth above another because it was not high enough for us to stand upright, so we were obliged go on deck if it were only to stretch our legs, but two were obliged to sleep in each berth. I had the first berth on the left side going down the hatchway & was lucky enough to be up nearly all the Voyage instead of down, so that all the water ran off to the other side & the light came down from the hatchway upon my berth, leaving the other side almost in darkness. 
My bedfellow was a countryman from Surrey who had seen various ups and downs in the world & had at length a few months ago, when on the point of sailing to Quebec with wife, family & all, found himself instead in White Cross Prison for debt. He let his wife go on without him, promising to meet her at Toronto. When he had got on board this ship after leaving Toronto he found he had not sufficient money for paying his passage so was obliged to make a bargain to work for it and board. He wanted to borrow some of me, but I declined. He was very much afraid his wife was going to cohabit with another man & this worried him so that he could scarcely eat anything all the way.
At the foot of us were a Jew and his wife & their protegée, a young though by no means pretty Jewess. The latter was going to see her sisters at N. York & the former (Mr. Ansell) was going to endeavour to obtain a similar situation to what he had in Liverpool among the Jews -- that sect's [word missing?] to the synogogue & marker of the beasts to be slain. His wife, who we heard used to drink & had separated from him in consequence, used to disgust me with her frequent repetition of the name of God -- "God grant we get there soon" -- "Heaven be praised we shall soon be there" -- "We shall soon get there, thank God". And so on all the voyage - and yet she had no more religion than a horse. Opposite to us were a family of emigrants going to Michigan. One of them who had been there 7 years told me, as I have heard since confirmed, that in AMERICA instead of one's having to support oneself whilst learning a business, it is quite the reverse.
If so what have I to fear -- subsistence is what I want. I can build upon a foundation what superstructure I have a mind to. We had very pleasant weather for a day or two after passing Lands End, so that we were quite well and hearty. It was calm nearly every day. Sometimes the sails were all motionless and the water all around us as smooth as the water in a tub. In the evenings it was so warm that we used to sit up till late at night looking now & then at the light cast by the moon upon the water. I never saw so much of the moon in my life. It made a very splendid appearance. Now it would cast a splendid light all along the waters down to the side of our vessel and then when a cloud passed over it, we would be in darkness & yet see a brilliant circle of light upon the water far from us surrounded by gloom. 
However this did not last long for we "awoke one Morning & found ourselves" seasick instead of famous as Byron has it. The ship was rolling about and so was our tinware. I scrambled on deck & endeavoured to keep my last night's supper down, holding my head over the side & looking for the first time at the snowy whiteness of the foamy water as the ship dashed through it, but just as I detected myself in the act of repeating Byron's address to the Ocean, the contents of my stomach declared independence. So I went below & I was glad to turn in for the rest of the day. Since then we were seasick nearly every gale until we had at length got used to it and when the "unkindest cut of all" came & we were tossing about, the water rushing in torrents down the hatchway, our dinners sliding swiftly over to the lee side of the vessel, ourselves sometimes sliding down after them, we were by no means seasick but very sick of the sea. For my own part I would not be a sailor for a trifle. It is very pleasant sometimes and for a short excursion would be delightful. It was very pleasant during a calm to look over the side and see the beautiful seaweed & all kinds of sea-jellies floating by; to draw a bucket of water in the night and see it sparkle in the dark; to see the waves flash fire as they did sometimes when it was dark & the vessel was going ahead. It was exciting too, to hear the cry of the porpoises & to rush on deck, rig out the harpoon & watch them as they glided along around the bows of the vessel & then far off, jumping out of the water sometimes, falling in again, 4 or 5, one after the other, like a cascade of porpoises. The mate struck at a great many of them for we often met with them & once he struck the harpoon through & through. The sailors set to work & pulled the huge fish on deck by main force. It was about 6 feet long and very elegantly formed. Some of the meat was cut out & the liver etc after which it was thrown overboard. The liver fried was as good as a pig's but the flesh was as tough as a board. We saw a great many whales & black fish, a gampus etc. 
I had a very pleasant companies in the steerage, the cabin's passengers were very good also. One of the latter was a nice little lad from Ettica [= Attica?], N. YORK -- with him was his cousin, a young doctor & another friend, a young man who had been to London, Liverpool & France -- was acquainted with all the sporting houses & was what we would call a rake or a very gay young man & the Americans would call a "rowdy". The other one was an American Surgeon's servant. He passed himself off for a surgeon and gave himself far too many airs, but none of us could "go it". The sailors (6), tho' but two of them American-born, were all American to the backbone. With the greatest surprise they asked as whether I really hold the absurd doctrine that a black man was as good as a white man. They thought me a sensible young man in other things but that I was mad on that subject. My pointing to two men on board the vessel who altho' black were better men than the whole 6 of the sailors were, even if all their good qualities had been separated from the bad & fused into one lump, had no effect. They seemed to value their colour by its cheapness. It was a cheap kind of pride indeed. Many people have to pay a deal for pride, but these sailors inherited it. I have no more room and will finish in my next. Write as often as possible -- every fortnight and believe me, dear Anne 
Ever your affectionate brother
Walter Murray 

Mr W. Murray 
Mr. Turner's 
27 Brighton St.
Boston U.S.

Take care to address no more letters under the name of Thurtell. 

-----------------

[There was no date on this letter but it was postmarked 1844. It was addressed
Per Hibernia Steamship 
Miss Murray 
2 Wilson Street
Bristol 
England 

New Year's Day 1844
It was stamped with a large postal stamp America £ but the rest of the stamp is unreadable. Postage was paid in England upon receipt of the letter. No envelope was used. Paper was folded and sealed with wax.
D. Bilodeau
SJC comments (Oct 2002):
It is interesting to note that the US was slow to embrace the British invention of the postage stamp. The first US stamps were available in 1847.
http://www.artforwildhearts.com/us%231.1-391.html
This explains lack of stamp on Walter's 1844 epistle.] 
Roxbury nr Boston
New Years Eve 1844 

My dear Anne
This being the last fortnightly steamer, I have an additional inducement to writing you a long letter as a month will intervene before I can again address you. The last fortnightly steamer from England arrived here about the 18th so that there are now nearly 3 weeks to elapse before I receive any more letters. It seems a long time to wait, but as it is improbable that her Majesty will dispatch an extra mail on my account I suppose I must submit to it. 
You have indeed sent me some news and no mistake. Mama getting fat! I hope in this you have told me the truth, for this is so improbable, I might say impossible, that I can't go it, that's a fact. However, as it is vouched for by so respectable an authority as yourself, I will at least try to account for it even tho' I do not believe it. Perhaps it is because she is released of me, or perhaps she had fed on poisons so long that she had fattened on them. 
"A highly nervous and excitable person." Thank heavens you do not attend any of our American "revivals" or I should expect you to go real stark raving mad. Pray what business have you to be "nervous and highly excitable", I should like to know. Well! I hope my sudden departure has not excited you into any very great pitch of frenzy. I suppose the love tale you have mentioned is the old story; hard-hearted father, cruel mother, tender young lady; worthy but poor young gentleman - "the course of true love never, etc" - pistols, daggers, horsehounds, etc etc - a sad business, a very sad business but better than marrying cousins, I imagine. 
And so Josephine is becoming orthodox after waging fierce war with the world so long. Well wonders will never cease. Aunt Fanny castle-building eh! Well that's more likely than all, and perhaps it is as likely that her castle will topple down like the previous ones. I have a notion they would get along well in N. York if uncle has any friends there. 
"You tell me you are indifferent to these things, but prove to me your interest in them". My dear Anne, I shall do no such thing. I shan't take the trouble. How often am I to tell you that this is my affair and that you had nothing to do with it. The only justification for meddling with another person's matters is a submission to it, as the only justification for treason is its success. As your treason has no such justification perhaps you will discontinue it. One of the Lutleys is exactly my age to a day - is he the one who has just died? If so I trust I shall long outlive my contemporary. Another Sunday School marriage too & in the same family. 
Charlotte has left us & and so has the foreman Henry Studdley. They are both to work again in another office. Henry as a partner. He is one of the best job printers in Boston & was a sailor for 3 years. Charlotte is setting her cap for him most furiously. He is no fool and sees through, I am sure, as well as everybody else but he treats her very kindly & I think will be caught in the toils tho' he is a prudent chap. She deserves to be married, I am sure, for her pains. There are none left in the office now but myself and the boy. We shall have another foreman on Monday but a very inferior printer. He will be what they call "a cheap hand" & will answer Mr. D's purpose in that respect at least. Most people say it will be mistaken economy but Devereux is determined to pay as little for "help" as possible. 
I am getting along better than before at learning the different sorts of type but have been turned about so at different things, setting, rolling, presswork, filling in, machine press and so forth that I'm not improved in swiftness. I enclose a specimen of work done by his machine hand press worked by myself principally. It is as set up by Henry Studdley. Now Charlotte has left us I suppose I shall improve rapidly. Filmer is getting along pretty well with his 7 dollars per week. I spoke for him to Mr. D. about his vacant situation. He has engaged, but Filmer will have a chance, he says, if this one does not suit him or he wants more help. Mr. Filmer has almost quarrelled with the Turners. Henry wants him to lend him money, which he will not do so. Henry is ready to eat him. Henry is indeed a caution to us. He married so young that he already feels the inconvenience of a family tho' he has but one child. Tho' he has just obtained an advance of 2 dollars per week he is full that poorer than before, for he is launching out into all sorts of extravagance; has already forestalled his advance for a full 6 months. He owes his mother as much or more than a month's board for himself & wife & has obtained on credit a coat for 8 dollars; 14 dollars worth of jewelery etc etc besides going to Balls & Theatre. With my board alone I am much richer than he and would not change places with him for 6 dollars, wife & all. 
Jewellery seems to be very, very common here, everybody wears some, servants, & workmen, & men wear rings - sometimes 2 or 3 pins, brooches, & gold combs are common. I have heard Charlotte say, speaking of somebody's owing money - "I would sell my jewellery rather than not pay it" as if that was the last thing to be parted with. And yet the love of it exists in her in a comparatively very mild form, tempered as it is with the love of religion. 
What a rascally set of religious professors there are here as elsewhere. One in particular in whose store Mr. D. keeps a card press is a choice specimen. He practises the most dishonest ways of getting business. If a lady passes by and sees specimens of Mr. D.'s cards hanging out and happens to go in and seeing Mr. D.'s workmen engaged or out, speaks to this Mr. Greene, he will take the job & get it executed elsewhere & pocket what he can get out of it. He is up to other dishonest practices, and the other day Mr. D. went into his store & heard him offer the Boston Almanac to some Customers, saying that he was the only one who had it so early, having contracted for it with the publisher's when he very well knew they had it at the same time next door & a hundred more places. Mr. D. had seen it in several places only a few minutes ago. Mr. D. having some difference with him about pirating on Mr. D.'s card business, went into his store the other day to speak to him about it & being rather a passionate man began in rather a hasty manner, when Mr. Greene stopped him with "Sir, are you a Christian?" a question which under such circumstances should have returned with a knock-down argument. This cold-blooded rascal is a very eminent member of a Christian Church. 
Here I am (Sunday afternoon), in one of "those pretty white cottages" sitting alone like a bachelor, as I am, with the bright sun shining through a clear sky. It is cold & frosty & windy without but it is pleasant to look at from within & the sunlight coming in through 3 windows from 3 separate sides of the room makes it pleasanter still. I shall be alone all the afternoon & evening - alone, no, for I shall have you & the whole of my correspondents for companions. I shall not quarrel with my company. I have just put a thick hunk of wood upon the fire, or stove rather, and scod! I'll make a day of it. 
Meanwhile I must not frighten the cat or the roosters & hens & must take especial care that the former does not seize upon the canary-bird, cage & all. Being a stranger almost, he has once attempted it, but his fair mistress showed poor master Tom that a lady's hand and a cat's ears may be too closely acquainted for safety of the latter. I have drawn the easy chair - a rocking-chair - up to the table upon which are writing materials, apples, nuts, & raisins & your handwriting & with these & my own thoughts for companions, doubt not I shall make out to get along considerable well. If tired of writing, I betake myself to reading; I have "Change for the American Notes", my own books, the "Mysteries of Paris", "Godey's Lady's Book", "Ladie's Companion", "The Destroyer", "Forest Days", "The Boston Pilot", "The Bay State Democrats", etc etc wherewith to amuse myself. But I doubt not I shall have enough to do without reading for I have two more such sheets as this to fill out before I leave off. 
By Jove, here's Filmer - quite by accident, he has called to take a walk with me. Only the second time he has been out here, so we shall spend a pleasant afternoon together. I suppose in England such an innocent pleasure would be thought reprehensible but here I do everything I like that's reasonable and this is. I have given him a sheet of paper and a pen and [he] is writing too. 
You will observe that I have changed pens. I have been discussing very much lately, with Devereux the m[?] of Dickens' American Notes. He speaks very bitterly of them. He has read them but certainly to very little purpose. I have never yet found a single American who could bring forward a single tangible [----------] with which they were evidently written, will acquit Dickens of having wilfully misrepresentated anything or anybody. For my part I believe he has [mis?]represented nothing wilfully or otherwise & I shall hold that opinion until the contrary is attempted to be proved at least. Devereux is so pigheaded & withal so ignorant on the subject and so very patriotic that I can't satisfy him anyway I can fix it. What a pity there is no standard but our own minds to judge it by. Well, well Devereux is a good hearted man, that's a fact. It will afford me plenty of food for speculation. 
Have any of my letters been charged double? It is important that I should know, for I do not intend you should pay more than 1/6 and if ever through eagerness to write you a full account I have or shall make the letter over the half-ounce you must tell me of it & it shall not be repeated. 
Filmer's sister has been to Mrs. Miller's to school and she has lately returned to it in the capacity of teacher; believe me, she is a very nice girl. 
I hope you will write to me by every mail as they sail only once a month. Give me all the news you can. How is poor Edward getting on; I wrote to him by last boat. How are Uncle & Aunt G. getting on and that young Scamp Edmund Bunn. 
When I have learnt my business, I intend working my way all over the U.S. & perhaps most part of the world, but I shall endeavour to be like a rolling snowball not like a rolling stone, to gather on the way, not the reverse. I have no doubt it may be done if the Americans infuse a taste of their smartness into me. 
After weighing my paper by such a crude pair of scales as I can manufacture, I am afraid that two of these sheets of early American paper will weigh more than the half-ounce so I shall only enclose a half sheet which I hope you will put in the post. 
My darling, mama wants to know how I look. Now I don't keep company with any young lady whose admiration of my handsome appearance I can transmit for Ma's edification, nor do I practise so much looking in the glass as to be able exactly to tell her the precise point of personal beauty to which I have attained but pray tell her in order to take a weight off her mind that my friends (who are they?) tell me that I look much thinner than when I arrived here. 

----------------

July 26, 1843
[This date cannot be correct. Alexander went to America in 1850. The correct date must be between 1853, when Walter was married, and Oct 1858 when Alexander was married. Which war is referred to? The Mexican-American War had ended in 1848, the Crimean War ended in 1856, the American Civil War had not yet begun. Perhaps something more will be gleaned by viewing the original. JCC.] 

My dearest Alexander 
How is it that you have not written to me? Not one word was said about you in Walter's letter. I am very anxious about you [&] want to know how you are getting on? temporally and spiritually. Do write and tell me all like a dear good son. 
I wish you were well out of a heathenish land but I cannot see how it is to be accomplished - in fact I seem to know nothing about you. You have not yet married - I should think, a few years anon and it will [not?] be amiss to think about it, provided you possess the means. I am glad to find dr Walter is so happy - I hope you will be equally careful to turn up a "prize" - a good wife is of the Lord. He seems to have been particularly prospered - may you my dear boy be equally so, but the means must be applied. You must watch the heart and not so much the face and yet there is many pretty and yet amicable girl, but in such a country, that you want to know whether she will be qualified as a wife. Is she industrious? companionable? careful? useful? fond of home pleasures? not a gadabout. I should prefer you being single on my own account but that would be selfish, but your marrying would, I fear, keep you forever in a distant land. 
You are aware the war is over. I did begin to think we should have a war with America, but it seems to be blown over. I will write you a long letter next week. I received the newspaper with your advertisement in it. Do not quarrel with men in power - you may get yourself into trouble. Endeavour to do your d[uty by?] God and man and live in peace with all. Adieu dear Alexander - believe me your affectionate mother.
Sarah Murray 

-------------

[c. 1853?]

My ever dear Alexander 
If I remember right my last note to you was short. This I account for, by your not having written to us for so very long a time. It was some little consolation to me to find you mentioned in Walter's last letters, as in a previous one he omitted to even say you were well, which rather annoyed me, as I always like to hear at least of your health and your whereabouts. If no news, I am apt to conjecture something serious has happened. Why my dear Alexander do you neglect to write to us? - under all circumstances we are but too glad to hear from you. 
I'm somewhat concerned about your present occupation - horrid! Why, my dear, you cannot have strength for such a life, and partners are most disagreeable persons ----[torn]--- a country like the one ---[torn]--- I [unreadable]. But after all, being far from friends, want of respect, ability, and above all a heathen land for a home, and no civilization, answer me? Is money worth such sacrifices? Oh that you could realize a few hundreds and return. I hope that you will manage so as not to be left behind should dear Walter ever return. Whilst you are single the[re] would be no difficulty, but get married, and unless you had almost an independence at your command, I should never behold my dear Alexander whom I parted with on the stairs, again do you remember that parting? I can picture it as vividly as ever in my mind's eye. I am always regretting that you have never had our likenesses, they have all been taken but Fanny's -----[torn]------ and there is no reason ----[torn]----not have----[torn]--- far as I am concerned. The sending them off rests with your father so do not blame me - I could say more but it is the part of 
all bout your love affairs - a bad marriage would be ruin to you, so go careful. I am writing this by candle light so you must excuse the bad writing, but I am expecting one of your uncle Walter's daughters tomorrow so I was afraid if I did not scribble off a letter tonight, there would be no opportunity tomorrow. I do not hear that any of our relations who have left England have done much, you and Walter have succeeded as well as any, I believe--as to pecuniary means. Your Aunt Everitt is again in London - she is coming to see us soon. Your father met 4 of his sisters about a week since. On that occasion your Aunt Charlotte's ---[torn]--- celebrated ------[torn]---- I think it very probable they----[torn]---. You can scarcely imagine what old people we are getting, our generation is passing rapidly away. If you are [a]way a few more years you will find 

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San Luis Obispo
May 28th 1858

My dear Sister Anne 
I had the pleasure of receiving from you a letter by last mail; the first I think, in two long years. You say that you have not failed to write to me from time to time. I can assure you that I have not yet received a letter from you that I have not answered. My last to you was sent through my mother, who acknowledged the receipt of it. That must have been about a year and a half ago.
I am glad to hear that you are about to increase your family and ____ that it will live to bless you, and not pass away, as mine have done. I have always been desirous of having offspring and have looked forward to them as a means of living hereafter in this world, in them. And yet I have been singularly unfortunate, having lost two in succession and only having one spared to me. I do not know whether to congratulate myself or to regret that my wife is again with child [Mercedes b. 30 Aug 1858], probably lacking only about three months to her confinement. I have no confidence whatever that the child will live, more especially as my wife is now in a state of continual fear and agitation, on account of circumstances which I shall recount to you. However I have no help for it. I can do nothing but await my lot and abide by it.
You say you are sorry that I am situated where I am, buried alive as it were, in San Luis Obispo. I am sure you cannot regret it more than I or have greater desires that I should emancipate myself from it. I have now lived nearly five years in this place. When I came here I had about nine thousand dollars. Now were I to dispose favorably I would not raise over six thousand. A clear deficit of three, with five years time thrown in. The fact is that in two years time I was to all intents and purposes a ruined man, and have since only been recuperating. During the past two years my prospects have been gradually brightening, which is the reason why I am now loth to leave. I lost a fortune by leaving Sonora when I did. If I had staid there I should now have been worth from $25,000 to $30,000. Such a fortune I cannot hope to gain here, but then I am afraid that if I leave precipitately or unadvisedly I may wreck myself again as I did here. My intention is to leave but to bide my time, and seize the exact moment when I can do so to advantage. I shall not fight or struggle for it as I did last year; I should rather give up the idea; but I think it likely from present appearances that I can command it without a struggle. Should I succeed in the election it would open up a new field to me in a more civilized part of the State, and would also afford me the chance to drop into my old and more congenial pursuit of a newspaper editor; perhaps to return to my old abiding place in Sonora. This is my present wish. I shall in no event take any rash step.
San Luis Obispo is very distasteful to me, and more so to my wife. If any of you quiet peaceable people were settled here, I have no doubt you would leave all you had at this time, and begin the world anew elsewhere rather than stay.
June 16th.
When I left off writing I was about to recount to you a series of recent occurrences, legitimate offspring of the state of morals existing in San Luis, which would explain fully the last paragraph. I was called away however on earnest business and ever since have been so agitated and harassed as to be unable to get a chance to finish my letters.
Now however, the atmosphere is a little cleared and I will open up to you a chapter in San Luis life which will perhaps make you wonder how brother and sister, reared alike, could exist for one moment in such different spheres as San Luis and old England.
You have heard of robberies and assassinations in this country. You have perhaps deemed newspaper accounts of them to be mere exaggerations. We here have lately passed through realities which shame fiction. You must know that the Southern Counties of California are cattle districts. From thence are drawn the large bands of cattle which supply the great bulk of the population of this country. Numbers of men make it their business to bring down money and horses from San Francisco and the mines, buy cattle here and below and drive them up. As these men are from one to three months away from home and travel from three to six hundred miles and back, their disappearance does not excite comment for a long time. Hence ever since 1849 it has been a common thing for such men to be laid in wait for and murdered for their money. Long before I came to San Luis, this place was celebrated for such occurrences. Scarcely three months have passed without the discovery at some point or another within 40 miles of here, of from one to three skeletons or corpses. 
It has always been rumored that some of the evil-doers were residents of San Luis, and were protected by the native families. One man in particular, one Pio Linares, a young man of 21, married to a widow of the name of Maria Antonia, was suspected of these crimes. And yet this Pio and his wife ever since I have been here have been admitted into the native society almost on a par with the best of them. Men whispered, but they held out the hand of fellowship; they visited them and invited them and all passed off. Of one thing however, I can assure you, namely, that neither I nor my wife had anything to do with these wretches, for I had my eye on them from the first. The fellow had everybody scared. One day he would draw his pistol on one man, tomorrow his knife on another. Today he would bully this man, tomorrow that, and no one dared to prosecute him. However, the Americans here and I among them kept up a continual talk about him and determined as soon as we could throw light on his movements to bring him to account. In the meantime we all had to keep a good lookout, so much so, that several of us at different times were in great risk from him and his native followers. 
At length, in last December, two Basque Frenchmen, going up with cattle disappeared, and one was found a day or two afterwards killed with pistol-balls. The other was not found. All stood aghast because no proof could be had and the infernal natives stood together to shield their suspected countrymen. I myself, although anxious to hang a dozen of them, defended the culprit who was arrested on suspicion. There was no evidence hardly against him. He turned out afterwards to be the spy or servant of the assassin party. The principals, including Pio Linares, flourished around town, danced at our balls, bullied our citizens, and when it was whispered that he was guilty, openly dared us to the proof; and offered to fight whoever should attempt it. 
I was in a ticklish position. My client, Nieves Robles, would have confessed all to me had I pressed him - he was so frightened, but I did not dare do it. My life would not have been safe from the main villains. Public opinion among this bastard people was not strong enough to have sustained me, and I might have been off before my time, and none to have said “God help him”. I cleared the man, or rather the astuteness of the villains in leaving no witness of their guilt, cleared him and at the same time I and many other Americans resolved to act when the time should come. Law could not help us. Law could not force a confession from a criminal. And law was powerless anyhow before a jury of Californians. A few short months and the time arrived.
On the 12th of May, only a fortnight before I commenced this letter, a party of eight men, two of whom were accomplices in the murder above accounted, went to the rancho of San Juan Capistrano, where two Frenchmen named Barathe and Borel, had recently settled, about 40 miles from here, and made a general attack upon the premises. They murdered both the Frenchmen, and one of them carried off Barathe’s wife, a countrywoman of my wife’s - forced her to submit to his embraces, and finally accompanied her to a place of safety after a week’s travel through a wilderness. The plan was to lay [the] murder upon two servants of the Frenchmen, Californians, who were to have been murdered at a distance from the house, where their bodies could not be found. The two men, however, who were charged with this part of the plot spared the servants’ lives, without informing their comrades that they had done so. The result was that one of the servants went to the nearest rancho and informed Capt. Mallagh, a friend of mine, of the murder, when he immediately saddled up and brought word to me. The spoil obtained at this murder was $2700, besides watches and jewelry. It was divided up between the men before the eyes of the owners.
When Mallagh brought me the news I took the servants’ deposition and got out warrants to arrest eight persons, names unknown. In the meantime the villains, as usual, had returned to town, thinking that no trace had been left behind of their guilt. One of them [Santos Peralta] was recognized by the witness and immediately clapped in jail. The rest fled. That night we visited the jail and endeavored to make the assassin disclose his accomplices. He was silent as the grave. We left him hanging from the roof of his cell. His countrymen cried innocent! but we afterwards learned that he was the very one who had killed M. Barathe before his wife’s eyes. 
In the morning a party of 15 men started in pursuit. They caught sight of the villains and recognized four of them but they escaped by leaving their horses and taking to the brush. The party staid out about eight days, returning with one prisoner, unconnected with the late murder but an old and hardened offender, one Joaquin Valenzuela.
This Pio Linares, the head villain, had not taken part in the last murder having returned before getting to the house on account of his horse throwing and hurting him. This man remained in his house with his wife while our party was in search of the others, trusting to his long impunity. Our party, however, had resolved to take him, and on their return, before coming into town, and before anyone knew of their approach, they surrounded his house, at about 3 o’clock, A.M. and demanded his surrender. He refused to give up whereupon they set fire to his roof, and on his running greeted him with a shower of balls. I have his rifle now, which he carried in his hand. The stock is riddled with balls and buckshot, but he remained uninjured. 
That day we formed a Vigilance Committee and hanged our prisoner, Joaquin Valenzuela, in broad daylight, before the united people of San Luis. The most respectable Americans, Italians, and Spaniards forming our Executive Committee of 12. All the Americans and foreigners formed the body of the general committee. Only two Californians joined. The biggest rancheros, however, furnished us with money, arms and horses. 
We now knew all our men. Six men were implicated in the first murder, eight in the second. Two of them were in both, making a round dozen in all. We offered a reward of $3000 for their delivery, dead or alive and a proportionate part for each. Parties were sent out in different directions. The first man that was brought in was Luciano Tapia, the Mesteno, or wild man [Sp. "mesteño" = "mustang"] - he who had taken off the woman. By this time we had sent to San Francisco and brought her down. She recognized him. He confessed his guilt. The priest was called to him - he received absolution and was strung up summarily.
The next man brought in was one of the actors in the first murder [José Antonio Garcia]. The head conspirator of all, an Irish-American Gambler and horse-racer [Jack Powers] - well known in Santa Barbara, had inveigled him into the murder. He maintained that he had fired no shot, although he confessed that he saw it done, and got $200 for his share of the booty. He too was strung up. 
Then we had a lull. Half our men were out hunting these fellows at a distance, and no results. At length, last Tuesday, came intelligence that one had been seen in a willow grove at Capt. Wilson’s rancho, nine miles from here. Thirty men, of whom I was one, saddled up on the instant and proceeded thither. We hunted all morning unsuccessfully on horseback. In the afternoon I proposed dismounting and searching into the wood on foot. We did so and in an hour’s time we came across three horses, two saddles and a bag of provisions, just inside the edge of the wood. We found where they had been trying to make a well. We took their horses etc. and we tried to set fire to the wood, but with little success. The rascals were then quietly waiting for us a little inside, lying down on their bellies, with their pistols cocked. Here every rascal carries his Colt’s revolver - a tremendous weapon. 
I offered to follow up the trail with six men but was over ruled. It was getting late and it was agreed to guard the wood till morning. Guards were placed on all sides. That night one of our guards received a shot through the instep. No other shots fired. Next morning we went into the woods again following up the trails. It was so dense that we were obliged to crawl on our bellies. We found the saddle bags of Pio Linares, the man whose roof had been burned off. In them we found a spy-glass, used to spy out the whereabouts of his victims, some powder, balls and shot, his frock coat and clean linen, needles and thread, and his wife’s daguerreotype. While the rest were overhauling these things, I and another man pushed [on] a few more paces and as luck would have it received the first fire. I got shot through the fleshy part of my left arm, and my companion had the whole back of his coat ripped open with a rifle-ball. I could only see what I took to be a man’s head, at which I fired three shots from my revolver. One shot went through Pio Linares’s leg, slight wound, and another through his coat, and another through the hat I was firing at. The two last shots I fired after being wounded. The robbers fired about 6 or 8 times. We were only about 15 yards from them and in good sight. 
I then began to feel faint from my wound and backed out. This led to the retiring of the whole party, who then took up a position on the outside to prevent egress. I went home and wrote letters all over the county. By night the wood was surrounded by over 100 men. In the morning Capt. Mallagh with 24 men entered again and after crawling over a mile again drew fire. They had a bush fight of about ten minutes, resulting in the death of one of our party, an American, and the severe wounding of two others, one by accident. Pio Linares was killed, shot through the head, and two others, Miguel Blanco and Desiderio Grijalva, were taken prisoners. This happened on Saturday last. 
On Sunday the American was buried with all the honors of the Catholic Church, which, however were denied to the dead robber, as he refused to listen to the priest in his last agony. He was truly a devilish man and did most of the fighting. If he had not been killed so soon we should have lost several more men. As it was, our loss was surprisingly small. We gave the American a very decent burial - the best ever had in San Luis. 150 men and 30 ladies followed it. That day we took the confessions of the culprits. Both confessed fully. Next day they were both hanged on the same gallows, publicly as usual. Thus we have now a result of six men hanged and one shot in a month’s time - all proved participators in murder. This is a result which the law could not have obtained in San Luis in ten years. We are in hot pursuit of another and expect two more down in the next steamer from San Francisco. All are bound to swing as soon as they come into our hands. All the County officers are with us and there is no opposition whatever.
All this you will say is horrible, and it is so, but it is necessary and we have no other way to defend our lives and property. The Californians have cowed down, and even are so candid as to acknowledge their countrymen’s guilt and the justice of their punishment. Not one man as yet has suffered who was not either [a] participator or aiding and abetting it. The best commentary on this whole matter, however, is that it is a mighty unpleasant business and I wish I lived where I could be free from so terrible a necessity. 
The first few days my wife was so frightened that I expected a miscarriage. Luckily, however, as we have gradually got the upper hand of the villains she has become pacified a little and now that Linares is killed she, as everyone else, breathes freely again. This Linares kept the others from surrendering. They had been four days without food, and stated that they preferred death to further wandering. Pio Linares, however, wanted to kill as many of us as he could. “Uno por otro”, he shouted out, that is “one for another”. They said they did not intend to shoot me, mistaking me for another man. My wound is not severe. The ball traversed the arm about a distance of four inches. I still carry my arm in a sling, and poultice it, but in another week I think I shall be all right.
I am not surprised at your amazement that I should attend the Catholic Church, because I know that you, like the Catholics, deny salvation to those who differ from your tenet. You and I differ from each other in this. My ideas of religion are something like those of Defoe or Goldsmith, in regard to Government. One of them says,
“For forms of Government let Fools contest;
Whate’er is best administered is best!”

So I believe that there is not near as much difference between differing forms of religion as there is between the conduct of persons professing the same. And I conceive that a Buddhist might perchance reach the Christian heaven and a really true believer in the principles of Presbyterianism or the doctrines of the Brethren might find himself lacking at the great day. I am no Catholic - I abhor the Catholic doctrines. But what would you have me do? I am an honest God-fearing man! I am a married man, a man of family - I am thinking of old age. A man can attend a church without being a hypocrite, that I have learned, but I will defy a man to choose between attending two churches when there is but one. I happen to fall where there is but one, and that a Catholic, and I attend it. But I am very far from joining that or any other church.
You seem to think it would be better for me to get to Boston or New York. When I left those places I was but a child. I do not know how I should be able to maintain myself there. England the same. I would sooner return home than go to some other country but I do not see my way clear. In California I can always make a living and increase my store. In a Spanish country also. This I know. How I should make out in an old settled country I have yet to learn, and I shrink from putting the problem to the test of experience. However, I think I shall pay a visit home, if not now, by next year. Quien sabe. [Sp. = "Who knows?"] 
I thank you for the magazine you sent to my Eliza. She is only three years old [This does not add up: she must have been at least four, probably five - in the 1860 census she is seven years old] and although she speaks Spanish very well she speaks very little English. I intend to teach her all I know, in case I should not be able to have her taught more, but I did not want to overload her understanding, while yet so young. I should like very much to see your children and shall be delighted to receive their daguerreotypes. I should like also to get your and your husband’s. A family portrait, all taken together, would perhaps be better. We have no daguerreotype establishment here. When I go to San Francisco ....
[The end of this letter is missing]

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1 Philadelphia Place
Hackney Road
16th Sept. 1858 

My dear Andrea 
I feel it [to] be a great pleasure to be able to address you because you are the beloved wife of my dear son Alexander. Accept of my congratulations and best wishes for your united happiness - may you live together in much love and be prospered, as far as promotes your eternal well doing. The Holy word of God tells us to “Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all other things shall be added thereto”. 
I was very pleased with your dear husband for writing to me on his wedding day. I considered it such a proof of his continued affection which I was getting somewhat doubtful of, considering his long silence - Should he again serve me so, I hope you will make up for it by writing yourself. Be assured I shall ever be pleased to hear, both from you and Mercedes, for although I have never had the happiness of seeing you, you are my dear sons’ beloved ones, and that alone entitles you to my love and esteem. 
Time is hastening on with me. I am fast going down the hill of life, but should I be spared to see you, I shall consider it a privilege, and I trust and am thankful to my God & Saviour, but should it be otherwise, which in the course of events is most likely, I shall hope to meet you in a land where the sun never sets; where there are no tears shed and where parting will be unknown. Adieu, may God bless you and bestow upon you his best gifts; may you and your dear husband enjoy this life but above all that which is to come. 
Your affectionate Mother S Murray 

Mrs. Alexander Murray 

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Hackney Road
September 17th, 1858 

My dear Alexander and Andrea 
Permit me to congratulate you on your happy marriage, which I trust you will both live many years to enjoy. It is, when linked with congenial spirits,a happy and holy state. I have been married now nearly 40 years - 25 October 1818 - and I can truly say that though my course has been marked with great reverses, especially in the earlier part thereof, I derive my chief source of happiness from my marriage with your dear Mother, an educated, pious and true hearted woman. My consolation in adversity, my joy in prosperity. 
I trust you will have and enjoy prosperity, and let me recommend to you as its basis the love and fear of God - Gratitude to the Divine Being for all our blessings is the sure foundation for continued well being and having chosen a place of residence let me confine [advise?] you to stop there and not by the Yankee love of change every now and then upset all by flitting to another place. To keep money is far more difficult than to get it. “Brag is [a] good Dog, but Holdfast is a better”. 
So far for temporal things, which are good because they are essential to real comfort, - but those who live for another world - who live in the sight of God as one of his family, and look up to Him in integrity of heart, and the Father of the universal family of Man and look to His approval of their actions as the foundation of real happiness will be happy in any circumstances, short of destitution - will deserve prosperity and though not exempt from care will find happiness. God bless you, my dear children and make you real comforts to each other. 
A letter from each of you will ever be esteemed a pleasure - written in confidence of friendship & of love. I should like to see in your future letters a picture of home - home enjoyments and domestic happiness. Walter will always keep us well up in state matters and I trust the late difficulties (that is the word, is it not) will open to him the way of returning to that intellectual sphere which seems to be his peculiar home. In other words, I hope he will contrive to get once more into Journalism in which I think he will prosper more than in the jog-trot matters of trade and commerce. 
For you, I trust that some appropriate sphere will be found - but I live too far away to be competent to suggest or advise. But I should like to see all my children before I pass away from the stage of life and if I do not see them it would be an additional comfort if their residence here were permanent. A far better place to bring up children than with you, but still providence must guide the course of events and I trust you will keep a lookout to control them for your own desires if they should be like to mine.
God bless you, my dear children, and make you happy and bring you in his providence here for once if not forever is the fervent prayer of
Your affectionate Father James Murray 

Mr. A. Murray 

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Brimscombe
Oct. 4, 1858 

My dear Brother Alexander, 
I was greatly surprised to hear the contents of your last letter as I was not aware you were engaged.
I am very glad of it in one respect. I think it the best position for a young man to be in - the safest and the happiest. Whether you are suitably married I cannot judge. If you are satisfied I have no right to complain. I can only congratulate you on your good fortune & trust you may both be spared many years to enjoy each other’s society. Give my sisterly love to Andrea. I shall be happy to make her acquaintance when it can be managed - I am glad to hear she is a well educated girl, & not under Popish rule so much as might be expected. But take care that she never is. I trust you will both be led far away from such errors & be found at the feet of Jesus learning of him, not of priests. The fear of God is a good thing to begin life with - It will help you under the burdens & difficulties of life, - the fear of God of course includes a trust in the Saviour, which can be the only safety in death. 
I hope my dear brother you will write home more frequently now you will have [?] to tell. Mama has sorrowed greatly & fancied all sorts of troubles on account of your silence. 
Your little nephew Elijah is growing a fine bright clever boy, quite an original, full of fun & wit - the life of the house - never at a loss for an answer & always making friends. You should see him, he would be your favourite still. 
I am with love your affectionate sister
Anne Evans 

To the care of Mr. W. Murray
About all the rest of my children you will learn from my letters to Walter. Your photographs not received yet - how can I send mine. 

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1 Philadelphia Place
Hackney Rd.
8th April 1859 

My ever dear Alexander 
I have just finished writing to your brother and notwithstanding your long silence I shall now address a few lines to you. 
I find you left at St. Luis to keep store and look after things generally; well, dear, I hope you will be prospered in the absence of your brother. I fear Walter will not find politics so profitable as he expected. I looked upon the step as calculated to draw his attention to something which might ultimately be advantageous and again I thought he would, in Sacramento, hear the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Oh! my dear Alexander, when I think of you both and know what a heathen land you are living in I tremble for you both. May God in his infinite mercy bring you out of it and fix your abode in a country where the truths of the ever blessed Gospel are preached and may you hear and become converted and your beloved partner likewise. 
Present my love to her. I hope she is well. It would afford me very great pleasure to hear from her in her own handwriting. I beseech you will soon have your brother and his wife home. That will give you and Andrea a little liberty which it is probable you may desire. 
Is St. Luis Obispo visited by many strangers? or is it the same scene over and over again? A friend of ours has a son who with his wife and children are about to settle in San Francisco. He writes as though he was very happy. I shall learn a few particulars about him and let you know. Perhaps you and Walter would like an introduction. I presume you sometimes visit that place. 
You are very naughty for not writing. I want to hear all about you - whether for instance there is a probability of [there] being any more Alexanders. I wish your wife would write; ladies can enter into the minutiae of things so much better than gentlemen and you were never fond of letter writing. I wish you were. 
I have been ill again - indeed my dear son I feel that I have had my “three warnings” and that I shall never see you more. Oh! if I could but realize the hope of meeting you in heaven. I thank God that he is not limited to place and that he has promised that the prayers of faith will be answered. Look to Him then that you may be saved with an everlasting salvation. 
Your cousin Emma Brown[e] died just before Christmas. She was a Plymouth sister and a dear good young woman. I have no doubt of her end - it was all peace. Sydney Turner is married [to Lucy Ann Pownall; he was 29, she was about 36]. Our neighbours in Hackney Rd. are dying fast. I told you poor Mrs. Raynor was dead in a former letter. 
Your father is asking whether I have finished my letter so I must bid you farewell. Write at your earliest convenience and ever believe that I am
My ever dear Alexander
Your affectionate Mother S Murray 

Mr. Alexander Murray 

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Hackney Road E
July 15th, 1859 

My dear Alexander 
We were delighted a day or two since at receiving a letter from you in your usual scholastic style but very pleasing to us, as it contains an important declaration that you were at the end of nine months as happy as on the day of your marriage - this is very important, as it proves the union of congenial minds without which it is needless to expect happiness in the marriage life. I have had forty years of it, and wish it may continue to the last, that we may wear out together and quietly drop into the grave as near in time to each other as the Lord will. 
I am pleased too in seeing your wife’s writing - Though evidently not used to English writing her sentiments are those of a loving wife and a kind hearted woman and will therefore find a response in every English heart. John Bull loves home, wife and family as dearly as he loves himself, and prizes or appreciates them more because their comfort, happiness and peace depends in a great measure on himself. 
If, as some think and circumstances give reason to think, Louis Napoleon, who has done with the war in Italy, has a longing desire to enlarge his boundaries and increase his means by expaterating [expatiating? expatriating?] himself in England, he will find the Lion roused in defence of his home, his hearth, his domestic happiness, [which] will be quite another thing in warfare to what he has witnessed recently in mercenaries fighting for home or supremacy merely - and that he will be hurled back in disgrace and dishonor. Already, without talking of him - England is arming all over the land, and putting the Enfield and Lancaster Rifle into the hands of the people, and training them for war - manufacturing Rifle & Cannon by thousands, building iron cased freighters - and ram batteries (floating) each armed with Anderson’s or Rifled Cannon - on a principle of our own superior to any yet made - and are preparing to do battle with any or all who dare to assail our Island “Home” - that is the word - and a word too that will r[a]ise all the blood of our people to resist aggression - let them try it - they will soon find out their mistake. 
I am pleased too that San Luis Obispo is beginning to fill with more civilized beings than those “Judge Lynch”, that is our word, displaced. - In a word I am pleased that a Christian people are taking a Christian means- that is quiet and peaceable of filling the land with joy and gladness. All this pleases me and when you write quiet pictures of home and happiness are worth all the selfish vagaries of public men - with you as with us, intent in promoting their own interests, while talking of the interests of the public. 
You and Walter too have sent life-like pictures across the Atlantic. Well, I think I must be getting stupid in my old days or I should ere now have found out means of making ours walk across the Atlantic that you may have the opportunity of noting a change; and Andrea and Mercedes, what those queer old folks in England are like. I will take the hint and act upon it. If I do not write personally to Andrea and Mercedes, it is because my letters are intended for all and time would fail if correspondence is to be the mere vehicle of compliments. No, each is now a worthy member of our family & will be treated in every respect as such confidentially and sacredly. 
My time and paper are drawing to a close - I say to each God bless you - keep your eye on the possibility of seeing your aged parents and it may be that God may bless you with the means and opportunity - I am, Dear Alexander & Andrea
Your affectionate Father
James Murray 

Alexander & Andrea Murray 

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[The top of this letter is torn and the date is therefore missing. Sukie Hunter comments that it must be midsummer 1859. The war Sarah is talking about is the one that culminated in the battle of Solferino on 24 June. The peace had clearly only just been signed. Edward Manfred died in the third quarter of the year, so this letter can’t be later than September. The date ‘15th’ that appears in the middle of the letter must therefore be 15 July, August or September 1859.] 
- [torn] - your letter dated 20th May put into my hand. It had been long expected as your brother on his arrival at Sacramento informed us of your intention to write. 
It affords me more pleasure (I mean to say happiness) than I can express to find that you continue so happy in married life. I am glad that you have found a suitable companion; one that can sympathise with you in your trials and rejoice with you in your mercies. I do indeed congratulate you both that there seems to be no cause of regret about your union as it is sad when it is so and but too often is the cause of bitter reverses. 
Indeed my beloved Alexander, if we would but look back into the history of the past bygone days, there is but too much - [torn] - erred - [torn] I have often wished you had not gone out to California, as I fear through it you have, my dear son, experienced many hardships which you would not have done at home. You certainly would in all probability, had you been here, been confined to some office and perhaps under some hard “taskmaster” but as a compensation for it would have had civilization and many, many comforts, and privileges which you cannot have there. The greatest in my estimation would have been the opportunity of hearing the Gospel preached in its purity; “faith cometh by hearing” and St. Paul says “by the foolishness of preaching many become wise unto selection” but I must not despair of you or your dear partner. God can convert through the Holy Gospel even in California, and how earnestly do I hope that in that distant part of the globe men’s - [torn] - in this the Metropolis of the world many prayers are offered up for such an event. 
You will be sorry to hear that Edward Manfred is not likely to live many weeks. He is now suffering from dropsy. He has been once tapped but is filling again rapidly, and all this is brought on through the habit of intemperance. His poor wife is made miserable by it and he seems brought to a premature grave and what is worse he is an infidel. He, I believe, hates religion and all who profess it. His friends are exceedingly anxious about him, but he is such an extraordinary young man that they are at a loss to know who they shall get to converse with him upon the subject of religion. I hope, my dear Alexander, he will serve as a warning to others. 
I fear your - [torn] - young - [torn] - they are amongst the pleasures of the world, but the Bible tells us to come out from the world, and to be separate from it. Business compels us to mix with the world but although in it we are warned not to be of it. Cannot you do some good for your fellows on a Sunday? have you Sunday schools? but I presume that as Catholicism is the religion of that part a Protestant would not be heard. Read your Bible; remember David the great King of Israel "served God well in his day and generation"; what are you doing for Him? ask yourself the question and then ask yourself what He is doing for you. Shall I tell you? 1st - he has given you life, health, food, clothing, protection and what I am sure you prize - a good wife and he has promised to with-hold no good things from those who love him. Do you love Him? if you have given your heart to Him He will bestow upon you His best gifts; His spiritual gifts. The best is the gift of his dear and well beloved Son who died upon the cross to redeem and save you. He gives His “Holy spirit to sanctify you; His righteousness to justify you and His blood to cleanse you from all sin”. Oh! what a Saviour. He can save to the very uttermost. 
I was very pleased to receive dear Walter’s and his wife’s and children’s likenesses. I think Mrs. Walter not unlike Mrs. Alexander; a little difference in age that is all. She looks affectionate; the dear children I am delighted with, particularly the dear baby. She has such a nice intelligent countenance. You must have missed them very much during their residence in Sacramento. I fear Walter’s sojourn there will not benefit him so much as he expected but after all if it does not put money into his pocket it may in the Providence of God have been productive of good in some better way. He has no doubt had the opportunity afforded him of attending the means of Grace which I hope has not been lost upon him. I am encouraged to hope from an expression he used that he is really desirous of knowing the truth as it is in Christ Jesus. 
I met Mrs. Tisley who lived next door to us in the Oval. She tells me Sophia is married, I believe the 3 eldest of her girls and her son. Also I read a nice letter from Edward Thurtell, the other day, the one who is a farmer in America. After much toil and some money left him he succeeded very well until the panic when his wheat stock sold for a mere nothing but he hopes that the times will revive. His older son is 16. He sends him to district school. He can read and write as well as he could when he left school. He has seven children. 
I am glad you think of business before pleasure but I fear you have scarcely sufficient scope where you are so that half your time is wasted. I shall send your letter to poor Fanny. She is now living in Rutland. I fear she has a great struggle to get through with a partner who is gloomy and unfeeling towards her and I fear he prevents her giving us any information about herself as she scarcely tells me anything. She writes and writes and says nothing. Her last baby is such a poor little creature and says nothing [this must be a mistaken repetition, as the baby was only about 7-8 months old] , and yet it lives or rather exists. She and John went off in good spirits but I fear they are disappointed. I am afraid John is not equal to what he has undertaken, but he has an excellent knowledge of the Scripture, but something now [new?] is wanted; the gift of preaching and prayer, but I never heard him so do not know.
15th
Again I resume my pen. Napoleon and the Emperor of Austria have made peace. God grant it may be permanent for to read the horrors of war is dreadful. Napoleon is an uncertain, wiley fellow. There is no being aware of him. We are looking very closely to the defences of the country as it is believed he would like to be revenged on the battle of Waterloo. Thousands of lives have been plunged into eternity with sins unrepented of through the late war and the sufferings of the poor soldiers have been beyond description. I expect to hear it has [been?] settled in Paris with all due honours. 
I am glad you sent me a copy of your business as it gives me a better idea of what you are doing. How goes on Walter’s business during his absence? I presume you cannot act for him as Attorney of the District. I presume your removing more into the town will improve your business, I am glad to find you are a little “ahead of the world”. It is very nice to have a friend in store in this world but how much better to lay up a “treasure in Heaven”. 
I scarcely expected the Christian Cabinet would have reached you. I do not wonder at your “not appreciating them”. I expect you have no pleasure in reading anything of a scriptural nature; such is our state until we are born of the spirit of God, then what a change. Oh! for that change in you and yours and then I will say with old Simeon of old “Lord lettest now thy servant depart in peace”; for salvation has entered the families of my two sons. This is all I do live for. 
I wish to write a few lines to your dear wife that I can only add my best thanks for your nice letter and wishing you every happiness, 
Believe me My dear Alexander Your ever affectionate Mother S Murray 

Mr. Alexander Murray 

----------------

[DB placed this undated letter in mid-1864. However, it seems more likely to be the 'few lines to your dear wife' that Sarah told Alexander she was going to write in July 1859. They had just got a letter from both Alexander and Andrea, and had also just received photographs of Walter and his family. Also, to ask Andrea to remember Sarah to her father 'when she sees him' does suggest that he was not yet living with them. SH] 
My dear Andrea
I feel it was very kind of you to write me those few lines. I am so very much rejoiced to find that your union with my dear Alexander is productive of so much happiness to you both. Poor fellow, he left his home very early in life; too early I think, for he was too young to know what would best promote his interest. We, I think, were shortsighted in permitting him to leave. We ought to have thought more of his spiritual interest and less of his temporal but I have still much to be thankful for, as I believe his brother has ever been most watchful over his temporal interest and has been his friend and adviser, which has to a degree satisfied me and now I trust with a good and loving wife he would be able to manage for himself should dear Walter in the Providence of God be removed from him; but I hope his life will be long spared for the sake of himself, his wife and his dear children. 
I was very much pleased to have a sight of them all, though only in miniature. Walter looks much improved in appearance. I think his wife has been at work. Good wives, like their husbands should be seen to advantage. She herself looks a nice, affectionate, motherly woman. Indeed your and her likenesses serve but to heighten our love towards you both and I am quite happy in the marriage of both my sons. I hope your dear father is equally. I am sorry to hear he is confined to a sick bed. I hope it is only for a time. Remember me to him, when you see him although I be a stranger. 
Alex tells me there is no prospect at present of a little family. Never mind, you will be better prepared when they do come. They are sure to bring with them trials as well as pleasure. 
I should like to see a prospect of your settling in England, but I am afraid to say much about it lest you should come and be disappointed. There is great difficulty here in getting on as I should wish to see you; indeed to get a mere living (unless you have a fortune to begin with) is considered doing great things.
With my best love and best wishes, believe me ever,
My dear Andrea
Your affectionate mother,
S. Murray

------------------

[Covington, Kentucky, is just across the Ohio river from Cincinnati.] 
Covington, Ky.
11th March 1860 

Dear Alexander 
In the commencement of this year I received a letter from my aunt and it put me so much in remembrance of old times and faces that I determined to write you the first opportunity. Her letter has the first news I have had of you for years and I was pleased to learn that you were married and comfortably settled. I am still a bachelor pursuing the even tenor of my way, endeavoring to heap up riches but knowing not where to gather them, at least such is my experience after over 7 years in the United States. 
You may be somewhat surprised the business I am now in, but since I have been in Yankeeland I have had a try at 2 or 3 different things. I enclose a circular we’re just issuing to country druggists. Henry and I live together in Covington, though I do business in Cincinnati. Hal is in the drug business in Covington in partnership with an Englishman - the firm is Bird & Manfred. I enclose one of their labels and our circulars. Your mother has doubtless told you of the many changes that have taken place in the family, Henry and I being the only ones that are left except my sisters Annie & Carrie.
I have been living in Cincinnati & engaged in my present business now about 3 years, but do not find it a very grand El Dorado, and I think I shall have to try some other diggings when my partnership expires which it does on the 1st of August next. I have lived in New York city over 4 years. Had a very pleasant time of it. 
How is your brother Walter? You will please present our cordial remembrances from my brother and myself; your mother says he is married too. I trust happily.
When time and inclination prompt, it would afford me much pleasure to hear from you & give an a/c of your doings since you have been in the Golden State - what you are now engaged in, - your views of California and also what your brother Walter is up to; all these matters we take a deep interest in. 
Nathan Barlow I suppose you are aware followed me out to this country - he recently returned to England to see after some property. I had a letter in the beginning of the year from him from London. He does not seem to feel at home there now & will return as soon as possible to Boston, Mass. & get married to a regular Yankee girl in the state of Maine. Alfred Barlow is in the neighbourhood of London but does not seem to be doing much for himself. The Jacquard business seems to have fallen through. 
Our relatives in Australia we hear little about but they seem to be making a living - that’s all - in Africa d[itt]o - in America d[itt]o - at least as regards those on the east side of the rocky Mountains. Write me a good long letter like a good fellow. 
I have joined the I. O. O. F.s since I have been in America. I take a good deal of interest in the order. I suppose you muster quite strong in California. Are you a member? Henry belongs to them. I must conclude. Henry joins me, kind regards & best wishes for your happiness & welfare.
Believe me
Your affectionate cousin
Charles Manfred

You had better address letters for me to Charles Manfred, care of Dr. H. Manfred, Covington, Ky. 

----------------

1 Philadelphia Place
Hackney Road
23rd March 60 

My dearest Alexander 
Through the arrival of the New Year Pictorial Newspaper I am stirred up once more to address you. I must confess I had rather taken higher ground and have said through receiving a letter from you, but no my dear, you do not think sufficiently of me to write. How is this, dear Alex? am I unworthy of your affection? I am quite sure if (as I suppose she is) your dear wife is worthy of your affection she would rather encourage you to write than otherwise. Is it your unwillingness to write letters? The longer you abstain from writing the more difficult it will become and I presume it is a matter of necessity that every person in businesses of your kind should be capable of epistolary correspondence - It is an acquirement in the Old World which is almost a necessity, therefore if only for practice sake I would encourage it. 
The papers you have sent convey to me this information that you are appointed Agent for Wheeler’s and Wilson’s Family Sewing Machine and that they can be rendered profitable. I believe the originators, Baker and Grover, are Englishmen but have a manufactory at Boston. They are getting much used here but are too expensive for private use. I know a gentleman who having failed in business has purchased some of the machines and is employing some women to work them thus making them a source of income.
A letter from you giving me a few particulars respecting them would have been acceptable and I sometimes now think one has been sent particularly as you promised me one on Walter’s last envelope. My expectations, it seems, were raised only to be disappointed. 
I hope yourself and dear wife are progressing. I shall ever be rejoiced to hear of your temporal prosperity but how much more should I be thankful to God to hear that you had been brought out of Nature’s darkness into the light of the glorious Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Could I but once know this realized I could, methinks say with Simeon of old “Lord now lettest thy servant depart in peace.”
Religion, dear Alexander, will teach us how to live and how to die. Oh! that you could see yourself a sinner then would you offer up the Puthe’an’s [heathen's?] prayer but I fear there is so much heathenism and immorality around you that you have become perfectly indifferent to the things of God. When I think of this how much do I regret that I ever consented to your departure for California. I am happy to say the American Revival has reached out Island. Yes, God is blessing us in drawing many hearts to himself and in making Himself known in an especial manner. Our theatres even are filled with willing hearers and thus are the people of every grade got at. The most eminent Ministers ..... both but as it would be at the sacrifice of your temporal interests I feel it my duty to submit but I do hope you both seek that happiness which cometh from above, then will you be prepared for the various trials of life and for a state of blessedness in another and a better world where parting and sorrow are alike unknown.
Believe me
My dearest Alexander
Your affectionate Mother Sarah Murray 

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1 Philadelphia Place
Hackney
March 23rd, 1860 

My dear Alexander 
Reference to your last letter is almost an impossibility - ’tis so long ago we cannot remember. You are in fact “not a writing animal” as the Duke of Wellington said of the English soldier. Was it when you were married or was it a year after your marriage when you congratulated yourself on being a far happier Man than during the previous year - well I have remembered something which you have said - and well said too. That is a thing to be spoken of, it is so rare - I can congratulate you also on so auspicious a circumstance and I can appreciate its inestimable value - for I have been married for upwards of 40 years, inasmuch as my eldest born is 40 years of age, and I am far happier than when a single man and much more happy in my later years. I find your dear Mother to be a very great comfort to me and to make me more happy every year of our prolonged lives - I partly found this on our increasing dependence on each other for sympathy and help and love and partly on our both deriving peace and joy from the consolations of Religion and from our being perfectly in accord in our religious opinions. 
I cannot but recommend most earnestly to you and your dear wife to study the Bible - earnestly, constantly and assiduously and form your religion thereon without consulting priest or parson, or deriving any consolation from the intercession of others - but go together to a throne of grace - plead for yourselves and for each other, in humble dependence on God’s grace and thru the intercession of our dear Lord and Saviour and depend upon it the very thing you need, namely, worldly prosperity will assuredly follow - “Seek Ye first the Kingdom of God, and all those things shall be added unto you” - for your Father in Heaven knoweth your need of these things. Now, my dear Alexander, I found this advice on my experience in Holy things - I have deferred this investigation ’till late in life - ’till my faculties are becoming jaded with constant use and I cannot get on half so well as I could in my youth. Seek the Lord therefore while you are young and have on you the dew of the morning of life and it will be well with your soul. 
I shall now cease to sermonize, and tell you something of ourselves. Here am I in my 70th year - in excellent health and spirits - “as hearty as a Buck” - but not so swift of foot nor so longwinded. Your dear Mother, though complaining, is also in tolerable health. Things too are mending with us. You know what a Building Society means. After 6 years of incessant work, our first shares are worked out paying at the rate of £12 per cent per annum. This has got wind, and we have had an accession since Christmas of 160 shares - raising my income therefrom to £40 a year with a prospect of a speedy & probably a progressive increase. My registration is also increasing though very slowly and this will I trust render my latter [days?] comfortable. 
Now what are you about? You have separated from your Brother and this is right enough, every tub should stand on its own bottom. I trust that you are working with energy to procure the means of enjoyment without exertion in age and if possible to obtain the means & the right of locomotion - that is, dwelling in this country or your adopted country according to your predilection - in fact, doing as you like, which a man without the ready dollars cannot - He is doomed to inhabit one spot and to have about the same natural history as an oyster, fixed down by circumstances and merely opening his mouth for daily food. 
I do hope my dear Son that circumstances may mend with you so as to enable you to come over and see us. We may not live many years longer - your dear Mother especially is weak & nothing would gratify her more than to see her boys - You especially because she says we were partly the means of your leaving by giving our consent and temporarily finding the cash.
With love to your dear wife whom we should especially be glad to see - I am dear Alexander 
Your affectionate Father James Murray 

----------------------

[No date - this is obviously a sheet that was added to another letter, presumably from Sarah to Walter. Sukie Hunter estimates the date as almost certainly August or September 1860, probably August.] 
Dear Alexander 
I cannot send off this letter without saying a few words to you; if you could have any idea of the frequency you are on my mind you would not be so cruel as to refrain from writing. Yes, I say cruel! I sincerely hope your happiness is now great but of this I want to be assured, and although I may never see you in this world I can die happy especially if I can have the pleasing intelligence announced to me that you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. Oh! that dreadful heathen land. 
I read with great interest the letter sent us by dear Walter but I should have been greater pleased to have seen an account of more churches and chapels in San Luis Obispo. However I live in hopes that as the American people are arriving at that part such will soon be supplied and that you will take advantage of it. 
I hope your business improves. Storekeeping must be dull work unless you have plenty of trade. Milling, I hope, Walter will give up as it is a great plague to him and he gets but little by it. I can imagine that continual replaning [replanting?] must take off a good bit of money. 
I presume you are not likely to increase your family but - [torn] - that fret you for depend - [torn] - it you and your good little wife will have the fever cured. I presume neither of you have any desire to come to England. If I could but see a better chance for you here you may depend upon it I should urge it with all my powers of persuasion. 
We have been much pleased with an introduction to the Hon. R. Pacheco. He is indeed a handsome, polished gentlemen such a one as I could scarcely have thought California would have produced. He is very agreeable. He is to dine with us, also Uncle Hopwood, soon. I know not what he thinks of us but we of course live in too retired a way to interest him much. 
Have you heard from Charles Manfred - he wrote to me and said he intended writing to you. I know of no family news except that I am thinking of paying Anne a visit about the end of this month. 
Present to your dear wife my love and best wishes and accept the same yourself from 
Your affectionate Mother S Murray 

---------------------

1 Philadelphia P.
5th October 1860 

My dear Alexander 
I know not how you have fallen under the circumstances of neglecting to write home, but I ever assure you that in committing the fault towards you I feel most dissatisfied with myself, particularly as I was so pleased with your last letter. At that time I was thinking of paying a visit to your sister Anne that I was induced to postpone writing thinking that after I had paid the visit I should have so much more to tell you, but ever since my return my engagements have been so numerous that obstacles to my writing have continually beset my path. 
My stay with your sister was a week. I found her most comfortably situated, circumstances permitting her to do the duties of a mistress only in a home containing all the comforts of life. She has 6 children of her own including Elijah and very nice children they are. She keeps a nursemaid to attend upon them. The first family consists of 3 - two daughters and a son. He has recently been staying with us for nearly a fortnight. He is a youth about 16. He was very anxious to see all the London sights. Your papa and I together contrived to take him to most of the public places. He seems very much attached to Anne and looks to her for advice, I almost think, more than he does to his father but he is a good son. He has joined the Brethren, has become a Sunday School teacher, is very obedient and anxious to please both parents. 
Mary, the eldest daughter, is coming to pay me a visit next week. She would have been here before but through the illness of a very old lady who is lodging with me. I put off her coming as I thought it would be melancholy for her to die whilst Mary was with us. She is a very different girl to her sister Sarah Ann, who is very reserved, but they are both very diligent girls at home and behave exceedingly well to the last family. Elijah figures hardly amongst them. He is by no means difficult but just maintains his position. 
The situation of the house and mills are most pleasant and the country around is most delightful. The scenery is beautiful - pretty little white cottages and villas intermixed with trees situated on hill and in dale. It is such a complete contrast to the counties of Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk. Had I sure independency I should have no objection to end my days there. We had several nice rides in order to show me the scenery. The Welsh hills we could discern at a distance and the river Severn. On the Sunday I visited the “room” where the Brethren meet. I broke bread with them and enjoyed the intercourse I had with them exceedingly. We had a Bible meeting at your sister’s where I met several very nice Christian people. 
Your aunt Everitt has since paid Anne a visit. Altogether Anne has reason to be very happy surrounded as she is by a happy family and a loving Christian husband. I am sure she has reason to say spiritually and temporally “lines have fallen to me in pleasant places. I have a goodly heritage.” Of course they are not exempt from many of the trials of life to which mankind is heir to. 
O that I could give you as nice a description of dear Fanny. She has many difficulties in her path I fear, but she keeps them all to herself. I often wish she would be more communicative and tell her so. We assist her a little occasionally but with our limited means it’s by no means what we would wish to do. She is just over a confinement with her 5th child [Alfred]. I believe the youngest but one does not run alone. I should dearly like to go to Rutland and see how she is situated but the expense keeps me away. 
I thank you and your dear wife for the specimen of the work done by the sewing machine. I dare say Andrea finds it very useful but as you have no family I suppose she is not overdone with needlework. Have you sold any more? A gentleman, whom I know, not succeeding in business has purchased several and gets women to work them and thus contrives to live but I presume it is a poor living. 
I thank you for the picture of the Mission and of San Luis Obispo. The place looks rather gloomy but I hope when you get a greater population you will be able to make your fortune and if you desire it come home and enjoy it. How would your wife like this? 
I have not seen Romuldo Pacheco since we dined with him at your Uncle Hopwood’s. I assure you he was made a great deal of there, and I felt much pleased with your uncle, as he showed in it all a kindness towards Walter; when invited Pacheco played and sang very nicely and feelingly but he is so exceedingly aristoctratic that you scarcely know how to treat him. This was the only unpleasant feeling I had about his visit. I could, from his appearance, scarcely believe that his first acquaintance with Walter was in the mines. He did not tell me this but he told your papa. 
I will now congratulate you on your improvement in letter writing. Your handwriting, too, is very much better. You can scarcely believe the real pleasure your letter afforded me. Do not think that your affairs have no interest for me, as I assure you it is quite the contrary and it does so rejoice my hear to find that you and your dear Andrea are living so comfortably together. May you have many years to enjoy each others society. 
I thank you very much for the Christian Newspaper. How very different and how much more acceptable than some you have sent. I scarcely hoped you had such good things in your possession. Where did you get them? Did Filmer send them from Boston? They contain a great deal of Christianity and I assure you that Anne and I were very pleased with them and quite glad that even so much of religious knowledge reached you. Are you likely to have any Protestant places of worship built at St. Luis? If so do attend. My heart yearns to speak to you of the things of God, but I fear that privilege will never be permitted me. Do consider, dear Alexander, the uncertainity of life; heaven and hell are before you. To which are you hastening? There is no mistake - it is a reality - no fiction. Oh! that you and yours were decided on this all important subject. I have prayed for you and your dear brother; others have done so too and yet I fear you are still in nature’s darkness; “be wise today; ’tis madness to defer, ” says Young, so say your mother, your father, your sister and above all your Saviour God! Oh! hasten to be wise, despise not the warning! 
Have you heard any more from Charles? By this time I believe he must have heard of the death of his mother. She died about 2 months since. I am glad to find you stick to business, at the same time you give yourself and your wife a little recreation, quite right. A little change in a rational way is requisite for us all. I am glad to hear Walter is doing well and that his reputation stands high as a Lawyer. I feel great pleasure in hearing of your temporal prosperity, but how much more should I experience in hearing of your spiritual. Seek for the “the pearl of great price” that you may each have “an inheritance that is undefiled and that fadeth not away - reserved in Heaven for all them who love our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ”. 
I am thankful to say we are both in as good health as can be expected at our time of life - a few aches and pains occasionally. I shall be 64 tomorrow. I believe you are right respecting your age. Your papa and I both think you were born in 1832 but we have no written document to prove it. 
So you have taken to eating bread and milk out of respect for old times, I suppose. Ah! my dear son, how happy should I have been to have made home more pleasant for you all but stern necessity obliged me to curtail your indulgences when my heart has ached under it, some of my dear children will, I trust, give me credit for it. 
Nathan Barlow, I hear, is or is about being married. Miss Charlotte Perkins has left her brother Henry in America and is living with some of her friends here. I expect she found her brother living a gay life and very likely a reckless one from what I saw of him here. I did not come to a very favourable conclusion about him. 
Present my affectionate love to your dear wife. Tell her when I next write I shall enclose a letter for her & Mercedes too. I want to write - it is a great happiness to know that my dear sons have good and kind wives. Nothing has so much reconciled me to their absence. Give my love to Walter. I shall write to him soon. I wonder we have not heard from him. It is now a long time since. Tell him to write. News from a far country is ever acceptable, particularly when it comes from beloved ones. How are our little grandchildren? I suppose long ere this there is another added to the number. [Anita had been born in May.] I wonder. Walter has not written and told us. I hope all is well. Hoping to hear from you in a few months in answer to this,
I remain,
My dear Alexander
Your very affectionate Mother
Sarah Murray 

---------------------

No. 1 Philadelphia Place
Hackney Road, NE 
5 October 1860 

My dear Alexander 
I am very glad to have once in a while the sight of your handwriting & I beg to assure you that of all subjects “your own affairs” are to me the most interesting, and while occupying yourself with unsophisticated details of daily business and hourly occurrences you present to me a picture of American Society, manner and customs by which I can measure the amount of happiness enjoyed, which result, though probably not quite accurate, is still an approximation to the truth and therefore to me most valuable. 
I particularly appreciate the intended hoisting of the glorious “two to one” as a symbol of your business, and considering the interest which you exact (terms justifiable in dangerous and difficult circumstances, such as that of a city besieged) it must be a profitable business - only think of 25 per cent a month - a sovereign “toppling over” in four months - that is doubling itself - why it is perfectly monstrous for the facility of making money to cover such profits must be amazing. Just the country for an industrious man to climb up “young ambition’s ladder”, but a rising man must belong to the family of “Grab all” for in our homely phrase “Brag is a good dog, but Holdfast is a better.” 
We are both in good health and spirits and are doing well for our old exhausted country. Our Building Society has doubled itself in 6 months and will pay probably nearly 20 per cent this year. What think you of that? Why next year we may come up to the Yankee 25 per cent, only not every month. 
Yes, we are getting on in the world of politics. Garibaldi has revolutionized Italy and within a month will have Victor Emanuel king over united Italy, and next year, by God’s blessing, may be too strong to be attacked. In England, too, we have Volunteers and such as it would be no child’s play to attack - young, active, strong, well instructed in military evolutions, and warlike practice; trained to hit the bull’s eye at 1000 yards and with artillery doing fearful execution at 4 miles - moreover with the pluck of the Anglo Saxon breed to cross bayonet, if need be, with any assailant - this is your true Peace preserver - this is your true “Peace Society”. Accordingly the French, notwithstanding their taunts of our being afraid, will not and do not seem at all solicitous to test our courage and in short, the prestige of England is rising and will do if our troops and sea forces are well handled. 
You asked about registration. ’Tis steadily increasing though slowly for it takes 1000 people to give me £3 a year. Last year it was £90 and I expect will anon be £100, which with other things, for they all increase slowly, together will give me a fair living. But the great difference in our position is this - that we now duly serve the Living God, and therefore obtain His blessing. What errors and what “sad mistakes and dire mischances” we should have avoided had we discovered this in early life. Do not fancy, dear Alexander, that this is superstition, but that it is the result of sound thinking and heartfelt conviction and believe that Religion is a real, practical thing to be applied in every situation in life and its influence for good felt and acknowledged here and securing a happy hereafter, that is, it practically conduces to well being here and hereafter. 
Permit me to congratulate you on the apparent mutual attachment of yourself and dear Andrea - 40 years’ experience convinces me that domestic harmony springing from connubial love is the most enduring spring of happiness and will best promote peace in the Home because ’tis in the heart. Give my love and blessing to her and assure [her] that I shall be as proud to make her acquaintance as to see my long lost son.
I am, Dear Alexander
Your affectionate Father
James Murray

Mr. Alexander Murray 

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Brimscombe Mills
Near Stroud
Gloucestershire
Nov. 8th, 1860

My dear Alexander, 
I have only written once to you, I think, since your marriage; don’t think I forget you; daily I think & what is better, pray for you & Andrea. My two brothers are now the only members of our family of whom I do not feel sure that they are fellow-heirs of the inheritance Jesus has gone to prepare for his people & when relatives are mentioned in prayer, my one prayer for them is “Lord bring them to Jesus”. I was very pleased to receive a religious paper from you containing some very good articles - the best American paper I have yet seen. It gave me hope that perhaps you read religious papers yourself & felt some interest in such matters. However, I must scold you & tell you you are not social enough; why don’t you write sometimes and let us see you are yet in the land of the living, but I suppose your large family takes up your time! Ah poor fellow, I must not expect too much of you.
Mar. 21st.
So far had I written when trouble in my large family stopped me & only now have I found leisure to continue. One of my servants fell down in our first frost and broke her wrist & a week after my nurse was taken ill with inflammation [?] & as I could get no others I have been so busy. 
Besides this I hoped I should see Pacheco and be able to tell you what I thought of him but I have not seen him yet & I am afraid he is gone back without coming to Brimscombe. I hope not however. I should like to see him. 
Tell Andrea I wish she was in England with her sewing machine. I could keep it going for her - but I must have one myself - it would be a great help to me. The expense is so great for a good one so I shall wait for them to come down & this they are doing every day. 
Give my love to Andrea. I am much obliged to her for making you write to us, as I see by your letter to mama she does. My youngest child now runs alone - her name is Margaret. I hope she is to be the last, but time will prove. I shall endeavour to send the likenesses of them all by Pacheco if I can, if not in letters as you have done. But I wish you could see them - they are thought very pretty children & of course their mother thinks them so. What is better, they are all healthy, active & quick witted for which I feel very thankful. Your old favourite Elijah would still be your favourite. He is such a smart & good tempered fellow. Everybody likes him. He never wants for friends wherever he is. People all know him all the country round. He is quite unlike the rest of my children. Now he is at school at Clevedon - a small watering place near Bristol, so it is on the Bristol Channel. He is not small for his age & more healthy than you would think he would have been. Not fond of books but of all active employment. Walter is quite the contrary of Elijah. As strong & muscular as a young Hercules and as grave & thoughtful as a judge, reading and understanding everything. Then there is Annie, Arthur, Bessie and Margaret [...to say nothing of Ted...] - such a little lot to call you uncle. Not to forget my eldest son Philip who is taller than our [= his?] father & a very dear & good son to me. My two daughters, Mary & Sarah Ann, both ever so much taller than I & the latter a very lovely girl. I should like you to come over before we are divided by marriage which will no doubt be before many years have passed over but if it cannot be we must be content. 
I am sorry Charles does not get on & hope if he joins you in California he will meet with better success. Aunt Everitt gave me his likeness & I am very pleased to have it. When you write tell him I don’t forget his kindness to me & my little Elijah when I was at home. 
You know mama has been to see me. I hope to get her here again this summer. Why don’t you mention Walter in your letters? He should mention you and you him & then we should oftener know all is well. I shall write to him next. I think my last letter must have miscarried. 
What do you think in America of the good news from Europe - don’t you all hope Italy will be delivered from priest & Pope? I do. When once the Pope is only a spiritual ruler a great evil will cease to exist & Italy will progress & rapidly. Many of the people will become Protestants doubtless & that is what Pope & Priest are afraid of but it must be. Popery must vanish among the dark things out of which it came - it cannot bear the light of civilization & education. Ah me! I have forgotten you have a Catholic wife! I hope you will be able to enlighten her a little so that she may in time see the true light of the Gospel of Jesus. 
I am glad you stick to your business & are not given to change; it is the best plan. I wish you Americans would settle your little affair and not keep things in such a state of uncertainty. It makes our trade very bad, keeps up the price of wool & all sorts of mischief. My husband has some thousands locked up in stock which he can’t sell. It is very awkward for him. 
We all unite in love to you & Andrea. Believe me
Your affectionate Sister
Anne Evans 

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Covington, Kenty.
6th December 1860 

Dear Cousin 
I must hurry up my cakes or 1861 will be inaugurated before I acknowledge your welcome letter of 1st of October. I have since received your likeness from San Francisco; it arrived safely and we are very much pleased to have so good a representation of you. When you have an opportunity send us Walter’s in the same shape. I should not have known you. You are so much altered. Henry and I will send you in a day or 2 our own likenesses and I suppose you will see an equal alteration in us. 
The newspapers you have sent also are at hand and I have been reciprocating with the New York Weekly Herald which I trust you also receive. 
Your acct of yourself and doings interested me much & you seem to have made more money than any of us in this land of wooden nutmegs. I cannot brag of what I have made and the doctor who has been steady at one thing all the time and is more prudent than I am has not yet struck a gold mine. It is very difficult and requires many requisites in this section of country to make money tho’ we are surrounded & enjoy perhaps more of the comforts of life than you do. 
Long before you receive this you will learn of the election of the Republican candidate Abraham Lincoln of Illinois. The southern states are kicking up a great fuss acct [about? on account of?] it. South Carolina says she will secede from the Union and is endeavoring to take Georgia & the other cotton states with her. The president has delivered his message. It is an ordinary document & not calculated much to allay the excitement. We are now anxiously waiting to see what action Congress will take in the matter and whether a compromise can be effected. Lincoln is fairly & constitutionally elected tonight to be supported by the people, irrespective of party, until he violates his oath of office or the Constitution. All over the south the excitement is very great and unreasonable. Several of the Cincinatti [sic] merchants, wholesale grocers & produce dealers have returned from New Orleans as it was unsafe for them to remain and in the inland towns, in the cotton states; if they catch a northern man there, unless he has substantial friends to vouch for him he is pretty sure of a coat of tar and feathers gratis. 
Every one has been much pleased by the visit of the Prince of Wales. He is arrived safely in England and the people seem flattered at the friendly reception given him by the Yankees. I see the American Minister, soon after his arrival, was invited to dine with the Queen at Windsor. All the English papers seem pleased and compliment the Americans. The Doctor and I both saw him when he was in Cincinatti [sic]. 
Now you are married I expect we may consider you are a fixture in California and the longer you remain the more ties you will have to prevent your rambling. I am at present out of business, not yet made any new arrangement & not yet settled up with my old partner so you will have to wait till my next letter for further acct. of myself. The doctor is still at the old thing, dealing with the sick & afflicted. He wishes me to present his kind regards to you & Walter. 
Received a letter some time ago from my sisters in London. They make a favorable report of themselves and the family generally. The girls are now alone by themselves as we lost our mother quite suddenly on the 28th of July last. I am sorry some of us are not a little nearer to them but it cannot now be remedied. 
Nathan Barlow is in England working there and endeavoring to fix up the family property but I expect he finds it a slow business & pretty expensive. He does not care about it himself but he wants his sisters to have the benefit of it. Our cousins in Canada, we hear & see nothing of. They are mostly complete rustics. You do not say whether you or Walter have any family or not. 
In consequence of the political excitement, business is at a standstill and a panic to a certain extent prevails. The banks in Maryland, Virginia, Tennessee, Illinois, Pennsylvania, North & South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama & Missouri have suspended specie payments and in the south they are in bad straits. Cotton is down to 8¢ & no buyers. At present Negroes who were unprecedentedly high are coming down fast. Matters, I must confess, look rather gloomy but I hope when 1861 comes in they will regulate themselves to assume a more cheerful aspect - if they do not, I shall pack up stakes and be off somewhere. 
What do you think of Garibaldi’s career in Italy? He is certainly a wonderful man. His moderation and disinterestedness are beyond all praise. The reconciliation between Victor Emanuel & Garibaldi was a happy event - [pages lost] - Italian freedom, the papers in a bad fire and will have to resign his temporal dominion unless they leave him Rome to himself under special assurances of his good behavior.
I must conclude this desultory letter, We shall recollect you at Xmas & will doubtless mutually reciprocate good wishes.
Remember me kindly to Walter and believe me with the most friendly feelings your cousin
Charles Manfred 

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1 Philadelphia Pl.
Hackney Rd.
8th March 1861 

My dearest Alexander 
I received your letter in due time. The likenesses came also safely to hand. Fanny has hers and the newspaper according to your request and Anne would have had hers ere now but for my being absent when Mrs. Evans last called. She had the newspaper sent by post but we do not like trusting anything of much value. Horace Brown[e] sent his sister Anna 5 sovereigns in a letter but it never reached her. 
I must now thank you very much for your last letter. I have it not by me now as I sent it off to poor Fanny. We are very glad that your happiness continues and that in pecuniary matters you are progressing. Do not be discouraged at not getting riches. Do your best and if it be good for your eternal welfare the Lord will prosper you. The word of God says “lay up for yourself treasures in heaven” where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt and where thieves do not break through or steal. Worldly riches are often a snare. 
Your likeness we much value but I can only trace a faint resemblance to which [what?] you were when we parted on the stairs at 4 Hampton [Northampton?] Place. You have written more frequently lately. I thank you for it but how is it that Walter is so silent? Surely you might have told us in your letters of his welfare without committing any offence. We should so like to hear by every opportunity. I am even more anxious than usual to hear from you now on account of the threatening aspect of the Union. I am now sanguine respecting Lincoln. I believe him to be a religious man and one who will follow in the steps of Washington. As for his political career - how is it that you were for Douglas? Are you not for the emancipation of the slaves? dreadful traffic! The slave states cannot expect to be prospered. I have lately seen two men who have come over from Ohio. They have been received most kindly by the English people and are about returning home with sufficient money to pay for the freedom of their wives and children. I expect Henry Manfred is of a different opinion as he sent your paper, the New York Herald newspaper. You are, I find, in correspondence with Charles. Mind what you say to him. He is likely to come to England. I have no very high opinion of him. I wrote to him and gave him your address by the particular desire of his mother as he wanted to know what you were doing. I expect he is coming over to England in the summer on a visit to his sisters. 
Nathan Barlow is at Liverpool where I am told he has commenced business for himself. Alfred has an engagement there for some large Builder and I believe they are both doing very well. Their sister, Mrs. Bird, is left a widow with 5 children and would be in great distress but for the assistance of her brothers. I did not see Nathan when he was in London. 
Walter’s friend, Pacheco, we have not seen for months. We are wondering whether he intends calling again as he has not yet called on Anne We scarcely know how to treat him as he seems so aristocratic in his ways, but for that we should have wished to have seen much more of him. His time seemed taken up with the great folks, for instance - the American Minister’s son was his daily companion according to his own account. 
Fanny and John are still in the country. She has 5 children. They tell me so little about their affairs that I cannot enlighten you but I presume they are provided for with much uncertainty. 
- [torn] - as I want to write a little note to your dear wife. I must be brief - family news is very dull - nothing stirring. I presume as the spring advances we shall see a few of our relatives. George Auston is in London in a Ship Insurance House but he dislikes the place and is saving to follow out his sister and brother to Australia, whither they are gone fortune hunting. 
Do you hear anything about Religious Revivals? I would send you a Christian paper or two but you do not “care about them much”. I wish you did, my dear boy, I could then die happy feeling assured that I should meet you in that better land where parting is unknown. Adieu - I shall now write a note to Andrea. With love and best wishes believe me
Your affectionate mother
Sarah Murray

P.S. My love and best wishes to dear Walter and his wife to whom I shall write next. Adieu. 

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1 Philadelphia Place
Hackney Rd.
8 March 61 

My dear Andrea 
I feel that I am indebted to you a letter, and wonder how I could possibly permit it to remain unanswered so long a time; do, my dear, forgive me and impute it to that want of energy which generally attends persons advanced in years. 
I thank you for a specimen of the work done by the machine. They are getting so very cheap here that I presume they will be admitted into private families after a little time. Has Alexander sold many of them? Have you been able to do your own needlework with them? 
I sincerely hope that yourself and your dear brethren [??] are well. How much do I wish I could see you that I might tell you personally how much I desire to see you living lovingly together. I hope Mercedes is well. Give my affectionate love to her and kiss her dear children for me. When I last heard from Walter she was expecting her confinement in June 60. [Anita had been born 12 May 1860.] What can possibly be the reason of his not writing? I presume you often go to see her. How far do you live apart? Walter has a new summer residence, I should think by Pacheco’s account. He told us about the lemons which could be seen from his house, in consequence of a stream of water flowing in front. 
I presume you have no family or I should of heard of the event. I was glad to hear that occasionally you took a drive out with dear Alexander. May you very often have that pleasure - “all work and no play” makes us dull and is not good for us. A little recreation on the contrary gives cheerfulness and enables us to return to our duties with renewed energy. St. Luis Obispo, I presume, is increasing in population which will, I hope, increase your business. Building I expect is progressing - Churches and Chapels rising up, is it not so? Have you many schools there? Are you a Sunday School teacher? Married and single if they have the opportunity unite in the work here and much good is being done. Very young children here are trained to know the Lord who bought them with his precious blood. 
I sincerely hope there will be no war in America. I pray that you, my dear Son, and all who are dear to me may be protected from it - there my fears are most great. I look most anxiously into the newspapers for intelligence upon the subject.
Accept, dear Andrea, my affectionate love and best wishes and believe me to remain
Yours in much love
S. Murray 

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- [torn] - Road NE
8 March 1861 

My dear Alexander 
“No news is good news" is an old adage which I do not very much relish. Why cannot you negative the assertion made that you are not a “writing animal”? Be assured that if you write of yourself and family whatever you transcribe on paper will be welcome to your aged parents - and of your wife too - and maybe of your children only somehow you seem not to be prolific that way. I trust that domestic happiness continues to be your staple enjoyment for you may depend that the result of my long experience is that home and home pleasures are more genuine, more lasting and more truly delightful than all the glaring charms of Society and the dubious agre’onery [? -torn]. 
What think you of the South pitted against the North, the Confederate States against the “United States”? Many Englishmen rejoice because it reduces the power of the Yankees - but I see in it only the confirmation of the creaking [croaking?] predictions of the Zealots of Despotism - who say that man “is not fit for self government” and point to this secession as a proof thereof. I hope my “particular friend” Lincoln, will by calmness, firmness, moderation and resolution succeed in inducing the firebrands of the South to moderate the rancour of the tongue & the virulence of Secessional zealots [so] as to listen to reason and if not that he will tread on treason to the State - and exalt the “Stars and Stripes” above the “Palmetto Flag”. - See how easy ’tis to give advice at a distance and without responsibility.
If I do not hear from Walter, who has been silent for six months, let us know about him, his whereabouts, his position and prospects, for we naturally like to hear all about our children be it weal or woe. Let us also know something about yourself - your mode of spending time - especially when not engaged in business and incidentally the manners and customs of the people will peep out and furnish us a look into your parlour - and a test of domestic happiness.
- [torn] its [=As?] soon as - [torn] clear of the census 1861 now on, I will get your dear Mother to sit for her portrait, photographic of course, and send you a copy through the post. 
Your dear Mother and myself are in good health and spirits. - Building Societies prosper - and all things contribute to cheer our old age - especially that we worship “God in Christ” and endeavour to obey his precepts and follow his principles as revealed in his word. This is a source of happiness I can recommend.
Sincerely to you and your dear wife,
Believe me to be
Dear Alexander
Your affectionate Father
James Murray 

Mr. Alex Murray 

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Covington, Kentucky 
15th March 1861 

Dear Cousin 
Your last letter of February 6th duly to hand. I enclose with this 2 photographs of myself and the doctor which we hope will please you. We sent recently to England 13 of the same sort to our Sisters.
Business is at a stand still in the States and political matters at fever heat, nothing particular has happened since Lincoln’s inauguration, the government have in contemplation to abandon Fort Sumter. I think myself it will be a good policy as the Secessionists will then have nobody to fight - I had only returned from a 3 weeks cruize in Tennessee & Northern Kentucky when your last letter arrived - Feeling in those States is much stirred up, tho’ the Union men have the day as yet. 
I am now clerking with Farrell & Fry in Cincti in the produce and Commerce [?] business and shall stick to it - it is a line of business I have wished for some time to get into. If the present administration avoids a collision, except they are attacked, I think secession will be as dead as a hammer in 9 months. Memphis already feels the beneficial effects of the new tariffs in the Confederate Southern States; goods being shipped there in large quantities to be smuggled over the border into Ala., Miss., Fld. The South has been purchasing largely from Ohio of breadstuffs for which they have to pay cash. If they should get to fighting I shall mussle [hustle?] somewhere, perhaps over the mountains to California.
The doctor desires his affectionate greeting to you and Walter. Did I understand you to say in your last letter that you preferred to see a Cint. paper to a New York - if so I shall send you one.
Excuse haste - I am scrawling this in a hurry from the office in Cinti. and am on the fast line as I have some customers waiting. No news recently from London. With every friendly wish,
Believe me
Yours very truly
Charles Manfred 

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Covington, Ky.
March 1861 

My dear Alex 
The other day we sent off the photographs which we have so long promised you and before this reaches you [you] will doubtless have received them, all safe. I do not know what resemblance you will discover between them and the individuals of your earlier recollections whom they represent but as far as your own picture is concerned I can detect a resemblance to the boy of twelve years old as I knew you in London, though I must confess I gave a start upon first beholding it; I have pictured you to myself as the boy I once knew but instead of this the figure of a man is before me. I trust one day to have the satisfaction of beholding the original. 
I am pleased to learn that you get along so comfortably - it is likely that I shall marry as soon as I can see my way clearly before me. By the by, Alexander, it is not unlikely that I shall see your mother this year. In truth I have many pleasant recollections of both your parents. They were always so kind, hospitable to me and indeed every member of our large family, that it will afford me much pleasure to shake them by the hand once more. 
To be candid with you I have some serious intentions of pulling up stakes and locating elsewhere, and if so shall most likely avail myself of my freedom from harness to visit again once more the land of my birth before settling down again. Owing to our political disturbance, business is likely to be extremely dull for some time to come and I may never have such a favorable opportunity again; if I can make the necessary arrangements it is probable my departure will take place about the latter end of June. I hope we shall avoid civil war, as this would probably upset all my calculations, but it is quite useless in the present complicated conditions of the country to speculate upon the future. We know not what a day may bring forth. 
We shall be pleased to receive a photograph of Walter to add to the family group which already adorns the walls of our Sanctum as well as a line from him when he feels disposed to write. Now that the ice is broken, we propose to keep up an occasional correspondence with you and Walter - when we have anything of interest to communicate and if you & your brother will reciprocate it will make it mutually pleasant and advantageous to all of us. 
Charles is engaged in the Commission [?] for which he [is] well adapted and will, I have no doubt, give a good account of himself. Had I been ten years older and arrived here ten years earlier there is no doubt I should have accumulated an independent fortune here - but before I arrived the time had gone by; as it is now I stand ready to avail myself of any chance that may turn up; we shall each of us do the best we can and leave the balance. 
The photograph of San Luis Obispo is framed and hangs up in our rooms. Will Mr. Lincoln’s election disturb your possession [= position?] as postmaster? It is my wish to acquire the Spanish, German and French language and the first opportunity that offers I intend to avail myself of it. 
I suppose you heard of Brother Edward’s death which occurred in 1859 and also of my brother Herbert’s, which took place two years earlier. The same year also carried off Aunt Clarke so that our family is now reduced to four. 
Charles does business with the firm in Cincinnati and boards and lodges with me in Covington, which occupies the same position relative to Cincinnati that Brooklyn does to New York. Business of all kinds is paralyzed here, a condition of things which is likely, I fear, to last some time unless a speedy solution of our difficulties is offered of which there is little prospect. It affords me much pleasure to see Italy bravely overcoming all the obstacles and pushing her way rapidly to freedom independence & prosperity. Thanks to Garibaldi, Victor Emmanuel and Count Cavour, what a trio of almost superhuman energy, wisdom and courage, to the uncrowned King; to the king who has proved equal to the emergency, and to the accomplished far-seeing Statesman - seconded by a united and heroic people - all honor is due - but also while Italy is becoming a united and prosperous nation we are breaking up into confusion and anarchy.
With kind regards to your brother & your little circle - with every wish for your continued happiness and wellbeing
Believe me always
Affectionately yours
Henry Manfred

[Note added by Charles Manfred] 
Covington Mar. 26/1861
Dear Cousin: Wrote you about ten days ago with our photographs, which I trust you will receive all in order; - the doctor leaves for Europe in June next, will be away about 2 months or 3 at the outside. Kentucky is not yet out of the Union. Hope she will remain in. We are organizing Union Clubs, all over the state using every means in our power to fight the secessionist. If there is civil war around these diggings I shall bolt somewhere - Kind regards to Walter -
Ever yours
Charley M. 

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1 Philadelphia Pl.
Hackney Road
May 3rd, 61 

My dearest Alexander 
I feel very much pleased with you for writing more frequently and to your good wife for her kindness in reminding you of it. It shows great amicability of disposition towards one with whom she is at present a perfect stranger but I hope the time may yet come, if it be the Lord’s will, for us to meet in dear old England yet!! I can truly say with the poet “England with all thy faults I love thee still”, and in no other part of the world can I witness such safety to property, so much happiness to the people or so much liberty. Oh! poor America, what a figure she is cutting here - Civil War - brother against brother! [The Civil War had begun with the bombardment of Fort Sumter, 12-13 April 1861.] I am wondering how you are likely to be situated. Do write immediately and let us know. I am very glad to find the Californians are for the Union but I presume all will be expected to become soldiers of some kind: to defend yourselves is all right but to commit wholesale murder is another thing. God grant you not be called to upon to act like “uncivilized men”.
The coins came safely to hand 2/3-2/3-53. [Probably an amount in £.s.d. - need to see original.] I sent the first off to poor Fanny and most likely the last as every sixpence is acceptable to her. Poor thing, she is so self denying that in doing for her, John I expect, has the lion's share which is very provoking as I do not mind giving from my necessities to her but I am not so fond of him as to make any sacrifices for him. He is, I have no doubt, acting under a state of delusion expecting to be fed by the ravens [See 1 Kings 17:6.]. It is the will of God that we should put our shoulder to the wheel and then with His blessing we may expect to succeed. John has recently visited London. I wanted very much to have heard him preach but I did not. I sadly want to know what the Brethren think of him. If their opinion be not favorable I fear he will do no good but he has given his preaching sufficient trial and if he be not an efficient preacher or teacher he ought to retrace his steps but with five children there is great difficulty even in this step. 
How is it that Walter does not write? I hope nothing unpleasant has occurred to him; poor fellow, he has struggled hard to get on but the fatal mistake is that he takes all upon himself and leaves God out of the question. At least he has not given his heart to Him. Would that you both had, that thus you might be safe for either time or eternity. 
I thank you very much for the Newspapers, especially the Christmas one as it gives me an idea of the advancement Christianity is making in your part of the world. All our theatres last winter were filled almost to suffocation with attentive hearers listening to the word of God and now will come the open air preaching. There is to be an immense gathering in Victoria Park one day next week to express thanksgiving for the many conversions resulting from the preaching in the theatres. Indeed the word of God is spreading far and wide even amongst Catholics. The time seems fast approaching when “all shall know the Lord”. Now, dear Andrea and Alexander, which is the state of your soul? are you seeking him whom to know is life everlasting? Remember we are either travelling to Heaven or Hell. Oh that you both may be in the narrow road that leads to everlasting life. Do give me a few sketches of your history. In this respect you need not fear any unkind remarks. Oh! dear Alex there have been many prayers offered up for the salvation of the souls of you and yours and I am sure there will be many more. 
I wonder whether Pacheco is home again. The termination of our acquaintance was somewhat unexpected. We certainly thought of seeing him again. I am sorry I did not invite him to bring his brother with him as he was in Liverpool and only came occasionally for a day or two to London and as he appeared to have so many friends amongst the aristocracy I was afraid of putting myself too forward. He promised he would let us know when he returned and take a parcel for us but we have not heard from or seen him for months and I have no doubt this Civil War will hasten him home. I expect somehow he will be on the side of the South as he talked of Slavery as being a “necessary state of things”. Of course we said nothing but thought differently. 
I wonder whether Charles Manfred will come to you. If so do not suffer him to impregnate you with his principles. I am almost sorry I ever wrote to him and gave him your address but his mother was so anxious that I should that I at last yielded but not without a twelve months hesitation. Of course he has his good points but I fear America has not improved him. He was so determined to go [get?] ahead but you see the Lord has willed it otherwise. His sister Caroline called here the other evening. She said Charles had said in his letters that “she was not to be surprised if he joined the Murrays”. He seemed to be travelling for a confectionery house; had been in very bad health and by no means successful. Should he come to you you will have an opportunity of putting him in a way perhaps of doing something, and considering the relationship and the kindness we have received from his parents in days long since departed, it would be quite right you should do so and I cannot doubt your willingness. His sisters are keeping a school of the first respectability and will I hope ultimately succeed. They are very nice girls, very conscientious and altogether different to their brothers. They have met with great and influential friends through the respect felt for their father whom the boys thought too little of because of his religious notions. It would have been better for them, no doubt, had they followed him more closely. 
The likenesses came to hand for which we thank you very much. I fancy now and then I can discern a likeness but no doubt you are much altered since you left us. Edward Browne is still in Canada and doing no good. His wife fortunately has an income independent of him and is expecting nearly a thousand pounds at the death of her grandmother who is a very elderly lady, that I presume he is inconvenienced only for a time. His brother Herbert wishes him to go to him in Africa but his mother told us he had not the means. Oh! dear. Oh! dear, what ups and downs and yet we love this world and cling to it so much. I say were it not for the hope of a better these various ills could scarce be borne. 
Nathan Barlow is not married but is doing business at Liverpool where the experience he had in America is of great use to him. His brother is there too. I believe he is still infidel Barlow. 
Your papa has been busily engaged in the census. I presume this will be an additional 15 pounds which will be very acceptable. Our income is small, perhaps smaller than our relations are aware of but we maintain our position and we ask nothing of them, that it is possible they may think us better off than we are, but there is no occasion to undeceive them. Your papa has insured his life for a hundred pounds and we belong to a society, but we have already paid a large sum towards it that it cannot be a very profitable thing in the end, although at the death of either it would be acceptable. Your papa is too disinterested a man to leave much behind him but I hope to be free from debt and if the Lord pleases to go first as I am getting unable to contend with the difficulties of getting my own living; however my mind is very peaceful about the future and I feel “as my day is so my strength shall be”. This is a glorious promise and one I feel I can lay hold on.
Remember me most affectionately to your better half to whom I intend to write in my next letter. The Hopwoods are going on as usual - none of them are married. They are all very pious good girls and so very clever in business that if their papa was to die no doubt they would be able to continue the business. They were all quite well when I last heard from them and doing well, I believe in business. 
Your Uncle Daniel is now living at Springfield nr. Chelmsford, quite retired from business and probably will continue so. I seldom see him. He called here about a fortnight since looking quite well but sadly troubled with rheumatism. 
I presume you have heard of the Duchess of Kent (the Queen’s mother) being dead. We are expecting the Princess Alice to be married soon to a German Prince. 
Your old friend Frank Pearson is still living at home. He was with a brother who had a booksellers shop in Bishopsgate but he died after a week's illness and poor Frank was unable to carry on the business that he was thrown out of employ but he got another situation that I hope is all right again. 
I feel very much left alone since the death of poor Mrs. Bayner. I never courted many acquaintances, [so] that from the death of some and the absence of others I seem left quite by myself. We have recently lost our minister, the Rev. Thomas Thomas, a thoroughly good man. We “scarce shall look upon his like again” that we are unsettled with a minister which is by no means desirable. 
Mr. Woodhouse is still a preacher at the Adelphi but he has got himself very much out of repute. He has come into plenty of money in consequence of his wife’s - the death of his mother-in-law and has been building some splendid houses fit for the Regent’s Park. They are called “Woodhouse’s Folly”. The Hackney Road continues much the same but the neighbourhood of the Park is filling with houses rapidly. You would not know the place. Kennedy amongst many others has built himself a house there. He no longer keeps a shop, indeed he has not for a very long time. I told you of the death of the eldest son. 
You tell me your store is similar to his shop and that all sorts of people frequent it. Does Andrea attend to it or is her attention confined to housekeeping? I am glad you are realizing[?] it will enable you to do something better should an opportunity offer. You are quite right in not undertaking any thing you do not understand as it would be very sad for you to lose your little all. 
I must now say farewell. Present my love to Mercedes and to dear Walter whom I am very anxious about. Kiss his dear children for me and believe me
Dearest Alexander
Your very affectionate Mother
Sarah Murray

[The following section presumably belongs somewhere in the main body of the letter.] 
Harper’s paper was very amusing. The Americans certainly paid much respect to our young prince. I believe our good Queen was very pleased with the reception he met with. The poetry was very fair. 
It is nice to know what is pushing [DB unsure] at your part of the world as every circumstance connected with you interests us. I am glad you do not perplex yourself about having no children. They bring with them many cares and without them you can live like two turtle doves. I assure you, your father and I, although advanced in life, are very happy and spend much of our time together, more than we ever did. This I find a great comfort. He is too [= He too is...?] concerned about the welfare of his soul and the souls of his children. He often prays for you and Walter and your wives and children in his morning and evening devotions. Do you ever pray for us? We are hastening to the grave - we need your and Walter’s prayers. 
And so Andrea is fond of her sewing machine. This shows she is industrious - an excellent qualification in a wife. I feel so pleased that you and your brother have each met with deserving and loving wives. It must have very much contributed to your happiness. I am sure it has to mine. Indeed it is the only circumstance which could thoroughly have reconciled me to your banishment. I know now you have one to care for you and to administer to your comfort - to sympathize with you in your sorrow. 
Elijah Davies is sent to boarding school - a very good thing for him. He is a nice youth but he wanted a little keeping back which at home was not understood. Anne’s children are very interesting and nicely managed. 
You remember Mrs. Skinner who lived in the Victoria Park? She died about 2 months since. She was a warm hearted, affectionate mother. Do you recollect her grandson? He went out to Australia with his father. Poor child, he used to write such heart rending epistles to his grandmother wishing himself once more under her protection. As soon as he got a little money together it was stolen from him that he could never get back again. 

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1 Philadelphia Pl.
Hackney Rd.
14th June 61 

My ever dear Alexander 
Having written a letter to dear Walter I shall now address you and in the first shall inform you that your Newspapers have come safely to hand, I wish I could say letters but I must not complain as you have been very much better in your correspondence of late. I wish I could say as much for your brother; however perhaps he required only a little stirring up, his spirits seem depressed by the reverses he has met with - he must hope for better times. I hope his position is not so bad but that a few months will set all straight; riches carry with them a snare - we should not be too eager after them but first seek the best things, that is spiritual and then if it be good for us to have riches we shall have them. The word of God says “having food and clothing therewith be content"! in this our earthly career - it is said “man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upwards” and is it not the experience of all created beings? some meet with the loss of health, others of friends, some of property - then ought we not to seek a better country - one that is everlasting where there shall be no sin, no sorrow, no sickness - dear Alexander, be wise today! Tis madness to defer - to be wise is to see that wisdom which cometh from above.
I was very pleased with the little boys who with their parents went out in the Faily [?] - do I understand right in presuming they were in the same ship with you on your voyage out to California? Good young men, you find they sought heavenly riches and the Lord gave them both heavenly and temporal and if you remember Solomon asked for an understanding heart to know God and he was pleased to add thereto riches in abundance. We never lose anything by being on the Lord’s side - he rewards a hundredfold. 
What part are you taking in this sad, sad war - civil war - brother against brother - we are shocked at it in England and are expecting there will be an outbreak amongst the slaves. I presume you will be expected to become a volunteer or a Militia man - God grant the war may not extend to California. Where is Charles? do you expect him? Should you be called away how will your store go on - could your good little wife manage it? I wonder how Perkins, Filmer etc are getting on - the war will frighten some of them home perhaps. Do you ever feel a desire to come to England? or do you feel that the difficulties of living are so great here that you are better away? Do write and tell me all you have in your thoughts. Your newspapers do not give us fresh news - the latest accounts we have are from our own newspapers. 
Do you remember Aunt Charlotte Murray who resided at Liverpool - we this morning received an account of her death - “friend after friend departs”. I am, thank God, in tolerable health but there is great debility about me - you must not be surprised at my not lasting our much longer - the infirmities of old age are fast creeping upon me but I do desire to live long enough to know that my dear sons are brought out of nature's darkness and then methinks I could say with Simeon of old “Lord now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace”. 
John Kraushaar has been in London - I fear he is doing but little for his family but they are so reserved we know but little respecting them and they live so far off for us to go particularly as they do not appear to wish to receive a visit from us. I fear their pride will not permit them to complain to us, in fact if they did I do not know whether we could help them more than we do now - Anne sends Fanny her children's left off clothes - but between us I do not think their money is much spent in clothing excepting for John.
I am glad you seem to be progressing in a foreign land - it is necessary to have a few pounds that you could in an emergency resort to - may it ever be your case - a wife can appreciate such a state of things. 
Elijah returns home today to spend his Midsummer holidays - his mama has not seen him during the six months. The coins were quite safe. You ought indeed to have letters as you do not seem to mind the expense of postage. 
Present to your good little wife my affectionate love - accept it yourself and believe me
My ever dear Alexander
Your affectionate Mother
Sarah Murray

I have sent you a slip of a newspaper containing Pacheco’s presentation to our Queen.
[Following from a London paper of 1861 re presentations made at the Court of St James, London] 
Capt. Luke O’Connor, on promotion and his return from India, by Col. Lysons, C.B., Assistant Adjutant General.
Lieut. Guildford Onslow, by Guildford Onslow, Esq. M.P.
Hon. R. Pacheco, of California, by the United States Minister.
Brig. Gen. Lord Geo. Paget, by H.R.H. the Commander-in-Chief.

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San Luis Obispo, Cal.
June 18, 1861 

My dear sister Anne; 
After so long a silence I hardly know how to commence a letter for your perusal; but, I suppose that now the ice is broken I shall find it easy enough. I have kept myself pretty well posted about you and yours from my brother, who is a pretty regular correspondent of yours.
As far as regards myself, I am still in the land of the living, am doing very well and hope to do still better. If circumstances favor me I shall be able within a year or two to make a trip home and still be, when I return, in very comfortable circumstances. I could not venture on the trip without having at least $3000 in hard cash that I could afford to spend.
You must know that persons living in California necessarily learn to be careless and extravagant in their expenditures, from the facility there is of making and also of losing money. I am sorry to hear that our little squabble here in the family is affecting business in the old country. In California it is, I believe, benefiting instead of injuring business, I know it does with me. We are all Unionists here except a few misled individuals who are only laughed at. It will soon be over, I hope, and then the United States stars and stripes will wave prouder than ever, in spite of the evil prognostications of croakers.
Pacheco has arrived here, and we are going to run him for Senator. Some parties wish my brother to run against him, but he does not feel inclined much to do so. I am sorry you did not see him, as I am sure you would have been pleased with him.
I would like very much to see Elijah again; I have not forgotten my old playmate.
My mother is rather alarmed at the prospect of Charles Manfred’s coming to California. She seems to look upon me yet as the child I was when I went away. One thing I know, Charles was the only person that gave me good sound worldly advice when I left, and I think I can teach him a little now.
July 13.
I am so wrapt up in the solution of the American difficulties that I take little notice of what goes on in Europe, and I think that now if the US breaks up then adieu to all hope of civil and religious liberty all over the globe. Here is where the great battle of the age has to be fought and I hope and trust it will be won by the patriots. But the US has lost its most potent defender when Douglas died. The last hope of the US is General Scott now and he is very old. But the veteran that never retreated and never lost a battle, will I hope not lose any of his laurels.
One thing you are mistaken about. I do not happen to have a Catholic wife. True her mother was a Catholic, but her father was a foreigner and you will seldom come across half-breeds that go much on the Catholic religion. She never attends Catholic church and whenever there is a Protestant one here will attend it with me.
I am in pretty good luck I think not to have any children, In a country where help is worth 10 pounds a month and board, it is quite comfortable to be able to do without it.
If you buy a sewing machine get a Wheeler & Wilson. They are the best, I think, for family purposes. A woman that can work one well here can hire out for $5 a day. Here machines are quite cheap, about $75.00.
One thing I dislike in California. It is all work and no play. From the minute I get up and till I go to bed it is attend to business, Sunday and all. There is no rest at all, as I do all my own work. I did have a brother-in-law of mine as a clerk, but he did not like the continued application to business, and I have no confidence in clerks, anyhow, so I let such business as I cannot attend to myself pass by and benefit somebody else.
I am Postmaster here which helps my business exceedingly. I expect, though, Uncle Abe will shove me out one of these days for not being a Republican.
Can you tell me what kind of profits are usually made in a fair country store in England and how much capital is required? If I was ever to stop in England I should like to keep such a place as Mr. -- used to keep a few doors from us in Suffolk Place and speculate with the balance of my capital.
I may do that yet some day, but it will be when I get tired of striving for a fortune.
But now as I have to write to my mother next mail I must close this - and commence hers. I write very regularly to her now, as I have no doubt she is alarmed about us being mixed up in these troubles, but we are in the remotest part of the US for that. All we can do is sympathize and help pay the taxes.
My respect to your husband and love to you and the children, especially my little pet.
Believe me to be
Your affectionate brother
Alex Murray

PS My wife sends her regards to you and hopes to see you someday. 

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1 Philadelphia Pl.
Hackney Rd.
6th Sept, 1861 

I received the letter containing the sovereign and the newspapers or magazines about a week since and according to your request I forwarded them to Fanny who is very much obliged to you and your dear wife and will take an opportunity to write and tell you so. The coin comes safely but sometimes I wonder it is not suspected. 
I am delighted to think you are prospering. Go on persevering and the time may come that you may be enabled to come over to dear old England and settle down for life. That I cannot expect to see as my days are fast coming to a close according to the age of man but I should dearly like to see your face once more and your dear little wife. You cannot imagine the joy it gives me to know that you have both got good wives. Nothing on earth has so reconciled me to your banishment - to know that you both possess wives who can and do sympathize with you in the “battle of life” is a source of delight to my heart and I rejoice that you are enabled to provide for them without working them as they are in England - for if a husband’s home is to be made comfortable and his children cared for, there is enough to do without her being engaged in a shop. In England it is too frequently a positive necessity and under such circumstances what can be said. 
I feel somewhat alarmed at this sad American war. It seems impossible to tell where or when it will end. You seem to be best off in California and I hope will continue so. I wonder how Charles is getting on, Perkins Filmer and others. Nathan Barlow is likely to continue in England. I have not seen him. At present the Southerners seems to prevail - how is all this? it is quite unexpected to me. I thought the Union would beat and without any trouble. I am afraid there is a deal of treachery. I thought ere this the slaves would have risen. That I expect would be dreadful. Bull’s Run is sad - how many poor young men were there killed? It is awful to think of it. I suppose you will all be taxed for this war pretty high and what a stop it must be to trade in many parts. 
I know of no news just now in the family. In my last I sent you an account of Aunt Charlotte’s death. Two or three of your cousins are engaged lately but I do not think you know them. They are daughters of your Uncle Walter’s. 
This will be but an apology for a letter as my mind has been very unsettled lately and when that is the case I find a difficulty in writing even to you but I cannot bear the idea of sending off a letter without writing a few lines. Dear Walter wrote in better spirits the last time, which I was glad to see. I quite agree with you that honours are all very well but first we must look after the needful but I believe he has ever been most persevering, only a little apt to get his expenses high, but having to provide for a family makes a great difference. You are happily exempt. Mercedes wrote me a very kind letter in her own loving style. I shall write to her and Andrea before long. How much I should like to see the dear children - kiss them for me. I though the little one was a beautiful little creature - such an eye. I wish he may have a son next and then I think he may rest satisfied. As to you and Andrea - why without children you can be always lovers and avoid a thousand cares that “flesh is heir to”. What say you to this logic? I thought when Pacheco was here that he understood the power of love for he sang most touchingly a song about “dear Mary”. 
And now, my dear Alexander, I must commend you to the love and protection of the Gracious Being who created you, to Jesus who died to save you from everlasting death and to the Holy Spirit the - [unreadable] who if you will but believe in the word of God will guide you in the way of all truth. With love to your dear wife, Walter, Mercedes, and the dear children, Believe me ever
Yours in much affection
Sarah Murray 

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Brimscombe Mills
Sept. 12, 1861

My dear Sister 
My dear Thanks for the magazine which I received from you a few days since. It is very kind of you to think of us whom you have never seen over here in England. We should be very glad to see you & my brother tells me that in a few years he hopes to come over. Well then I hope you will stay here & not return to that far off land again. You have one advantage in having no children that you can move about almost as you like. If you had such a family as I have you would not be able to think even of going out. 
I should like you to see my children. They are all, I am thankful to say, strong & healthy, full of life and energy. I did hope to send you their likenesses but Mr. Pacheco went off without coming to see me; so I was disappointed, but I must manage it somehow. I have such a dear little baby, she just begins to talk & is so interesting. Somehow they all get their share of love, no matter how many there are. I hope, if it be the will of God, I shall have no more for I have as many as I can manage. 
Alex’s pet, Elijah, of whom you have I dare say heard, is a great boy now & will soon leave school but he is still a favourite with all who know him & I am sure Alex would like him quite as much now as he did once. He is so full of fun & so good natured. Now he is at school some miles off - his brothers & sisters are always lamenting his absence & wishing for the holidays. He is a great singer & we miss his voice very much. 
I have not yet bought a sewing machine - they cost too much money. In England we look a good many times at a dollar before we spend it. I and my daughters do all our plain work in the winter - in the summer we take our pleasure in the fields & woods. Sometimes we say if we had a sewing machine we should not have enough to do, but that is a mistake - we could read more, write more & do a variety of things we have no time for now. I wish you could see us on a winter’s evening with all our children about us. You would laugh to see the fun & noise we make. You would like to hear the music too, for we are great singers. 
My older daughters are women now & they are a great help to me, but I must expect to lose them before very long. I shall be glad, for I like to see the girls marry off as soon as they are old enough. 
Now I must stop as my time is nearly done. I hope, my dear sister, if it be the will of God we shall meet on earth, but if not I trust we shall meet in Heaven & this we certainly shall if we are looking to Jesus. If we are trusting in His blood & righteousness we are safe forever - we belong to the family of God & they shall meet before the throne of God.
Believe me
Your affectionate sister
Anne

Love to Walter, his wife and children.
Does Alex know a gentleman named Devonport in California? He is coming to England soon; we know his brother well & hope to know him too & to send to you by him. 

-------

No. 1 Philadelphia Place
Hackney Road, NE 
31 Oct. 1861 

My dear Alexander 
We received your very affectionate letter of the 17th September on Monday - and are exceedingly pleased with its spirit, its information & its whole-heartedness. Your dear Mother especially is pleased with your kind present, not for its value but for its kind intention & is much obliged (as I suppose she will tell you) to you and Andrea for it. The loving spirit of your letters is invaluable. 
I am very glad that California is loyal to the union - that is the part of justice, prudence & right. You need express no opinion on Slavery - the very ground of the fight, for let the issue be what it may - in two years another market supply of cotton will be found in Africa & India & when the war shall be over, America may keep her cotton & slavery cease because it will not pay - “God moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform” - So that the blot of slavery is wiped out and the freedom of man sustained - in a moral and social sense as well as in State-craft, I care not by what means - whether direct or indirect. 
I have not seen Mr. Russell’s account of the disaster of Bull’s Run - the result might have been foreseen - caught in a trap and only half disciplined, they would not be expected to emulate the fortitude of our Veterans of Waterloo. The folly was in fighting before they had an army and I expect when ready the “Yankees” will sustain their reputation for courage, discipline and tact in matters of warfare. I am glad that you both forswear warfare for yourselves - but should it approach your state, no such - (torn) be permitted - ’Tis not likely however, and - (torn) will - (torn) are both detained at home by Kentucky becoming the theatre of War - Serves Kentucky and Virginia right - had they taken part with the Union, in all probability this dreadful civil war might have been prevented - at all events it would have been of short duration. They took the contrary course and by a just moral retribution, the chief brunt and fury of the War has fallen upon them. May God protect the right.
I am glad to hear of your success, as well as Walter’s, in the fall elections. Is it attended with any profit, in addition to the eclat of the position - if so, it is a capital hit for both. 
I am obliged for your confidential exposition of your affairs and congratulate you thereon. In matters of business, it is ever found that “Bragg is a good dog but that Holdfast is a better”. If you persevere in this course for a few years, you will be in every sense independent and the end for which you emigrated will have been answered. 
I am also delighted at the affectionate terms on which you live with Andrea. I have had some experience in these matters - and as the result I believe that every marriage ought to be for love and that the same assiduity with which that love was sought should be employed to maintain it. Your dear Mother and myself are on much better terms with each other than we have ever been since our marriage. Our old love is revived - and we live only for each other. May such be your happy fate with dear Andrea - to whom I beg you will present my love and respect for her affectionate regard to - (torn) without strong individuality of character and - (torn) dear Mother maintains - On the 25th October - (torn) think of the love.
We received your leather portraits & think them very good. The practicability of the transit of such things being thus established, your dear Mother and myself intend to sit for our portraits and send you two sets - the one “cartes de visite” or paper portraits and the other on more durable materials. We had intended the same thing to be sent by “Don Pacheco” but his not presenting himself a second time prevented this course - but your dear mother makes it a matter of conscience, and it will be done her vis inertia will be overcome. I suspect we get these things much cheaper than you. Cartes de visite may be had here for 1s each - first class - other photographs 4& [= 4/-?] to £1/s1. However price is not the object - it is the transit - and that appears to be overcome. 
We are both in good health and spirits - a great mercy considering that I am 71 years of age and your dear Mother 67 years. I have been prospered in my Hackney Building Society which is creeping up to £50 a year - and may much exceed that - Registration and Life Insurance much the same as before but on the whole looking up. If I maintain my health, our status is also maintained. God has been very gracious to me hitherto and I can trust Him for the future. This leads me to say that the Grace of God appears to be the keystone of the arch - I never once prospered ’till your dear Mother & myself became deeply interested in the plan of redemption by our Lord Jesus Christ - attendance on the means of Grace is something but the one thing needful is faith in Jesus as the only Saviour. He who believes - (torn) the - (torn) that “all other things shall be added unto him” - (torn) the sincere worshippers of “God and the Lamb” or more comprehensively of “our God in Christ reconciling the world unto himself”. My dear son, look into these things for yourself - heartily, sincerely, faithfully.
The Hopwoods are all well & doing well. The Exhibition of 1862 will in all probability promote their prosperity as ’tis in their immediate neighbourhood - the splendid Building nearly finished - and will be a grand affair; especially interesting to me will be its picture gallery, Chef d’Oeuvres of the world, concentrated in one spot for at least one year.
Your Sister Ann & family are all well . Fanny we cannot so well hear about as she is not explicit in her communications and I suspect that she is poorly off. For ourselves, our course is clear. We have a sufficient [...??] maintenance - are now waiting in [??] adoration the pleasure of the Lord. The absence of our Sons is a drawback on our happiness but we had much rather hear of their independence on the other side of the Globe than to see them here merely underlings, dependent on the breath of a superior for their daily bread - and so we are reconciled to things as they are, but feel that our future is somewhat obscure in the uncertainty of who shall watch our latter ends or rather the survivor of us because we must expect daily to decline.
With our love to Andrea and our love to Walter and dear wife & family - believe me to be Dear Alexander
Your affectionate Father
James Murray

Mr. Alexander Murray 

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1 Philadelphia Place
1 Nov. 1861

My dearest Alexander 
After receiving so many tokens of your affection I cannot permit a single mail to depart until I have acknowledged the receipt of your last containing the sovereign, the likeness of yourself and your dear wife and view of your little house of business for all of which I feel I cannot express in terms sufficiently appropriate my true feelings as I consider them as an earnest of your affection for the “old folks at home”. The sovereign I intend shall be spent in the purchase of a cloak, shawl or dress, I know not which just now. I do not exactly want a dress therefore if I purchase either of the others you will be really satisfied. I intend when I get it to have my likeness taken with it on that you may have an opportunity of seeing it. Accept, both yourself, and your dear wife, my best thanks. 
The little house of business looks somewhat quiet but I see you have plenty of gossips. Oh! would not your father love to push in amongst them and tell his tale of politics, but I expect it would not do for him to launch out so unhesitatingly as he does here, and in parochial matters as well. The steps in front add much to the improvement of your domicile. I hope you and yours have experienced many happy hours, days and months in it and will continue to do so. 
Your being elected as Superintendent of Public Instruction seems another step in the right direction as to your temporal affairs. It rejoices my heart to know that your exertions are prospered and for your kind sympathy for us. I hope, my dear son, we shall be able to maintain our position through the goodness of God, but it is cheering as old age advances to know that we are cared for, and if necessary would be assisted. The desire expressed from our own dear sons is beyond expression delightful, but in days gone by you and your brother have nobly assisted us and I cannot ever forget it. 
We have had several parcels of newspapers all containing coin of some kind. The Southern ones give us new lights upon the war but we have intelligence much earlier than is contained in yours. I am not without fears for the Union but I hope the latter will prove victorious. It is sad, very sad, that so much blood should be shed. I am so glad that neither you nor your brother are likely to be engaged in it and that the war is not likely to reach California. Charles and Henry Manfred must be thoroughly upset. We had the New York Time sent us by Henry through his sisters but we know nothing about them or whether Henry is positively coming to London. I do not think they are doing much beyond keeping themselves respectable - that is the appearance of gentlemen. I have a desire for Charles to visit you. 
The Methodist Newspaper - I was much pleased with. Did you read the account of the low state of the Prayer Meeting? The old Shoemaker was right. I know not what information you get upon religious subjects but this I do know - that the light of the blessed Gospel of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, is making rapid strides in almost every part of the world - thus fulfilling the prophecy that “the knowledge of the Glory of God shall cover the earth as the waters cover the seas”. Now my dear Alexander, are you and your “better half” yet brought into the fold of Christ? Jesus says give me thine hearts. Will you longer delay? Oh what glorious news it would be to us to be informed from your own pen that you had; then should I die in the hope of meeting you again. To have the love of God in our hearts is beyond all price. Perhaps you will say how am I to get it? by prayer and supplication at a [=the?] throne of Grace. It would be a great help if you had a proper place of worship to go to or religious people to converse with but in the absence of these seek the Lord in prayer and ask for the help of His Holy Spirit - ask in faith. 
Mrs. Joyce is now a widow, Mr. Joyce having been dead about 2 months. Her son is still carrying on a shop in Oxford St. 
You may expect another letter soon after you receive this. Present my best love and good wishes to your dear wife and accept the same from your ever affectionate mother.
S Murray

I understand from Fanny that she has written to you. The stage affair you say is inconvenient but I am thinking is it safe to have your house open at such a late hour?
In your likeness you are represented as looking as young as ever. Andrea always looks particularly neat. She dresses her hair very nicely and I observe the dress to be made in our English style. Your dress, too, is modern and you are both looking well. Anne and Fanny shall have theirs sent off tomorrow. Adieu.
You are improving wonderfully in your writing and composition - indeed the very spirit of the letter was very gratifying to us both. 

-----------

[Undated. It could be any time in the last week of November or the first week of December 1861.] 
My dear Alexander 
Orders having been issued from the Post Office General [=Postmaster General?] that all American letters must be sent off today instead of Friday 6th in consequence of the probability of a war with your adopted country, I write with no very pleasant feelings as to the future. Indeed, my dear Alex, what a scourge is war. I fear after all you and your brother will be embroiled in it. Then there are your wives and the dear children. Oh I wish you were all here, safe & happy. 
4 great men the Union has captured - 2 on their way to England and two ex senators from California. Then the battle at Beauford - surely things are beginning to look up for the Union - (torn) truly says “if the people were wise, war is a game Kings would not play at” (or Presidents either). I fear there will be great uncertainty about our letters in future but rest assured my thoughts will be with you and my prayers for you and yours. What does Andrea think about the war? Is she not alarmed and Mercedes too? Oh the times are horrible but “man’s extremity is God’s opportunity” and I do hope that in the Providence of God a door may be opened for peace. 
I quite admire the likenesses on leather and shall not feel satisfied until you have ours. It is very kind of you to send them. Andrea looks very thoughtful and good looking. It does make me so happy to know - (torn) one as a slave. 
We are coming on as usual and are both in good health. I have no family news this time to communicate. I am writing with borrowed spectacles that my eyes ache so badly I scarcely know how to write but I was unwilling that the letter should be sent off without a word from me. 
It gives me great pleasure to find you are progressing so nicely in business. Make your fortune if you can and come over to England. I should so like to see you and Andrea. Present my love to her. I would write but I cannot this time. Present my love to Mercedes; kiss the children for - (torn). - (torn) found his way to you. I think you are better without him. 
We shall soon have Christmas - may it be a happy one to you and yours and may the New Year be as prosperous to you as the last has been in your temporal affairs. May God bless you and keep you from all harm and by his spirit lead you into the way of all truth. Read your bible - think of me and ever believe that I am
Your affectionate Mother
Sarah Murray 

-----------

[Date missing, but as Sarah wishes Alexander and Andrea a Happy New Year and talks of the death of the Prince Consort on 14 December 1861, the letter was clearly written in January 1862. SH] 
- [torn] - my spirits were so - [torn] as the expectation of a war between England and America, that I scarcely knew what I said to you. Happily the prospect has changed in consequence of the president and the people having nobly and gracefully acknowledged the law of compliance with the requirement of our government and setting Mason and States free. I now hope that all angry feelings will subside, justice having been complied with. I hate war and so do many in this country - in such a beautiful country as your adopted one, where not a year ago all was prosperous; how sad is the present state of things; brother against brother - and debts and difficulty on all sides. 
Thank God the prayers of numbers of the people of God here have - [torn] and to - [torn] to her sorrowing heart just now would have been cruel. I presume you have heard of the great loss she has sustained in the death of the Prince Consort. The nation has and does indeed mourn a Prince who was in every way worthy of their tears; taken off suddenly or at least after only a few days illness; in the prime of life. It is a source of happiness to know that amidst the grandeur of his position he had looked beyond it and “had made his peace with God”. Oh! that you, my dearest Alexander, should you be called away as he was, be able to echo his words. 
Our Christmas this year was gloomy. We two days buried the Prince consequently had not had time to recover from an event so universally deplored. - [torn] sons and daughters who are residing in this far famed Metropolis. We were very glad to hear from dear Walter. How much I should like to see his dear children. Indeed my heart yearns to see you all but I do not expect it as the sacrifice would be too great. I judge from his letters that he is both a fond husband and father, but when correction is necessary a little too severe for children at their tender years. I come to this conclusion from his own account of himself. Are you as fond of them as you used to be with Elijah? 
You and your dear wife have no children to “cry for buttered toast”, but are living similarly to your father, and I can only hope you are living as comfortably quite in the style. - [torn] - leave this world nearly at the same time. God has been very gracious to us. The last few years of our lives have been spent in much peacefulness and although not realizing money excepting through a Society or two, we maintain our position which is something in times as these, and I hope to be able to continue in this state until we are called to relinquish time for eternity. You and dear Walter’s kind thoughts about us are duly appreciated, but my dear Alexander, I do hope and trust that it will not be necessary to become a burden to our children. Already you have both done too much as I fear you have felt the want of it when pressed with pecuniary difficulties. I have not yet purchased myself a dress or cloak with the sovereign you so kindly - 
- [torn] - most affectionately to your dear wife. - [torn] is well. She looks very healthy and cheerful, deserving of a good husband. The marriage - [torn] - both has greatly tended to my happiness. - [torn] - and some one who loves you - [torn] - wants to attend to your comforts. Your newspaper - [torn] - to come do not make silver scarce. 
We - [torn] - earliest intelligence through our London - [torn] - I like your religious one and a little intell - [torn] - the Southern States is desirable as it is - [torn] - here, but I am no friend to the South. A few - [torn] - merchants may be for the sake of trade but it is not general by any means. The peace - [torn] - has sent over delegates. Mr. Bright is of - [torn] - I hope he will accomplish his object.
- [torn] - to write to dear Walter in answer of one - [torn] -. I must conclude in wishing you and Andrea a happy New Year and close assuring you
I am
My dearest Alexander
Your ever affectionate mother
S. Murray

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Brimscombe Mills
Near Stroud
Gloucestershire
England
Feb. 19, 1862 

My dear Brother 
My dear, A fortnight ago I sent off a parcel for you & Walter. I sent it by the brother of a friend of mine, a Mr. Davenport who lives at San Francisco. He came here selling wool, was very successful & has returned to raise more. He knows Walter by report. Pacheco’s brother came to England in the same ship with him. I sent some likenesses which you & Walter will not quarrel about. I must send duplicates by post on card or cloth as I could not send more now on account of the size of the parcel. Mr. D. complained as it was, but we promised to pay any expense he might be put to, so it went. There are two Spanish Bibles from me to my two sisters-in-law, which I must ask you to present to them with my love. Also some little Spanish books which, as I cannot read Spanish, I do not know what they are, whether for children or grown up persons. Andrea & Mercedes must read them & see if they are children’s books or no. If so perhaps they will do for Eliza. If not as there are so many Spanish in St. Luis they can give them away or keep them. There is also a book for Eliza from Aunt Anne.
This horrid war! when will it end? If I had been President you would never have had one. I should have let the South go their own way & welcome. There is enough territory in the States for half a dozen Republics & tho’ I am not in love with that form of government - yet if friendly they would have been much more powerful than one. However give me old England with all the difficulty of getting a living rather than a country where “the scum is uppermost” & where there is only freedom for the majority. I shall be very glad when you have settled your little quarrel for it makes trade very bad with us. We have some thousand pounds worth of cloth unsold & my husband worried thro’ want of ready money while if we could sell, we should be in a very good position. However good times will come again I hope & we must have our share of the trouble as well as other folks. 
I am much obliged to you & Andrea for the magazine newspapers etc. which you send us from time to time. I can assure you the youngsters look out for the pictures very eagerly. 
We have nearly passed throu’ another dreary winter to our great delight. I have not been very well. Papa & Mama, I believe are weathering the storm bravely. My husband sees them about every month. Mama writes me now very seldom. I suppose her sight gets bad & she finds writing a burden. If there was anything the matter I should hear fast enough. We are all well. The children growing into great boys & girls. My youngest is 2 years old & I am not likely to have another. Elijah is going on well at school. We intend him to leave at Xmas & be apprenticed as he will then be 14. His likeness does not do him credit. He is much better looking than that, but he was just going off to school & did not look happy. He is a very interesting lad, full of fun, sharp as a needle, - he is a favourite everywhere & I hope & believe will do well & be a comfort to me. 
I am glad you are getting along so well & hope this war will not do you harm. We should be so glad if you & Andrea could come over to see us. With love to her, Walter, & his wife & children,
I am dear Alex
Your affectionate sister
A Evans 

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San Luis Obispo, Cal
April 12th 1861 [=1862] 

My dear sister Annie 
Your letter of September 16th arrived safely. I have to apologize to you for the length of time that I have taken to answer it. But the old motto says “better late than never” so I now do so.
Our little domestic difficulty, if hard to settle, is now in a fair way to be settled. The Union troops fired & sustained by the justice of their cause are going on from victory to victory & will continue so to do until there is not one man left in arms to battle against the best government the world ever saw. I say the best, because I feel it to [be] the best, I experience its benefits, and I would not willingly exchange it for any other. There are peculiarities in some of the people that are not agreeable, but that is weighed down in the scale by their many good qualities.
What you say about a store business in England is made a note of, but I do not think I shall ever undertake it. By the time I get in a position to move from here I shall be too old to learn new ways & I understand the art of getting money here pretty well. I expect when I do remove it will be to the neighborhood of San Francisco.
Your parcel for Walter arrived safely. I have written to Mr. Davenport to thank him for the favor he has done us in bringing it out. I expect when my brother goes up to the city he will call on Mr. D. Many thanks for the Bible you sent to Andrea. She reads invariably in English, but still she will read this, as an exception, for your sake.
We have an itinerant preacher here who preaches about once a month here. He belongs to the Methodist Church South & of course endorses slavery as a holy institution. He is an ignorant fellow & I believe I could deliver a better sermon myself.
My wife has promised to write you a short letter herself so I shall leave a portion of this sheet for her if she has time to do so.
I have a great wish to visit England once more, & see the old folks again & all the little relations that have appeared since I left, but I expect I shall not be able to do so yet. I am doing very well, but my business needs my immediate supervision all the time or it would go to wreck at once & it would take me years to build up another one as good, so that I really can’t afford to take the trip. 
With best love to the children, particularly Elijah, my pet, as also best respects to your husband believe me to be
Your affectionate brother
Alexander Murray

Mrs Philip Evans 

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[Undated. Probably May 1862 - the Great International Exhibition was opened on 1 May.] 
Hackney
My dear Andrea
My dear husband and your dear father (in law) having announced to me somewhat unexpectedly his determination to write to our dear sons by this mail, I am rather pressed for time and shall not be able to write to perhaps more than 6 ounces but I will try. It affords us much pleasure to find that you consider it a “privilege” to write to us. I hope it will ever be so; would that we could meet and exchange our mutual thoughts, but that is an event I dare not encourage, as I fear it would end in disappointment. It is a great mercy to be able to correspond, and thus hear of each other’s welfare, but it would indeed be very nice to have you and dear Alexander living near enough to us to look in upon us every day or so. 
I thank you for your kind thoughts about - (torn) - you were residing - (torn) - my dear Alexander too, would not forget or with-hold his kindnesses. I should like to be permitted to put him to the test, but whilst you are doing so much better there than I fear you could here by any thing I can suggest. It is a question you yourselves only must decide; with no family you could much better come than dear Walter and Mercedes, on account of their family. Dear little children, how much I should like to see them. It was very nice for you to have them with you during their papa’s illness. Oh! how sad for him to have that dreadful complaint - the smallpox by what he said. I presume he is not marked, which is fortunate. How little do we know what a day may bring forth. Dear fellow, how I wish he would give - (torn) - the earth - (torn) spent in a state of darkness to spiritual things although I frequented a place of worship twice a day each Sunday, the Truth I found amongst the Dissenters. 
By the by, you tell me a Methodist Minister has been teaching [= ‘preaching’?] in St. Luis Obispo. This is indeed glad tidings, as if he be so ignorant upon other subjects he is not upon religion. Give him a hearing, dear Andrea, you will not repent it, - an hospitable cup often would not be amiss. He would tell you about the “one thing needful”. 
So you have plenty of rain in California. I believe the mails were detained. Through it your newspaper bearing date December and January we have but just received. The political news contained in them is quite old here. The North is getting on famously now. I quite rejoice to hear - (torn) - French seem likely - (torn) - interfere. I am glad - (torn) - English are not. 
Our grand Exhibition is at length opened. I propose the 30th instant as the admission will then be (on certain days) but one shilling. 
You mentioned our likenesses. During the winter we have been quite shut up at home excepting to go to a place of worship but now that the fine weather is expected we shall go out for the express purpose of getting them taken. You ought to have had them long, long ago. I have much regretted it. 
Have you received Mrs. Evans’ parcel? by it we sent ours but they were in such a shabby state that you must receive them only as an apology. Some others shall follow if I live many months longer. We are obliged to you, dear Andrea, for the gold dollars and shall keep them as remembrances from you - they are - (torn) - in themselves but as mementoes of your - (torn) we principally value them. Many thanks for - (torn). I must now bid you farewell. Accept both of - (torn) my love and very best wishes and believe me
My dear Andrea
Your affectionate mother
S. Murray

I cannot write to dear Alexander this time but tell him we feel obliged to him for the sovereign. We shall purchase something by way of remembrance, at the same time supply a - (torn) which [would] otherwise go unsupplied. 

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Brimscombe Mills
England
Aug. 7, 1862 

My dear Brother Alexander
At last, evening - children all in bed - not busy for a wonder, so I sit me down to converse with my two dear brothers so far away. 
You will see from Walter's letter what I think of your “little domestic difficulty”, so no more of that. 
Did I give you a list of what I sent? In case I have not I give it here. Likenesses - Father & Mother, self, Annie, Walter, Elijah, Arthur, Teddy, two Spanish Bibles for Mercedes & Andrea, “Streaks of Light” for Eliza & a number of small Spanish books. I don’t recollect anything else. Let me know if you have received all. 
We only wanted you & Walter with your belongings, to have been perfectly happy, for we went to the Exhibition & visited all our relatives. Your old friend Kennedy is quite a gentleman. He has retired from [the] shop & travels for a firm on the continent. He can be all things to all men. Before me he was a most pious man! & talked of his son Peter’s death in a most Godly strain. But I know that old pose well. Poor Peter died of consumption - kept up to the last & died on the platform of the railway station in Germany on his way to some baths. Kennedy’s daughter is governess to the young Prince of Saxony & was sent in the Royal carriage to her brother’s funeral - such is his tale. Well, he longs to see your faces once more before he dies etc etc. Father & Mother entertained us & we enjoyed ourselves much. 
This exhibition far exceeds the other [i.e. the Great Exhibition of 1851]- it is very much larger & grander, but not so beautiful a building, while its contents surpass everything. The jewels - the gold - the objects of art - such as pictures, statues, china etc are magnificent & the new & varied discoveries show that the world has indeed taken vast strides during the last 10 years. I looked with much interest on a statue of a woman called “California”, by your great sculptor Hiram Power. It is very beautiful. I believe he carries off the prize again. America has sent some wonderful domestic machines but she has been too busy with this horrid war worthily to represent herself. The crowds of people of all nations are well worth seeing too. The Royal family go in & out daily, no one knowing them from other people. The poor Queen too has been in her weeds & no one knows her so she passed unnoticed. We miss the master mind of her Husband in so many things in this Exhibition. We trust that he sees something better than “his eyes behold the King in his beauty” and in the “fair distant land” that all who trust in Jesus go to. There is very much evidence that he died in Christ. 
As for your Methodist Preacher, I don’t like him nor any of his. The Methodists do a good work tho’ in breaking up fallow ground but they are too excitable for me, dwell too much on their feelings and are very unscriptural in some of their doctrines. Their adherence to slavery too is very bad. Still, if you have nothing better, I suppose he is better than nothing. If I were in California & were a man I should take my Bible, open my door to anyone who would come in, pray and expound as God gave me ability and so have a meeting for worship in all the simplicity of the New Testament. 
Tell Andrea with my love that I will write to her next time. I hope this war will drive you home. If the conscription should take place & you will be drawn what will you do? I trust peace will soon be brought about & then you will have nothing to do but pay for the war. 
Your nephews & nieces send their love. My husband unites with me in love to you, Walter, your wives & children. Believe me, dear Alex
Your loving sister
Anne 

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1 Philadelphia Place
Hackney Road 
16 October 1862 

My dear Alexander 
We have just received your letter of [28 August] and are well pleased that both are exempt from “drafting” and are quite satisfied with your position and prospects. We are both well, and doing well, but in this transitory world and our weight of years, how long it is to continue, we cannot tell. Our chief anxieties on your behalf are called forth by this frightful war causing widespread ruin and unheard of misery. It has now taken a new phase, liberty to the slave if his master is a Rebel, otherwise none. What principle is this? Truly none at all. How simple, how grand and how noble to say, Man is free everywhere and under all conditions - In your adopted country truth seems tributary to the “almighty dollar”. 
There seems some difference of opinion between you and me on many points in this unhappy controversy. For instance you ask me if I have heard Mr F. W. Train whom you describe as a “good representative American” and who you say has been speaking in all parts of London. I have not heard him and if he has at all been speaking in London it must be at “Physical Force Chartist Meetings” which are somewhat unpopular here. However, I know him - a lying scoundrel who wrote home at the time of the Trent affair every representation which he thought would produce war, - and is now gone back lecturing throughout Pensilvania [sic]- heaping falsehood on falsehood to vilify this country, because we would not have his Street Railroads. The fellow is an incorrigible scoundrel and deserves no answer but a broomstick on his unworthy shoulders. 
Again, you send me “Parson Brownlow’s” speech. What does that venerable buffoon - that comical miscreant mean by his mingling the phraseology of Jack Herth [DB unsure ?Ketch?] with the profession of a Christian Minister. He reminds me of a Bishop in the dark ages, who was taken in battle in complete armour. This distinguished member of the “Church Militant” being demanded to be set at liberty by the Pope - the German prince who had taken him sent his suit of armour to the Pope with this inscription “Now tell me whether this be thy son’s coat or no”. [See Gen. 37:32.] So Parson Brownlow desires to ride at the head of an invading army into his native state with a coil of rope at his saddle bow to hang every one who has dared to differ from him in opinion. Truly apostolic in his aspiration. Such “bold bad men” as Parson Brownlow and Tramway Train ought to be, in American parlance, “ridden on a rail”. For the sake of truth, honour, religion and consistency - praise, admire and follow better men than these, and America possesses such, or be content to be neutral. 
A truce with these miserable topics. You have one addition to your family and have the prospect of another. Well, such losses and gains balance each other and together form the sum of human experience & constitute a part of the proverbial vicissitudes of human life. To alleviate human suffering and supply human wants are part of our mission and you must be gratified to be in a position to act a consistent part in each. After all, domestic society constitutes the longer portion of man’s life and therefore domestic happiness is the most valuable of man’s privileges. We know the full value of these things only by their loss. I have never lost this blessed privilege myself, but have witnessed it in others and know it [to] be the plague spot of life. Only think of the terrible monotony of living with a woman without loving her. It is dreadful to think of. ’Tis therefore I hear with inexpressible pleasure of the mutual attachment between yourself and your dear wife and I hope you will thank her for me for the happiness she confers which I trust will be cemented by her father being a part of your family and a witness of your felicity. 
We are talking to have our portraits photographed and in due time you shall have them. ’Tis almost time, for life is uncertain. Our International Exhibition closes in about a fortnight. Of this we have some prints which we hope to convey across the Atlantic for the benefit of those who had not the privilege of seeing them.
Believe me to be, dear Alexander
Your affectionate Father
James Murray

Mr. Alexander Murray 

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1 Philadelphia Pl.
17 Oct. 1862

My dear Son and Daughter 
I address you both unitedly as my heart is towards you both. I regret to say my time is very limited for writing to you as it is within a short time of sending my letter[s] to the post office, and I am determined not to suffer another day to pass without writing. I have had so many visitors lately among our relatives that I have in vain watched for an opportunity to write to you since our country cousins were here which I have written about. 
Miss [DB has ‘Mrs’] Manfred has been, in company with Bertha Turner (uncle Walter’s daughter). The former sent us a letter received from her brother Henry, giving her full particulars of the habiliment of an officer’s dress; his attendant, a black boy named Charley, and his allowance of 2 horses. He ranks with a captain and has I think $400 per annum. He says a soldier’s life is so very different to any other, without saying how he likes it. Charles is in the army too, I believe, but previously was upon some train. Henry speaks well of Charles as a persevering business like young man. To my knowledge he is no slow coach but I cannot like the principles of the Manfreds. Henry has not written since May, that his sister is getting very anxious to hear from him. He tells her as soon as the war is over he will come to England and take unto himself a wife. 
Yesterday your aunt Jane came and drank tea with us. She enquired most kindly after you both and sends her love. None of the girls are married. Hopwood seems doomed to be disappointed both in a son and grandson. What a pity! He has been paying the Brimscombe folks a visit and has returned delighted with his visit. Your sister is now wanting your father to go and see them, but I almost think he will not go this summer, business being rather pressing. 
I received a nice letter from John Kraushaar this morning in answer to one I wrote respecting his little boy John James who is staying with us. Most likely he will be here all the winter and perhaps longer. He is a nice, mild boy - too mild. I want him to have a little more spirit. The child is thoroughly well principled and the foundation of religion prevails in his head and heart. 
Many thanks for your last letter dated the 28th August. You seem therein quite annoyed at our silence. I believe we have answered every letter. If not it is an extraordinary omission, one that I cannot account for. The gold came safely to hand. Thank you, dear Alexander and Andrea - May you never need such a sum. Do not give from your necessities, as thank God at present, we can help ourselves, though not so liberally as we could wish. It is very kind of you and dear Andrea to think of us. So her father is with you; poor old gentleman - Take care of him. He cannot at his age be long with you and after he is gone it will be a nice reflection to know that you cheered his latter days and left him only on Jordan’s banks. I hope he is looking forward to “the rest that remaineth for the people of God”. Remember me kindly to him. 
And am I really to understand that you are in a fair way of becoming a father? If it be so I wish you much joy and hope the dear pledge of your affection may become, through the blessing of God, a source of real happiness to you both. I was glad to hear that Mercedes and her little flock was well by this time. Her eldest daughter must be getting quite a companion for her; and so he has honoured me and respected the memory of dear Josephine by intending to name the last after us. Dear Walter, it was very nice of him. I hope he will see Mr. Davenport as Mr. D. could communicate more to him than can be conveyed through the medium of pen and ink. 
I am glad business is going on well with you but I fear in the state you are in in California it must be very hazardous to lend out money. Oh! this awful war - such effusion of blood ought to be stopped in some way. God grant He may bring it about speedily. 
I went yesterday as far as Cheapside to have a carte de visite taken of me but, it being a fine day, so many people were waiting that I was compelled to leave as I had an engagement at home to meet aunt Jane. I shall go again soon and immediately I have them shall forward them. Your father has been equally unfortunate for he went to a person in our neighbourhood and he has taken a complete caricature likeness of him. He had 12 for ten shillings. I have written the man a note upon the subject and I expect he will offer to take him again. Your father quite thought he was going to outshine me but his “radical friend” did not do him justice. I have had a laugh or two at him about it. 
And now I must say good bye, dear Alexander and Andrea. May the Lord bless you and keep you constantly under His care and make you both happy in the knowledge and love of Himself.
Ever your affectionate mother
Sarah Murray

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San Luis Obispo
February 12th. 1863

Charles B Rutherford, Esq. 
Dear friend,
By last mail, but too late to write, I learned by the newspapers that you had suffered the great affliction of the loss of your wife. Today I received Church’s letter, informing me of the fact. I cannot express to you, my dear friend, how much I sympathize with you in your trouble; a trouble which came to you so suddenly and unexpectedly. It is not in the nature of things that I should feel as deeply as though it were my own loss, but I assure you that as far as one human being, as one friend, can feel for his neighbor’s suffering, I feel for and share in yours. I will not suffer myself to dilate upon this topic, for it is too painful to dwell upon, and sometimes silent sympathy is more deep and more acceptable than words. 
I enclose you a letter which my wife begs me to send you, for I assure you she has from the first taken a great interest in you and your family. I join with her in desiring you to send or bring us down your two girls, that she may take care of them for you, at least for a time. You cannot find anywhere a kinder mother, as well to others’ children as her own. Cannot you come down now, and pay us a visit, bringing your two girls with you, and leaving them with us? It will serve to divert your mind for a time from your troubles. We have plenty of room. Anne suits us to a charm, and while she is with us all goes swimmingly. 
I shall have now for a month or two time on my hands, and shall be glad to show you all there is of the county. If you can possibly square this proposition with your business arrangements, pray accept it, and in any event, be assured that we will with pleasure take care of your little ones. My wife is very anxious that you should send them here and I know that she will attend to them as her own.
Frank is improving daily in health and I am in hopes to see him a robust and hearty boy yet. He has been told of his mother’s decease, but cannot realize its moment. He is not at all uneasy. He is heartier and healthier and has a better color, I think, than when he left San Francisco. I think you will remark quite a change in him for the better when you see him. He is no trouble at all.
Trusting to hear from you immediately and soon to see you in person; and conjuring you to bear up under your great sorrow, and not to give way to it, however just cause you have for it, I remain, my dear friend
Yours fraternally
Walter Murray

P S Eliza desires to be remembered to you and Mary, and even little Mercedes sends her respects. Frank does not seem to understand much about such things.

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430 Hackney Rd.
9th April 63

My dear Alexander 
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your last letter containing two sovereigns. It is very, very kind of you to think of the “old folks at home”, and I desire to thank you most kindly but do not tax your purse too much lest you should feel inconvenienced at some future time. 
Your dear Father, although 73 years old, still struggles on and I am happy to say we are more at ease respecting pecuniary matters than ever; still, our means are limited and at times we are tempted to wish they were not quite so circumscribed but we are hastening on to that goal whence no traveller returns and where I trust no wants will be felt but perfect peace and happiness. We are, thank God, both of us in good health and I hope shall be enabled to jog on together to the end. My greatest regret is that I shall never see you more in this world for to that conclusion I am compelled to come as I watch circumstances.
By this time I hope you and your dear wife are become the happy parents of a son or daughter. I am very anxious for the announcement & pray write immediately the event has transpired. No doubt a letter is now on its way. I like exceedingly the arrangement you have entered with Mercedes as it is to my mind a proof of the unity existing between you and I think you could not have done better. 
I have Fanny’s eldest son with us. He is such a boy as you were once. I am frequently calling him Alexander. He has been with us ever since October. We send him to school and I expect he will continue with us for he is not much wanted at Ketton - in fact there is there no boys’ school and he wants to be put forward in his education and he wants more control than poor Fanny can exercise towards him. John (her husband) is frequently from home but when there I expect he is too lazy to exert himself in his family as the master of a family should do. 
This terrible war seems to have no end. I am greatly afraid it will break out in California and perhaps rob you of your savings and your home. Walter does indeed seem to have a large family. I hope yours will be confined to a small one but all this must be left to our all wise Creator. 
We have occasional newspapers from the Manfreds but we have heard no further news from them. The Austons of Colchester seem likely to follow each other out to Australia. George, who was in a ship brokers house in the city, is thinking about going out this spring to his sister [Susannah] who is at Sydney. 
I suppose you have read in the newspapers about the marriage of our young Prince of Wales [to Alexandra of Denmark, on 5 March 1863 - the Queen attended the service in deepest mourning]. I assure you we have had wonderful doings upon the occasion. The Prince is a great favourite. They are now at an estate [Sandringham]belonging to the Prince in Norfolk where he hunts very much. It seems quite a favourite amusement of his. Our good Queen seems to be somewhat emerging from her long solitude and will come out more. Princess Alice has become a mama. She was confined with a daughter a few days since [Victoria, who later married Prince Louis of Battenburg, First Lord of the Admiralty, and was the mother of Earl Mountbatten of Burma] and is doing well. The night she was taken ill the Queen sat up with her thus showing that she does ever more than her duties require of her. She is indeed an excellent woman. 
I hope dear Andrea will write me a letter giving me a full description of her little pet and I do hope she has recovered her strength and is once more well. I used to feel as though I had a fresh lease on my life after each confinement. Kiss the dear babe for me and present to your dear wife my affectionate love. To dear Walter present my love. I am much obliged to him for his letter and will write to him and Mercedes next time. My love to her and the dear children. 
The summer is approaching. Our trees in front of our house are just bursting into leaf. They quite revive my spirits and as I look at them I think of the resurrection of man. Poor dear Josephine she has been dead ten years on the 29 of next month. Oh how ardently do I hope she was safely landed. My heart is full - may God bless you and keep you and yours, and may we all meet in that “better land”. Ever
Yours affectionately
S. Murray

Tell Walter not to cross his letters. We had such difficulty in reading his last. In fact I could not read it at all but was obliged to get your papa to read it to me and after almost burning his nose, he accomplished it. Adieu.
We have not changed our residence but the numbering has been changed and Philadelphia Place erased.
I have sent cuffs and a collar for Andrea which she will wear for my sake. My next will contain one for Mercedes. 

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Covington, Kentucky U.S. 
9th May 1863

Mr Alexander Murray
San Luis Obispo County
California 
Dear Cousin
It gives me pleasure to introduce to you my friend Mr Herbert Bird, who will in future or for a year or 2 at least make San Francisco his home.
I am desirous whenever business or pleasure prompts a visit to your city, that he should make your acquaintance; he can give you the position of matters here, knows exactly what Henry and I are doing and I can with implicit confidence recommend him to your friendly courtesies.
With affectionate greetings to yourself and Walter
Believe me
Yours very sincerely
Charles Manfred

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No. 430 Hackney Road, NE
10 May 1863 

My dear Alexander 
Your dear Mother & myself are exceedingly grieved & exceedingly pleased at your letter of the 26th March - grieved to hear of the unfortunate loss of your only son, and pleased at the safety of the Mother to whom we both desire to be affectionately remembered, as much, quite as much, as if we were her natural parents; pleased also at the development of the love you bear to your wife and also to your parents which this stirring domestic incident has occasioned. Community of danger, misfortune, or other deeply felt occurrence of life produces a community of love - I can sympathize with and understand your ardent, deep and holding attachment to your dear wife. For long - 45 years long - acquaintance as husband with my dear old girl has made me feel towards her a love deep, sincere, romantic - much stronger than anything of self can ever possibly be & without making her an idol. I feel deeply grateful to her for the happiness she has given me by accepting my hand & heart and all the more as she had strong temptations to the contrary, which she manfully resisted from the moment she had pledged herself to me. Oh! I can feel your agony at an anticipated loss of all your heart holds dear - and all the more because the course of nature warns me that one or the other must have to bear in reality the sad pang of parting, tho’ not forever - for our keen relish of united vanes [?DB unsure = dreams?] and aspirations, hopes and desires has induced us to cast a look beyond the grave - and with the eye of faith - strong, clear, distinct, to see a union in that unknown region called Heaven, in which there is nothing resembling marriage, yet there is assuredly a decided perception of individual personality, joined in a community of tastes, passions, inclinations in the joint worship of God and the Lamb - our God in Christ who has reconciled the world unto himself.
29 May 1863

Not having yet sent off a letter, I read the above with deep interest and assured that my feelings are not at all exaggerated. We shall at any time be glad to see you in England, but certainly not on such occasion as you anticipated. May God avert such a calamity as the premature death of your dear wife. 
Having given vent to my feelings, permit me to inform you that your dear Mother and myself - considering that she is 70 years old and I am 73 [respectively in their 70th and 73rd years, more likely] - are in very fair health - enjoying life as well as two people not over-burdened with prosperity can do. We enjoy our love to each other - the well being of our children, and a modest, comfortable sufficiency as well as can be expected. I am called evergreen though everwhite would come nearer the truth - however I am what the world calls a “jolly old fellow” - and mean to remain so as long as a gracious God will permit me. Intending to compress all the news stirring in domestic political circles in a letter to Walter,
I remain
Your affectionate Father
James Murray

Mr. Alexander Murray 

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Covington, Kenty. U.S. 
15th May 1863

Dear Cousin
I have given to a friend of mine Mr. Herbert Bird who proceeds on Sunday next to San Francisco, California (via New York) to take a position in the Phoenix Insurance office there, a letter of introduction to you. When he visits San Luis or you visit San Francisco, I hope that you will become acquainted. He knows exactly what we are doing here and can give you full information - our relatives in England of course he knows nothing about. I have found him and recommend him to you as a very safe acquaintance and friend.
Here I am in the midst of wars and rumors of wars, until we all begin to regard it as the natural state of things. Regiments of soldiers, packs of artillery and munitions of war we have long ceased to regard as any novelty. As you are doubtless aware this department is under command of Major Gen. A. E. Burnside, and Major Gen. Rosecrans, with Burnside’s Corps in Kentucky, protects our front and enables your cousin to pursue the even tenor of his way, unmolested. 
The Confederates have repeatedly tried to obtain possession of Kentucky but as yet have been unsuccessful except for 4 weeks last fall when throu the defeat of the Kentucky forces and the slow movements of Gen. Buel[l] they overran the State. We were then in a state of great excitement; [news of?] the defeat at Richmond, Kty. reached us about the last day of August and the 2nd day of September 62 Lexington was captured by the confederates and our retreating forces concentrated on the Ohio River. Martial law was at once declared here and every one compelled to dig or shoulder a gun. In 3 days a pontoon Bridge was built across the Ohio River and in the meantime all the railroads & country Roads had been bringing in day and night the farmers of Ohio and Indiana dressed in homespun with their rifles in hand,. They kept the Confederates at bay until Gen. Buel[l] with his army retreated from Tennessee and drove the Rebels out of Kentucky. I could not describe on paper the many amusing phases of character [?] that occurred.
I am still employed keeping Books for the Ten. Cen. Rl. Rd. Co. Henry is now in Miss. investing Vicksburg with the army under Major General Grant. They have taken Grand Gulf and are now attacking Vicksburg from the rear. I hope every day to hear of the success of the federal armies in large battles; with the exception of Hooker’s and Banks’ there [has] been a lull in army matters but I think it will break out with more violence than ever shortly and some decisive battles must be fought. This war is a terrible business but is the only alternative left the government, and I cannot see any other termination of it but that it will be fought out to the bitter end. Amicable settlement is out of the question while an aggregate of nearly a million and a half of men on both sides are in arms. The feelings of both sections are intensified as the war progresses and after the actual fighting we shall have to be under a stronger government than ever or no government at all. 
Henry’s health remains good and he seems to like the army better than I could have anticipated. He still acts as surgeon to the same regiment - the 22nd Kentucky. He sent me up about a month ago a valuable case of amputating instruments he captured from one of the Rebel Gen. Hindaman’s Brigade Surgeons who was killed at the storming of Arkansas Post. I have been attending to his business matters while he is in the army and have got his affairs pretty well settled up and have invested proceeds on his a/c in the 5.20 and sp 3 10 ds. [DB unsure] government loans.
I have not yet sent you a photograph of myself but will yet do so. When the war is over Henry will make a trip to England before settling down, and my own movements are yet undecided but unless the Confederates again gobble us up, shall remain until the war is over in Covington. I shall have much pleasure in receiving a line from you whenever time or inclination prompts and trust you will still be able to give a good a/c of yourself and Walter. This war does not affect you in California and your business matters proceed as usual. I should like to know what is the feeling in your neigborhood, together with any other suggestions that may occur to you. Fortunately or unfortunately as the case may prove, I am at present in the Ohio Valley, and shall have to take the fortune of this section of country whatever it may be.
The girls in London seem to get along pleasantly and comfortably there. They sent me their photographs by mail the other day. I do not see that they appear any older, tho’ such may be the case. If Henry gets thro’ this war without being shot or maimed, he will have had a large amount of practice and be an excellent surgeon. His regiment has suffered considerably and now numbers only 450 men; a year & ½ ago they had nearly a 1000, that was when first recruited. They suffered severely in the attack upon Vicksburg in December 1862.
Write a good long letter one of these days like a good fellow - anything about yourselves or California will be interesting to me. And with sincere good wishes and cordial greetings to yourself and Walter,
Believe me
Yours very truly
Charles Manfred.

Is business increasing in your section or not? 

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430 Hackney Rd.
29th May 1863
The 10th anniversary of the death of poor Josephine

My dear Alexander 
Your letter containing the account of your dear Andrea’s confinement was received with feelings of pleasure and pain; the former that in the Providence of God she should have been brought through so critical a time and the latter that her suffering should have been so great and that you should have lost your first born child, but better so by far than that the wife should have been lost. I do from my heart rejoice for both your sakes at her recovery so far that instead of the doctors she was left to the cook. It seems to have indeed proved the strength of your attachment to your beloved wife but had you been called upon to suffer so great a deal [?] remember there is one above who I trust in his goodness and mercy would have supported you under it. He is sufficient for all and every circumstance. However harassing [distressing?] - it would have indeed been a bitter, bitter pill to you - then think how much you owe to Him for His goodness in sparing her to you, I trust for many years to come. 
I am quite glad that dear Walter and Mercedes were so kind to you both - that they had hearts to feel and sympathize at such a time. I do fear that had your wife been confined in your domicile, the end would have been much worse, as from all I can learn you have but just room enough to carry on your business, which I rejoice to find is going on to your satisfaction. 
You are very kind in thinking of us as you do. I have hitherto kept the sovereigns but as a sinking fund, but I shall this summer bring them out. In the first place I shall purchase a new suit of clothes for John Kraushaar who is still with us. He's been with us ever since Sept last. He reminds me of you a thousand times. I feel as if he really were one of my own. He is a studious and pious boy but not a useful one, which at times makes me angry with him. He has just commenced taking out your papa’s notices but he is (unlike what you were) so unobservant that we have some difficulty in making him acquainted with his various sheets [= streets?] even in the Hackney Road. However he is improving and I hope will yet become an active fellow. Fanny is still situated the same. I hope she has left off humoring [= bearing?] children. I am sure it would be a great comfort to her as she has ever had her hands more than full. Poor thing she has had but little care[?] and plenty of anxiety. However she seems contented under it all. John is frequently travelling about preaching for which he gets a bare and uncertain subsistence. Indeed he has some extraordinary notions and some strange crotchets. I never did admire him. He is too gloomy for me and I would almost say too indolent. 
Poor old Kennedy [who was the local shopkeeper in the Hackney Road] is just now very bad. He is reported to be a shade better today but, from what I hear, I fear he is not likely to survive. I am afraid he is not in a very encouraging state of mind but he has mental light [so] that if his mind be spared I hope he will seek consolation where alone it is to be found. 
Your Uncle Hopwood was here the other day, when he enquired very kindly about you. They go on much the same as ever. 
We have received no intelligence from Charles or Henry Manfred but we are continually receiving the New York Tribune which we fancy comes from them. Their sisters do not appear to take any great interest in them. 
The fine weather is now commencing. I hope you and dear Andrea will enjoy it. Make our kind respects to your father-in-law. I hope the old gentleman is as well as usual. How did he manage during your wife’s illness? Have you yet received a letter from us containing a collar and wristbands? I intend enclosing one in this for Mercedes. With love and best wishes for the happiness of you both, believe me
My dear Alexander
Your affectionate mother
S Murray 

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San Luis Obispo
July 8th, 1863

C. B. Rutherford, Esq.
My dear Sir, 
Sir,
I duly received yours of June 22nd and was much pleased to receive your graphic account of Virginia City. If I were a single man I think I should start off & join you immediately. As it is, I cannot but pause. A friend of mine, a Mason, also writes to me from the Soledad mines (between Santa Barbara & Los Angeles) very flattering things. Says he has “feet” to the value of from Forty to One Hundred Thousand Dollars, &c, &c, and invites me to come there and try my luck. However, I have been through the mill. My 3 years experience in the mines satisfied me for ever. Henceforth I am proof against all such temptation.
I am a little concerned to see that you have probably become weaned for good from all Mexican ideas. I suppose that you will not be apt to leave your chances in Virginia City for an uncertainty. I am all the time bent upon removal to a Spanish country, but it is with me a question of time. You have seen that the French have taken the city of Mexico, and probably conclude, with me, that it is now demonstrated that they can and will take & occupy the whole republic. What effect will that have upon the calculations of American immigrants thither? 
This is, I think, the fourth, certainly at least the third, letter that I have written you since your leaving here. All were addressed care of your brother. The last was a long one enclosed in one to him, care of John McDonald, Second street, and sent by Express. This by last accounts your brother had not received. I am sorry that you have missed them, as it looks like more neglect on my part than I am willing to own to.
Dr. Clark’s friend has arrived from the city, and reports that the coal sent up is first rate, and that the parties are only waiting for you. He says that he found plenty of persons in San Francisco ready to go into the enterprise, but that as you had first been spoken to, he could not propose terms to them. The proposition made by the parties here, I understand, is as follows, viz - A company to be formed, to be composed of one half from S. F. & one half from S.L.O. The S.L.O. parties to put in their discovery against the capital of the S.F. parties, in the following manner. The S.F. parties to prospect the mine at their own cost and when the true lead is struck, to put it in working order, erect machinery &c, without calling upon the S.L.O. stockholders for contribution. As soon as the mine pays, all the original outlay except that incurred in prospecting to be reimbursed to the parties furnishing the same, out of the proceeds of the mine. In this way the original discoverers put in their discovery as an offset to the use of the money necessary to develop the mine, until the mine shall prove productive. The parties here are anxious to go to work immediately and are waiting impatiently for a final answer from you, and to know if you are sure to come down immediately or not. Pray write and let them know as soon as possible.
In regards to politics here, I am not very sanguine, as my attitude towards Sheriff Castro has prejudiced me with the natives without doing me any good with the Secesh. Among the latter I am now the best-cursed man in the county, as I have warmly taken sides with the Union party and turned a cold shoulder to their bastard Fusion-Democracy. They will try and beat me at all hazards. I am about to come one of McClellan’s famous dodges on them, viz, a change of base. “Strategy, my boy.” I am still running for the office of Treasurer, but with the almost decided intention of drawing off from that and running for State Senator from the 3d District, composed of Santa Barbara & San Luis Obispo counties. I shall have no strong opponent; shall have Pacheco’s influence to back me, all the straight-out Union men, and perhaps the De La Guerras. This last depends upon a combination we are trying to work. If we can’t work it, I shall then stick to my present berth. I hope, however, to find everything right to run for the Senate, in which case you will be likely to see me above next fall. I shall try and use my position as a stepping-stone to enable me to get out of this place. It is becoming rather too Secesh for me. 
I can assure you that your desire to see me & my family again is heartily reciprocated by us. I often trace your handiwork in the garden. The drought, however, has kept that institution back materially. [They were in the middle of the great drought of 1863-5, which finished off the native Californian ranchers in the Central Coast as all their cattle died and they were ruined, leaving the field clear for American immigrants to take over their lands. SH] Next year, I think, it will flourish, as a large number of the plants this year set out, will then have taken good root, and will be less subject to the vicissitudes of the season. 
Frank is improving in Spanish; understands very much of it, and communicates freely in that language with those who speak no other. He does not improve otherwise. His health is good. We have a school teacher, a Scotchman, not a very good one, and the association is by no means good, so I have sent Eliza, my only scholar, to Los Angeles, with the sisters of charity. It will cost about $16 per month for everything. This I am willing to pay, for the sake of having the child educated. She has been gone a week. Anne has been gone about two weeks. We were satisfied with her, but began to think it was getting too expensive, so we quit when the six months was out. 
My Josephine, the youngest, came very near dying since you left. The Doctor gave her up, but the old women managed to bring her round. I thought she was gone. She is all well now, however, and as hearty as ever. So are we all. Adela, who has been home for some time, has returned here again and is stopping with us. She thanks you for remembering her and sends her respects. So does my wife, and desires to be posted up in regard to your little girls. We learned through your letters of the illness of little Mary, and were very glad to hear that she got well again as quickly as she took sick. I once nearly lost my little Mercedes with the same disease, the croup. 
Dr. Havens has gone to Peru. Is probably there by this time. I have been acting Master ever since as far as the work goes, having initiated two, passed one, and raised two candidates. I am rather green as yet, but expect to improve. 
I thank you for your long letter, which I have endeavored to reciprocate, but I have not so good a theme as you, viz, the wonders of Virginia City. Write soon, and I will answer more promptly. I hope, however, that you will see the propriety of coming down to attend to the coal-mine; in which case I shall see you again shortly. Hoping that you are in good health and have improved in spirit, and that worldly prosperity will attend you.
I remain, my dear friend, Yours sincerely & fraternally, 
Walter Murray

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Brimscombe Mills
July 29, 1863

My dear Alex 
I & my husband truly sympathize with you & dear Andrea in your sorrow in the loss of your first born; I know what it is for I lost mine when only a week old & it was certainly the first real sorrow I ever knew. All other troubles of the past life faded into nothing before that. Poor Andrea too! how much she must have suffered! None but a woman can guess. You men certainly have the best end of the staff & ought to be amazingly kind & patient with your wives for you little know how much they have to bear & I hope Andrea will get over her next affair sooner & easier & that you will not again be disappointed. The Lord knows what is best for you both & if disappointments lead you to think more & seek to know more of Him you will not regret the trial but only rejoice as David did of old & say “it was good for me to be afflicted.” The discipline of life is good for us, depend upon it, tho’ we often try to escape its trials. God sends us day by day many blessings but these good things do not often lead us to Him & then He sends trials & we know not where to go or what to do but we can look up where none ever looked in vain & so we learn Him who delights in mercy & is full of love for He is love. May all your troubles lead you to God & when you can see Him in Jesus forgiving your sins & enabling you to say “Abba Father” then you will have that blessing without which earth’s fairest & richest possessions can profit you nothing, & in the possession of which you can tread the world beneath your feet & know that as a son of the King of kings you possess all things for you are Christ’s & Christ is God’s. 
War - horrid, wicked war, still rages in your fair country. How much sorrow do the evil passions of men bring on them. North & South have sinned & both now suffer the consequences. They talk of the brave men who are fighting the battles of their country. How much braver would they have been if instead of giving way to their anger & flying to arms against their brethren they had tried to control the desire for war that spread so fast thro’ their country & had let the “erring sisters go in peace.” Lincoln would have been truly great & brave had he pursued such a course. Future ages would have blessed him & how brave he would have proved himself by doing right when all would have opposed. It is the truest courage, the very highest ordeal of courage to walk contrary to the multitude - to face the torrent - to bear the smears--the taunts - the reproaches of friends and foes. What a different position would your country have been in if this war had never been entered on. And now what have you got by it? Many have lost life - many more friends & relatives dear as life. You have a debt it will take long to pay. You have lost liberty & will I expect lose more before you have done. 
I have read the paper you sent me detailing the cruelties practised on Federal prisoners. I have read of equal - worse if possible, on the part of the Federals. The Federals have certainly far exceeded the Confederates in the savage barbarity with which they have carried on the war. I read both sides and keep myself well posted up in all your proceedings & cannot form any other conclusion than this. It is also the opinion of all Europe. Isolated cases of savage brutality such as you have sent me doubtless occur - [Indivi]duals of the lowest standards of morals with their passions inflamed to the highest pitch are engaged in the struggle on both sides, therefore such things are quite possible & the neglect of the dead & wounded may be quite unavoidable under many circumstances. It must be an immense difficulty to provide accommodations & necessary attendance on the wounded & certainly they would care first for their own. Even when it is their own they are caring for, the scenes are dreadful. I have read how the Federals neglect and ill-treat their own sick & wounded. How hundreds die in the dens they call hospitals when they might have been saved by ordinary care, but “those that play bowls must take the bruises” says the old proverb & you are feeling the truth of it. 
You talk in your letter to Papa of England being changed in opinion respecting the war. That is a mistake. There is no change here. We cannot approve a war for empire & we should not be English if we desired the re-establishment of the Union which would use its first efforts to drag us into war. 
I noticed the mention of a meeting at Stroud in a paper you sent me, but it was far from being a truthful account. I was present, & if you had been you would not have had your northern pride much flattered. The North was hooted & hissed as only Englishmen can. Then a few months ago a Southerner, thinking, I suppose, that as we were against the North we must be for the South, ventured on a meeting but only about 30 attended & when he acknowledged himself as an advocate of slavery, he found the best thing he could do was to escape, which he did most ignominiously. So you see, we are on neither side - tho’ there is much we admire in the South, we won’t swallow slavery. 
I hope in some way or other peace will be brought about, for I am sure there is much suffering on both sides & at present for no good end. Poor Poland too is suffering but for that the North has now no sympathy. Such is man! How good it is to be able to look to One who can make the “wrath of man to praise Him” & who will bye & bye appear & make all wars to cease. It is He who is now punishing the South for their slavery & the North for her guilty participation in it. 
Well now, I am glad you are getting on so well in circumstances & hope to hear next letter that Andrea is well. She need not fear another confinement - tell her - a first is often very trying, but the second may be very different & it is very likely too Andrea will not be well till she has had a second. So you need not be uneasy should her health not be what it was before. It will all come right when she once suckles a baby. I think the driving back of the milk into the system has something to do with the ill health usual after losing an infant. I was ill from the time I lost my first till Elijah was born. I believe now I have done. Maggie is 3½ years old & is still baby. She is a great pet, a very sweet child. I wish you would [could?] see her. She is quite a Murray. 
All the rest are well & send their love to their Uncles, Aunts & Cousins over the water. My dear husband has been long suffering from a bad leg but is now better. He unites with me in love to you both. Believe me ever,
Your affectionate sister
Anne Evans

I send you a photograph of myself & husband. It is not good. The artist perched up my head on a brass [brace?] he had for the purpose which makes me look very unnatural & my husband has stuck up his lame leg in a singular manner but he can’t help that - it will never be like the other one. The brooch I have on was made of the gold Walter sent me. I am much obliged to you for your present to my dear boy. 

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Parliament Street 
Gloucester
August 14th, 1863

My dear Uncle
I write this letter to thank you for the very kind and unexpected present you sent through Grandmamma.

I dare say you remember me very well, but of course I do not remember you at all as I was far too young, but Mamma tells me that when I was a baby you used to take me up into your bedroom and hang me up in the dirty clothes bag behind the door to keep me out of mischief when you were doing anything particular, but since that time things have altered. 
I suppose the war does not make much difference to you and Uncle Walter as you are so far away from it. 
I wish you and Uncle Walter would come home to England "The land of the Free" - we should all be so very pleased to see you. 
I have left school and am apprenticed to a Dentist by the name of Fox, who lives at Gloucester. I am apprenticed for 4 years. I like dentistry very well indeed, it is nice light work, but there is enough to learn in the mechanical part of the business, besides the studying which is the worst part of all, especially to me as I am not so very fond of study as perhaps you may have been. 
I went to London last year to see the Exhibition & stayed at Grandmamma's. I thought that you were coming home to see the Exhibition, I think you said something about it in one of your letters to Mamma. Please give my love to Uncle, Aunt & all my cousins. 
Thanking you for your kind present, 
I remain 
Your loving Nephew 
Elijah Knox Davies 

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No. 430 Hackney Road, N.E.
16 October, 1863 

My dear Alexander 
I have for a few weeks been sending you “Public Opinion” which seems to be a fair digest of what its name imports, for the principal countries of the World, and I shall continue to do so till you desire it to be dropt; fond as you Yankees are of political, judicial & social topics. This appears to me to be a paper eminently calculated to set forth the various doings of the Political World - and without giving any opinion of its own - faithfully recording & transmitting the opinions of the most eminent of the political writers of England and somewhat of the world. I very much approve its plan of proceeding and the manner in which it is conducted. Therefore until I hear to the contrary I shall continue to send it weekly. 
We do not hear from you so frequently as we used, and I suppose you say the same of us - well, we must both try to amend our ways in the matter of correspondence and scribble something even [if] it should be nonsense. For depend upon it where real attachment exists we like to see the handwriting even if unaccompanied by magical results - it is at least an evidence of existence - and with only a fair display of literary power, it is usually a pleasurable medium of happiness given and happiness received - the trivial affairs of life, when coupled with a child’s or a parent’s existence, have importance imparted to them by the feelings of the heart and convey pleasurable sensation even when occasionally being the medium of what is called “bad news”. Of such I have none to import [?report]. 
Your dear Mother and I both continue to enjoy a general good state of health - the monotony thereof being somewhat relieved by certain evidences of the decay of Nature - such as losing something or other belonging to us which younger eyes are required to find or more painful indications of the same normal state by feeling certain twinges of rheumatism, “which feelingly persuades us that we are Men”. I have been married to that dear girl of mine 45 years and only wish I had as long to live with her in the future, so little do I repent of that important step - “marriage”, and so much happiness to receive from my living with her that I usually recommend my juvenile acquaintances to adopt or take on this agreeable form of life - but certainly not till they are first deeply in love with each other. That is, I think, the secret of happiness in marriage and such as I have experienced. 
I like your delineations of domestic life, and your manliness in avowing that you love your wife - and I am sure she is deserving of your attachment. If I should never be fated to see her, please express my gratitude to her as your father for the happiness she has conferred upon you. 
Your dear Mother now tells me she is hard pressed for time - that she will not be able to write by this post but although almost equally unprepared that is the very reason why I shall persevere. I am just returned from Brimscombe having spent 4 days in the bosom of that large family - all fearing God - all living to his honour and glory. Ten in family - 9 living at home, and Elijah apprenticed to a Surgeon Dentist in Gloucester where I saw him on the 6th of October. Well, and well pleased with his position. 
We received 2 sovereigns by post about 3 months since and agreeably to your wish gave Elijah one wherewith he purchased books to promote his scientific education and Tuesday week last I gave him half a sovereign at Gloucester and your dear mother remitted one sovereign to Adela, the oldest daughter of John Kraushaar, now 15 years old. We are much obliged by these remissions as they enable [us] to show sympathy with the strugglers in our own immediate family.
At our time of life, it would be hoping against hope to expect to see you but whether or not God’s will must be done and we desire you to present our love to dear Andrea, and I shall desire and, for myself, still expect to see you both. God bless you
Your affectionate Father James Murray 

Mr. Alexander Murray 

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430 Hackney Rd. 
16th Oct. 1863 

My dear Alexander 
In looking at the date of my letter, I am reminded that your birthday has but recently passed over. May you, [my] dear son, live to see many more in the midst of much happiness and with your dear Andrea sharing it with you. I reached my 70 year on the 6th of this month. How many more birthdays I shall experience I know not, but I shall continue to hope that when I have finished my course here I shall enter that “better land” where we shall meet again and to this end I pray that your eyes may be opened to see the truth as it is in Christ Jesus our Lord and Saviour. 
Your papa has but recently returned from paying a visit to Mr. & Mrs. Evans. He much enjoyed himself and found the family all in good health and surrounded with many comforts. I wish dear Fanny was equally well off and had as good a husband but without being a bad husband there is a remarkable difference between the two. His son John James is still with us. Goes regularly to school and promises to be a clever lad. He is a thorough book worm and at present is inclined to be inactive which I regret but I expect his living must depend upon his intellectual acquirements. He grows and does so remind me of you. I took him the other day with me to the Tower, the Crystal Palace and the Zoological Gardens. These are all the places we have visited this summer. I expect he will continue with us throughout the winter. 
We feel obliged to you, dear Alexander, for the two sovereigns and thought you would not object (as we had before been indebted to you for your kind liberality) - we gave one to Elijah who purchased with it two expensive books which will be of great use to him in his profession of a Dentist. The other to Fanny and her daughter. You no doubt will hear from them upon the subject. It is very kind of you and Andrea to think of us. May you ever possess the means of gratifying your feelings. 
I hope dear Walter is doing well. He seldom writes which makes me fear. No end to this terrible war. I do fear that at some period or other you may be called into action. Have you yet seen any one from Charles Manfred? Your cousins Harriet and Emma Hopwood were here yesterday. They always enquire after you and send their love. Walter Joyce is become a Bankrupt and is now, I am sorry to say, turning his attention to the stage. He has had a very extravagant wife which has helped to bring him down. How thankful I am that you have both such good wives. May they and you have many years to enjoy each other’s society. 
I have been interrupted this afternoon which obliges me to write in [a] rush or not at all. I hope this will find you both well, likewise Walter, his wife and little ones. How rejoiced I should be to see you all. Adieu. I shall write again soon. I hear of no letters coming but ours. With much love to all
Believe me your Affectionate Mother
Sarah Murray 

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430 Hackney Rd. 
29th Jany 1864 

My dear Alexander 
I ought to have answered your very affectionate letter which we received a few days before Christmas long ago but I have been waiting in order that your father might write too but business has been so very pressing that hitherto he has been prevented. Indeed I am beginning to think that he has almost too much of it for an old gentleman of 74 and yet it would not do to give it up until obliged and he is not exactly the person to have a clerk and the expense of one would be felt. In fact, I expect the Directors of his Building Society will soon begin to think a younger man would do better in business. The old ones are always considered almost imbecile but that is not his case. He still has much energy but is not systematical and is forgetful that he is often upon the hunt for lost papers. I sometimes smile - sometimes regret - but it is the truth that we are both of us hastening to a better home than this world affords. We have done but little in our “day and generation” but I hope that little will be accepted through our blessed Redeemer. 
I must now, my dear Alexander, thank you in the name of myself and your dear father for the very kind present of two sovereigns. You seem determined by your kind attention that we shall keep you in remembrance but I trust that no circumstance whatever could ever erase you from our memory. Well do I remember the spot where I parted from you. I hope the speculations you have both entered into will prove eminently successful and be the means of bringing you once more to dear old England. How glad I should be to see you and your wife and dear Walter and his and his dear children. I want to hear from him very much. I expect his large family involve a great deal of care upon him. 
It is pleasing to find that you will retain the same situations under Government you did previously to the election. You both have much to be thankful for. God has been very gracious to you and has bestowed upon you many temporal mercies. 
We dined and spent Christmas with your uncle and aunt Hopwood. You and your brother were frequently the subject of our conversation. They are very pleased to hear about you. They returned the visit a few days after when we dined off a turkey sent by your uncle Alexander. 
I presume you have received “Public Opinion”. We have sent the newspapers irregularly but they have numbered about 12 or 13. I name this to know whether they are duly received. 
I sent your letter to Anne. She was very pleased with it and so was I. You are much improved in letter writing and in composition. I am glad to find your dear wife is so well. Give our kindest love to her and tell her to take care of herself for your sake. I am sorry you look sickly but you always did look very pale. A change would perhaps do you good when the summer comes. 
We are about having changes in our house. Our old lady, Mrs. Benton has lost her brother and comes in for some property -consequently she will be likely to leave us after having been with us about 12 years. Who we shall get to take her place I know not but I hope agreeable people. Sometimes wish we were in a smaller house but whilst your father continues [at] the Hackney Building Society it would not do or it would take much care off me. 
Your sister Fanny is likely in a few months to add to her family. Johnny is still with us but he is going home at Easter to stay for a time. He is not the active boy you were. Indeed his love for books makes him at times almost stupid about the common activities of life. I have no doubt if he were to be well educated, that is have access to the higher [?] of a public school he would turn out a very clever boy but in common things he is nothing. 
I expected ere this Charles Manfred would have sent his friend to you by what you said in one of your letters. This American was is not likely to end yet. What a pity so much blood should be shed. What a debt you will have. You have I think guessed the truth in saying your papa and Anne look upon the question with regard to “British interests”. Do not include me. I am still for the North. 
Unexpectedly to me your papa is writing to Walter. I was afraid he would not have found time. Indeed he said so. I shall be so glad when I shall be able to congratulate you on your country’s restoration to peace, but I do hope you will give the French a good thrashing and send them out of Mexico. What business have they there? I see by the papers the Californians are petitioning against their occupation. 
I shall not be able to write to dear Walter this time but you give my kind love to him, Mercedes and the dear children, not forgetting your own dear wife. Love to yourself and the best wishes of, my dear Alexander, your affectionate mother
Sarah Murray 

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430 Hackney Rd. 
29th April 1864 

My very dear Alexander 
I return you many thanks for your last letter dated 16 Feb. containing 2 sovereigns - “memorial of affection”. It is very kind of you to think of us and I hope it emanates from your abundance. I would not on any account take your necessities if I could in any way help myself. Thank God we are at present in a position to do so and I hope we shall be so until the end of the chapter but oh! how I would like to see you again. If this mining speculation succeeds it is possible but stick close to your business as it has never failed you, speculators [speculations?] may, but I believe you are circumspect. What thinks Andrea upon the subject? females can see far distances sometimes. I hope she is well. Is she likely to increase your number? Her poor father must require much of her care. 
I am so glad Walter has a son. I wonder he did not write and tell us about the affair. I wonder how they got on this time, having been so much annoyed with servants previously. I want Walter to write me a long letter about his family that I may become better acquainted with them. I am glad he has named his little son after you, as it looks as though you were united and happy together. 
John Kraushaar went home on a visit to his friends about a fortnight since. They thought him very much grown and I believe were very pleased to see him again after about 15 months absence. The change will be very beneficial to him after London. He had already been roving about the hills and dales. Fanny is expecting her confinement in May or June. Her husband is not in very good health just now; he is not at best a strong man. His eldest daughter is almost as tall as her mama. I should like to have her with me on a visit but I cannot see how she can be spared from home as she must be, or ought to be, invaluable to poor Fanny as a help. 
We have now the lovely Spring before us. It is quite enlivening to think about. I get out but very little but I have long had a wish to see Windsor and the Queen’s Palace and I do think I must rouse up your father to take me this summer. It is not more than about 15 miles from London so the expense would not ruin him. 
Garibaldi has been all the rage lately. He has been much honoured by the English people and nobility lately and I think deservedly so. We neither of us saw him, your papa being too full of business and I too much afraid of a London crowd. He is a brave loving fellow. I admire him. He was welcomed every where and he responded to it most heartily. He left England Monday accompanied by the Duke of Sutherland. He said in a meeting the other day that if “England & America were united they could beat the whole world”. 
Oh that you had once more peace - still war! war! we received 2 of the New York Tribunes from Walter today. If they cost him beyond a trifle to send tell him we get much later news in our papers. It is however kind of him to send them for which we thank him. Do you receive Public Opinion still? We continue to send it although irregularly as our memories are so bad. Consider your papa 74 and I, 70. [References to their ages are usually approximate, not to say plain wrong.] You would, I think, laugh could you see us hunting about for lost articles. 
Remember us very kindly to your father-in-law. I hope the dear old gentleman has a “good hope through Grace”. Point him to that Saviour who is so willing to save to the very uttermost those who come unto Him. Believe me with much love to you both,
Your ever affectionate mother
Sarah Murray

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[5 August 1864] 

My dearest Alexander and Andrea,
I address you both as one, as I find you are both one in heart. This unity in feeling delights my heart; would that I could in person express my feelings towards you both. I certainly was much pleased when I first heard of your marriage, but now that time has confirmed your experience of its being the most fortunate event of your life, I rejoice in the knowledge of it and hope towards the close of your earthly career your sentiments will remain the same.
I should indeed like above all things to see you both in England, but when I contemplate at how great a sacrifice it would be, I can only submit all to our Heavenly Father who so well knows what is best for his children and who has promised that the good and evil shall all work together for their good. I cannot but think how gracious He is to all His creatures, but he is in a more especial manner so to those who have faith in Him, and who believe in the testimony of his well-beloved Son. 
In temporal matters, you seem to be much prospered. This is a great blessing as it enables you to provide for yourselves and to assist those who are less fortunate. For your letter received yesterday the 4th instant, accept our thanks. It and its contents came safely to hand. Fanny will I expect receive hers tomorrow. She will I am sure be much pleased at so nice a mark of affection towards her or her children. You will be pleased to hear that she and John [Kraushaar] (her husband) are coming to stop a week with us on about the 22nd of this month. This will be her first visit since she left London more than 5 years since. Of course she will bring her baby, who is now about 6 weeks old. [Grace Beatrice ("Tricie"), born 14 June 1864.] I quite reckon upon seeing her as she has had but a very few of joys of this life. Hers has been little else but the struggle of life. Her husband is so reserved a man that I am not admitted into his confidence about money matters. However he maintains his independence as far as we are concerned, for if he is poor, he does not come to us to beg or borrow. We occasionally help them and so does Anne with clothing for her children. I expect to see her much altered. I understand she has lost several of her teeth. She looked such a wreck of what she had been before she left. A more contented, persevering woman I scarcely ever met with and I believe she is a thorough Christian. 
Your father is going to Cove Hall, Suffolk to his sister's, Mrs. William Everitt [Sophia Thurtell b. 1803 m. William Everitt.], on the 19th of this month [so] that I expect he will not be with Fanny & John more than one or two days. His sisters are expecting it will be their last family meeting in consequence of the age of the individuals. 
Did I tell you in my last that your Uncle Alfred in Africa had lost his wife? Edward Browne, I expect, has joined by this time his brother in Africa. He first went to Canada. There he was very unfortunate, and I believe was assisted out to Africa where I hope he will be more successful. His wife has a little property of her own upon which I expect they are subsisting. Your sort of life would not, I think, suit Charles Manfred. He is all for a genteel life. I understood he was doing better. Henry, I expect, will come to England shortly. As soon as his time in the army expires he is to be married to a lady of some fortune and bring her with him to England. He writes of having cut off plenty of arms and legs. 
Your uncle Hopwood drank tea with us yesterday. When I told him I had had a letter from you and delivered your message, he seemed pleased. His busy time is just over. The guest folks, who are many of them his customers, are leaving town, consequently he and his girls will leave for some watering place. 
You and Walter are both mistaken respecting your father's sentiments. He is and always was for the emancipation of the slaves, but at the same time he is of the opinion that the South have a right if they please to withdraw from the North and to govern themselves and that it would be the better for England that they should, indeed for the world, as were it otherwise they would get too strong for the world's peace. I believe those to be his real sentiments. How can he wish for slavery? a man more favorable to freedom is not to be found. I think you have both mistaken him. I believe Anne is of the same opinion. Oh! what a horrible war it is. I see in today's paper a "Manifesto of the Congress of the Confederate States". I wish the North would be disposed to give up the South rather than continue this wholesale war. They have both showed that they are not cowards and now that they cannot conquer why not amicably settle the war. That would be acting nobly. 
But ere I proceed further I must get your letter and take notice of your communication. In the first place, you have announced the death of dear Andrea's father. I had previously seen it in a newspaper that you sent. Poor old gentleman; I am glad to hear his end was peace. I hope his daughter was quite resigned and felt that it was the will of God and that however hard to part, it is a decree we must all submit to. I hope he is now "where the wicked cease from troubling and where the weary are at rest". 
I hope your expectations will be realized respecting your mining speculations. It would indeed be very delightful for you and Walter to accumulate sufficient to retire upon and perhaps come to England. How nice it would be to see you all - Walter and his wife and his group of little ones. How goes on the heir? I expect Walter is very proud of him. [Walter Alexander b. 9 Jun 1864.] I had understood your dear wife was likely to have another but if in any way her life would be endangered by it, it is far better as it is. 
You say you have received but a few numbers of Public Opinion. We have continued sending all the numbers up to this time without knowing it was necessary to put more stamps upon them. We shall enquire further and send them accordingly. 
I am glad dear Andrea can trust you in your speculations. I think I remember when you had your head examined that the remark was that "you had a great desire to get money but that you were very cautious". I have the document somewhere and poor Josephine's too. [Sarah's second-last child Sarah Josephine b. 1832, who had died in 1852, aged 20.] Shall I send it to you? 
I am very pleased with dear Andrea's kind feelings towards me and much wish that she resided near enough to me to occasion ---[torn]--- a little chat over the tea table. Oh! dear Alex it brings tears into my eyes when I think or write about it. Generally I feel that it is a happiness too great for me ever to experience. Let us then hope to meet in that "better land" where parting is unknown. 
I have been very poorly lately. My head has been so bad, in fact, I went to a doctor. He appeared to think I required strengthening medicine more than any other. I do at times feel that my life will not be continued much longer. Can I expect it? consider that I shall be 71 on the 6th of October. Your father looks well a[s] an old gentleman. He never was a vain man but I sometimes tell my friends they will make him so if they state to him so much about his good looks. 
I hope, my dear Alexander and Andrea, my ---[torn]--- when it will be our---[torn]--- will---[torn]--- be "Peace" - then shall we ---[torn]--- meet again to enjoy such a state of happiness as is unknown in this impure ---[torn]---. May God in his infinite mercy bring you to lovingly know Him and love Him. With our very best wishes for your continued health and happiness and with many thanks for the various proofs of your affection, believe me, 
My dear Son and Daughter
Your ever affectionate mother 
Sarah Murray 

I fear your father will not reach home in time to write; nevertheless, he intended it when he left home. Were he here and could not write, he would say give my love to them all. He will write again soon I dare say. 

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[Covington, Kentucky, is just across the Ohio river from Cincinnati. JC] 
Covington, Ky.
6th November 1864 

Dear Alex- 
Your welcome letter of 22nd Aug. is to hand and I am glad to hear you are well and that your mining speculations are successful - you are putting us in the Atlantic States far in the shade, who find it difficult to get along and pay our way - everything is so high and rising. I frequently feel like pulling up stakes and leaving the country altogether - in 6 weeks now Henry’s term of service expires in the army and I shall then determine what my future course will be. - I had a letter from London a few days ago - the girls give a good acct of themselves and our friends in that small city, - they are very anxious to know when I am going to see them and whether 11 years is long enough to stay away.
Do you ever think of paying your friends in the old sod a visit - Herbert Bird, I think, will return to Cincinnati - He is dissatisfied with California and if war matters subside I would not be surprised to see him at any time - at last advice he was travelling in Oregon.
In the summer I had all my teeth pulled out and about 6 weeks ago had them replaced by a new set. I like them first rate and begin to think them an admirable institution.
I am book keeper for a large wholesale Dry Goods house on Pearl St. but I am getting heartily tired of working for other people.
My kind regards to Walter. We are now on the eve of the presidential election and for the moment that takes precedence of every thing else. The Doctor is a great advocate for “old Abe” and I am for “Little Mac” - I am heartily tired of the political ferment we are in and am glad the time is fast approaching for the matter to be settled.
Write soon and with every kind wish for you and yours, 
Believe me in haste
Your affectionate Cousin
Charley 

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430 Hackney Road 
18th November 64 

My ever dear Alexander
Ere this you have no doubt received my last, acknowledging your kindness for the enclosure. I wish I had your letter here before me that I might examine it and see whether I had answered all your enquiries. I have been expecting a letter from you for some time. 
We get papers occasionally but our newspapers contain the first intelligence of your wonderful doing in America. How much do I wish matters could be brougbt to a settlement. The destruction of lives is awful. I think it is enough to bring down the judgements of Heaven. The account of Fort Pillow? massacre is terrific. We received it from you yesterday. 
How about the mines? I hope you are realizing your thousands and will ere long visit England in company with your dear wife, resolving to make it your home. I often feel it to be a severe privation to be deprived of the society of all my children. How nice it would be to have them occasionally looking in and taking a social meal with us. A little consultation is desirable as we can say to our own that which we cannot to mere acquaintances and receive a little sympathy which is so delightful. It is I think the sweetener of life.
I believe I have informed you that your uncle Alexander lost his little girl a few months since. He bows to the rod with great submission and fortitude but no doubt it is a bitter pill. Your aunt Everitt is settled down for the winter at Hastings. She is secluded [situated?] very near the sea so that she can see it from the windows. She seems delighted with the view of it. She has been going to leave the world by all accounts for years but she seems now in very fair health. Your uncle Daniel and his wife visited us a short time since. The former is looking unusually well but unfortunately he is very lame from rheumatism. Charlotte is looking much older. Indeed we seem (of our generation) to be fast going excepting one or two favored ones. 
Hackney Road is being turned into shops. Soon there will not be a private house. The Park (which is a splendid one) brings a great many people into the neighborhood and houses and villas are springing up everywhere. 
Present my most affectionate love to dear Andrea. Tell her to write to me. I should be very pleased to receive another letter from her. 
With love and best wishes to you, believe me
My dear Son Your ever affectionate Mother S Murray 

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430 Hackney Road
January 5th, 1865 

My dear son and Daughter 
Another year has passed away. May I ask you whether you have yet received Jesus into your hearts? Nothing short of it will give you an entrance into that upper and happier world where I hope to meet you. If you wish to make me happy in a dying hour hasten on to know the Lord for the knowledge of your souls' safety would give peace to me when all else is passing away. 
My dear son and daughter, your kindness towards us “old folks at home” is truly delightful to my heart. Your expressions of kindness towards us is all we can desire and the souvereigns which you from time to time send are proofs of your affections which I trust are appreciated by us, but after all we want to know how you stand with God. Do think upon this subject and in your next letter tell me whether you have a serving knowledge of Christ. 
Christmas Day, falling upon the Sunday, we went to Chapel as usual twice. On the Monday we partook of our Christmas dinner with your uncle and aunt Hopwood and cousins. It was passed very pleasantly and many enquiries were made after you and yours with a request that their love and best wishes might be presented to you. Neither of your cousins are married or likely to be, strange as it may seem. I fear they are fated to be old maids. This I am sorry for, as they are really good girls and so useful to your uncle in business that in the event of his death (which I hope is far distant) they could carry it on themselves. 
On the following Thursday Dec. 30, your uncle and aunt with their eldest daughter and youngest spent the day with us: thus ended our Christmas as far as visiting was concerned. This week is devoted to higher purposes. Throughout London there are at the various places of worship meetings for prayer, addresses etc etc. 
On Monday evening I was at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Mr. Spurgeon’s, and last evening at our own where none were forgotten. The unconverted were especially prayed for. I am sure many prayers have been offered up for you and your brother and your wives and Walter’s dear children. It is strange that he does not write and tell as about the young heir but I expect he is too busy. 
However electioneering is now over and you have succeeded in electing Lincoln. What a brave fellow is Sherman. I expect to hear of the taking of Savannah. Indeed the whole North just now looks as though she would ultimately triumph. Your papa makes me silently laugh. He is so very silent upon the subject. 
By the bye, just now he has something of more consequence for him to think of for he is preparing for an Annual Audit of his Hackney Building Society. This time he is obliged to employ an additional clerk as the mental exertion is almost too much for him. I expect he will ultimately be obliged to resign which will necessarily be a shortening of our income. Of course we must live accordingly and thank our Gracious God for what is left. 
Your father’s health continues good. We call him an ‘evergreen’. What a blessed thing it is that he believes that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin and that he has given his heart to Him. There once was a time when he held a different creed but thank be unto God nothing is impossible with Him. 
The sovereign you sent Fanny came very seasonably. We were then making up a parcel and intended sending her a post office order so she had two instead of one. She says she will write to you and thank you for it. Her husband has been poorly for some time but not to give up entirely. One of their boys is a regular farmer’s boy. Would do well to send out to California when older but at present they do not wish to part with their children and yet I cannot see how they are to be provided for; but truly as the word of God says “sufficient for the day is the evil thereof”. 
I have heard no news of Charles Manfred lately. Henry’s time in the army will soon be up and then it is given out he will come to England with his bride. Uncle Walter dined with us the other day. He is looking better just now but quite as old as your father. He makes himself very happy as a widower. He makes occasional visits to London where he meets all his sons and daughters - spends a few days with them and then returns to Newcastle where he gets his living as a flour factor. He says there are many families by the name of ______ living In Newcastle. 
You do not appear quite so sanguine about the mines as you did. I suppose as the office is in San Francisco that Walter is no longer Secretary to one or two of the companies. I shall like to see the “report” you write about. 
I have heard nothing of Anne since Christmas. I expect she is too busy as she has all her family at home, besides which she is very active in religious matters. A friend of hers has built a Gospel Hall for the poor people and whenever he has meetings there he calls upon Anne to address them and she can do so very interestingly. I have no doubt she has been writing some texts [= tracts?] which if it does not weigh too much I will enclose. She has a friend who is a female preacher and our Anne seems inclined to follow in her footsteps now that she is not likely to have any more family. 
I never like to write unless your papa writes too as I always feel my letter is not half so acceptable without his, but I do not like you to be too long without hearing from us. 
And now my dear Alexander and Andrea, accept our thanks for so many proofs of your affection and with the sincere wish that you may both be living in the mutual love of each other, believe me with love and best wishes, 
Yours ever affectionately
S Murray 

P S Do you get the Newspapers or Public Opinion?
A letter from Fanny which ought to have been sent before. 

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430 Hackney Road 
March 10, 1865 

My dear Alex 
I received your last letter containing 2 sovereigns about a week since. We thank you and accept them as an earnest of your affection. We rejoice that you have been prospered in temporal matters and hope it may end (if it be the will of God) in your return to the land of your birth, here to enjoy the privileges of religion that are so abundant in this our favoured land. Comparatively you are now living in a heathen land - no respect paid to the Lord's day - nothing visible that can draw your mind to Him who is the origin of all good - and after all, what is this world to us unless we are aiming truly to secure a better. Nothing is impossible with God. Your conversion can be brought about in that distant land but I have many fears for your never-dying soul. I do believe and hope that you are thoroughly moral but you need to be divinely so; that is, to have faith and love towards our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Now I think if you had this you would be but too glad to tell me, as it would be a subject of great rejoicing to you. 
Walter has not written to us. We wonder at it. He has not yet written to tell us about the "heir". Is he very fond of him? I do wish I knew more about you both.
With this you will receive a few lines from Anne who is on a visit. She is looking exceedingly well and feels the comfort of having left off having children. Oh! how much do I wish you could meet. You would be pleased with her conversation. She is certainly an unusually intelligent woman and is gifted as an instrument in the hand of the Lord in turning many to Him. Her children are all in training for a heavenly home. This is very pleasing. She seems much blessed in her day and generation. Her husband is a good man. They are both very active amongst the poor. Anne addresses them upon the subject of religion in a room which is set apart for preaching. She is much the same in appearance excepting that she is stouter. 
Elijah is getting on very well in his profession of a dentist but it is rather an expensive affair. He will ultimately have to walk the hospitals. He is getting quite the man and the gentleman which he always promised to be. I am expecting to have a visit from him before long. He is thought a great deal of by most people; it is now Mr Davies - can you imagine it?
I was glad to read the account of your all being in good health and spirits; by all, I presume you mean both families. Your brother's family must be growing up rapidly. I expect Walter looks quite fatherly. Has his eldest daughter finished her education? Is she brought up a Catholic or a Protestant? I find Walter has to transact business with Pacheco. Is he as friendly disposed to him as ever? 
The Union seems likely to triumph at last. Oh! I watch the war with intense interest, hoping that it will soon be over. The sacrifice of life is dreadful. I thank you for the pamphlets. I read them with great interest. I am glad you take so much care of the poor wounded men. It is following out with greater experience England's example. I hope you continue to receive the Newspapers. 
Charles's friend is much like himself. He will never give up position for money. 
I hope this spring makes up for the past. What a pity that the poor cattle should be starved to death.
[Last part of letter missing.] 

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430 Hackney Road
March 10, 1865 

My dear Alexander, 
Here I am in the "old house at home" - not however what you would call the old house, but seeing the old folks have lived here 10 or 12 years, it has become to us the "old home". Papa and Mama look very well; they seem to have weathered the winter better than many, for it has been a very severe season. 
What bad fellows you both are. I shall take upon myself to scold you. Why don't you write to a body & tell of your welfare? It is bad enough to have you all that way off, but then not to get a letter but once in three or four years is worse still. 
How are you & Andrea getting along? Is there any prospect of increasing your family? I have been expecting to hear of such an event month after month. My youngest darling is five years old. I hope you have seen her likeness by this time as I sent one to Walter some time ago & have one for you at home & will send it as soon as I get back. How I wish I could show them all to you, but that event seems so far off, I can't even fancy it. However, if you & Andrea should not follow Walter's example & have a large family about you, you have the chance to visit Europe before many years have passed. 
Oh, that horrid war! When will it end? We lookers-on in Europe should rejoice to see it end tomorrow & would ring all the bells in Old England. How can you be so blind as to join the hue and cry against your native land? We have nothing to do with the sending out of Alabamas. If men for gain smuggle out vessels as they have done & will do on false pretences, how can we help that? Old England has not maintained a false neutrality, but a true one, whatever the Americans may say. I don't like to hear my brothers join in the outcry against England. The poor slaves will gain their liberty, I believe, whatever may be the end of the war & in that I & all England will rejoice, tho' we shall be sorry to see the South subdued & you Americans able to brag & boast & carry the victory over all the world. However, One rules over all the world, & He will say to America "thus far shalt thou go but no farther".
I am now going off to the Hopwoods', so I must close. I shall write you more at length when I get home.
With love to yourself, Andrea, Walter & his wife & children, believe me, dear Alex
Your affectionate sister 
Anne 

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[Date missing. DB thinks 1861, but since James says Sarah is 70 and the weather is delightful, April-May 1865 seems more likely. Joseph Bazalgette’s monumental sewage scheme (which James describes and which included the Thames embankments, although they weren’t completed until rather later), was completed in April 1865. SH]
- [torn] myself, but she is usually very unwell with a headache every morning & after breakfast cheers up and is then very well indeed for an old woman of 70 years. We seem like fixtures - all around us are falling away - such ability [DB unsure: = instability?] seems the order of nature. The Hackney Road you would hardly know - shops bring [=spring?] out everywhere, old houses pulled down & replaced with a more aspiring order of man’s creation. 
As for London proper, it will soon be changed into a City of Italian Palaces - new streets, viaducts and railways springing up, electric telegraphs occupy the air and underground rails the earth. The Thames embanked, new streets forming by its side - its passage, of course, narrowed which will give force to the current, sweeping everything with resistless force - like the “father of waters”, the Mississippi - to the sea. The sewage conducted by underground watercourses to a point 10 miles east of London where having been first deodorized it is pumped into the Thames at flow tide & by the rising of the water hurried away out of sight. [If this is indeed what James wrote, it is surely the opposite of what was required. Probably, the discharge was made as soon as the flow, or flood, tide had turned, and the water was flowing out from the Thames to the sea. See http://www.the-river-thames.co.uk/environ.htm ]
Ten years hence the little boys may fish for tittle bats at London bridge. The suburbs of London are extending on every side except where arrested by parks - rows of houses rise as by magic - the population of London within the 10 mile circle from St. Paul’s amounting to nearly three millions. 
The Park itself is extremely beautiful - the trees are now about 20 feet high and rising every day - the “hilly fields” gone, and instead thereof a verdant plain extends, leaving between the woods a fine drill ground for Volunteers. The Home Park is beautifully ornamented with very expensive [=extensive?] flower beds and borders in which the choicest roses are bedded out for the constant enjoyment of the people, who of course pay for it. - [torn] covered with borders of choice flowers which are magnificently beautiful and surrounded with a Park of perhaps 100 acres of varied lawn, hill and water. It is altogether surpassingly beautiful & so says your Mr. Beecher of Brooklin [sic], New York, who indeed did not find much else to praise. 
When will you come and have a look at it? or rather when will you come and take a parting look at your aged parents, for Man is dearer than Nature and “blood is thicker than water”. Your dear Mother and myself, with plenty to do, have still time to love and cheer others in our downward course. None of our children stop with us. Only fancy the difference - suppose instead of being more than 10,000 miles away, that you and Andrea and Walter and Mercedes and family were within an hour’s journey by rail or omnibus - fancy your mother stepping in for an hour’s chat, a cup of tea or other refreshment and the old greybeard calling to fetch her home - such as can, exhibiting their ‘none such’ children and the rest contenting themselves with displaying their love for each other. Life is a constant succession of such pleasing exercises, and though the poet says “man was made to mourn” I should add, “if need be”, but man also was made to give and be pleased, & be happy himself, and cause the happiness of others and if he succeed in this he has not lived in vain. The poor poets seem all miserable, deriving sometimes a cheering thought out of this very misery, as witness Gray 
“To each his sufferings all are men condemned alike to groan
The feeling for another’s pain - the unfeeling for his own.”

Would it not be nice to see each other every week or two or every day or two and interchange the warm feelings of the heart - barter without loss, of course? It would - [torn] of course of drawbacks to [=and?] disappointments. “Tis not all gold that glitters.” 
I shall look with deep interest at the record of your progress, both in quicksilver and the copper mine. We too of the “Old World” have our fertility [?] causing operations in which I should largely engage were I about 20 years younger. It appears that Louis Napoleon has established in France what he calls the “Crédit Mobilier”, which is merely a gigantic joint stock company which absorbs and employs the spare cash of the working man, and employs it profitably. It has perfectly succeeded in France, Spain and Italy - returning heavy dividends - say 18 or 20 per cent, and being introduced into England under the name of “International” Joint Stock companies, and if it keep the word of promise to the ear and deny it not to the hope, it appears destined to raise the working man in the social scale of life, and enable him to tread close upon the heels of the middling classes, if they do not beat them in the race. Anything tending to ennoble, to enfranchise & make the working man really a portion of the body politic and not an incubus therein will be fraught only with blessings - so at least says radical Murray. Shall look on with interest. 
We have been sending you for some time past “Public Opinion”. Of course I look into it and find it to contain a judicious selection from the writings of others, without writing anything themselves. Let us know whether you receive them pretty regularly and whether you appreciate and enjoy them. If so, we will continue the supply. 
The weather is delicious just now in England and I am enjoying it very much. What is in the pursuit - [torn] independence, and the stay of life. I trust that you and Andrea continue to enjoy each other’s love, and by mutual interchange to support, enforce and fix it - as an American would say. This life has its joys - its cares - its duties - all very pleasant in their way, and if unpleasant must be fulfilled, but I have learned and desire to convey to you my discovery - that to enjoy this life to the full you must employ it with a view to eternity - that the things of this world must be subordinated to the requirements of another world. “Seek ye first the Kingdom of Heaven and all these earthly things will be added unto you.” This is the true secret of happiness which I knew relatively but little about ’till after you left this benighted old world - but now, I consider the “Pearl of great price” to be faith in Jesus Christ and in the efficacy of his blood to cleanse us from the stain of sin, to atone for all sin. Believing this and acting upon this belief in my every day intercourse with the world I should fail in my duty & be in my own eyes criminal if I did not fairly & honestly state such to be my belief to my own children - and recommend them to search the Scriptures, if these things be so or no.
Give my love to Andrea, accept the same from me and believe me to be, dear Alexander
Your affectionate father
James Murray

Mr. Alexander Murray 

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430 Hackney Road, 14 July - 1865

My dear Alexander 
I am pleased with your position, with determination to remain at St. Luis Obispo - as evinced by your building a new house, to avoid further uncertainty and take the moderate good you have rather than to risk the future in a new place. Granted the mines have given out, but not so badly as to preclude a future chance of improvement - but the ile [oil?] remains, and with a good chance of bringing in its train permanent success as a successful speculation or more moderately - success of a lower degree - in the permanent occupation of your lands. So I think you have done right to remain and take the chances of the town with a hopeful look for improvement in the increased capability for business of your new house - and the comfort which it bespeaks. Well now all this I like - especially the happiness it promotes and provides for Andrea and yourself. 
There are however differences of opinion on public matters between you and me which I deprecate. In the first place, the Munroe Doctrine “which every American has in his heart”. What is it but organized injustice - Mexico is well enough & what you do there is rectification of wrong entered into by the Emperor of the French with his eyes open - but Canada became part of the American system long before the Monroe doctrine was even thought of - what is it but coveting your neighbor’s goods - “his ox, his ass”, or, as Shakespeare has it in Catherine & Petruchio - “his any thing”. What inherent right can exist in the matter except the right to rob. 
Secondly - I see in the proceedings adopted in the “Trent” affair - the same principle attempted to be carried into effect. “The best blood in England”, says Parson Beecher, “must flow to avenge this insult” - insult indeed - why the insult is to us - & to make matters right the admiral ought to have been chastened. Here you see is an incurable difference of opinion & until the Yankees relinquish the right to go to war for an opinion - an unjust opinion - a false opinion - things will never mend. It is quite true that they have got now a National debt - which is neither more nor less than “giving hostages to fortune” - and we have this incentive to moderation - which I trust will be effectual to keep the peace - but no thanks to them for that. By the bye - I have lost Parson Brownlow’s pamphlet on the war, at it breaking out. Can you send me a copy thereof. It is worth its weight in gold - as eloquently preaching in favor of moderation.
I hope, my dear Alexander, that many years of peace and prosperity will remain to you and Andrea and we may yet enjoy the gleaning after the harvest, the here and there a bunch of grapes after the vintage, and in our age enjoy more than the comforts of our youth - for I assure you that your dear Mother and myself “get along” admirably in the way of love and enjoyment. We want a few more years in as much as we find our last days our best days and naturally wish to prolong them. I must now close this incoherent Rhapsody with the hope - natural to us, that we shall yet see you & Andrea with our mortal eyes and if not God’s will be done.
I am, my dear Son,
Your affectionate Father
James Murray 

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430 Hackney Road 
July 14th 1865 

My dear Alexander 
Many thanks for your letter and its contents[, £1]. I should have acknowledged the receipt of it in the last week’s mail but I was so situated that I could not. You are very thoughtful about us “old folks at home” but I hope your kindheartedness will not induce you to inconvenience yourself. 
I wished to have sent you in this our carte de visite but unfortunately your father has had a fall which has for a time quite disfigured him. You must know he is a little too hasty at times and on seeing some boys annoying a couple of women he ran after them and fell. This is not the first time by a great many that he has run after the boys when they have annoyed him by plucking his flowers, climbing upon the wall so I have often expected an accident and warned him but experience is worth all the warnings when it is not purchased at too great a price and thank God it is not in this instance as a week or fortnight will I hope set all right again but what a mercy that a leg was not broken or perhaps loss of life. Mr Forde the butcher lost his life in a similar way. The old gentleman fancies himself as young as ever, which at times is very lowering. He possesses good health and an even flow of spirits that he may live many years yet. I on the contrary have great debility, keep still capable of attending to my domestic affairs and I am as nimble as some of the young ones at times but I feel I cannot exert myself as I have done, a sleep of an afternoon seems almost indispensable. I walk to our chapel twice on a Sunday but I begin to find I shall not be able to do so long. We have, without thinking about age fixed on a chapel too far off, close by Shoreditch Church which necessarily involves a deal of walking which I am not always equal to. No doubt in less than a year I, at least, shall have to go nearer home. The home park is quite far enough for me now. I find if I go to the second, it is too far and this walk does me harm. I am very thin and pale looking with but one tooth left. I do indeed very often wish I had some of my family near me. It would be a great comfort to me in my old age but “God’s will be done”. 
I read with much interest your account of your proceedings. I am glad you did not decide on leaving St. Luis Obispo. You are saving money and if you are to make a change perhaps you might lose your all. Let well enough alone. I do not like speculation. Fortunes are more frequently talked of than made. Godliness with contentment is great gain. You have the advantage of not having a family. It might be pleasant to have one or two but as the having children might imperil the life of dear Andrea you are better without them. Dear Walter seems to feel his expenses very heavy in consequence of his 5 children and really it is a very serious matter to provide food, clothing and education for so many. Poor fellow, he took upon himself the cares of life at a very early age. Indeed you both did. How thankful I often feel in your having met with so good a wife. If one thing in life has made me happier than another it is that my two sons were so much blessed in marriage as to have two good wives. This was scarcely to be expected in such a country. When I first saw your likenesses and your niece’s, I thought at first it must be Eliza’s but upon reflection I understood. She is a nice looking, intelligent girl. I expect she visits you occasionally.
I hope your house is getting on and that you will soon be able to tell me that you are much enjoying it. I am glad you have had an excursion and that you enjoyed yourselves. How did you manage about your business? 
We do indeed rejoice that the war is over; the Union has triumphed. I have ever been on the side of the North and have read the newspapers upon the subject most anxiously. How could I be indifferent about the country my sons have adopted? Poor Lincoln but he had finished his work. Another is now raised up more fitted for its present duties. What is to be done with Davis? The feeling of executing him seems to be dwindling away but I do hope he will so far be put out of the way as never again to be able to disturb the unity of the Union. There is plenty of work to be done. I hope President Johnson will be equal to it. 
The poor blacks - I read this morning that they were dying like rotten [?] sheep. I have no doubt there is great difficulty in the way of providing for them. I expect they are in a worse condition than before their liberation but the nature of the changes obliged it to be so. After a time I hope all will be well. I read they are getting arrogant and do not know how to behave. This is a pity. They seem to think that freedom means “no work”. I read a very nice address to them from a governor of one of the States, I think, advising them to be industrious, etc. etc. I thought it excellent and wished they would follow his advice. 
Elijah Davies has paid us a visit lately. He is so like what his poor father was. He is quite an aristocratic youth, very polite and well bred. He has two years more to continue with Mr Fox at Gloucester. At the end of that time he ought to study and walk the hospitals but the expense will be so great that I fear he will have to earn the money first. He left us very suddenly. A letter came saying a friend of the family who was to be married had visited and had decided that about 24 of the young persons should be invited to a pic nic in a Park in the neighbourhood of Stroud. He had so wish[ed] to be with them that he left the next morning. He seems fond of the profession of a dentist and I hope will succeed very well but he has two years more to remain with his master - a very good thing that he has, as he will even then be young to begin life for himself. 
Uncle and Aunt Hopwood are quite well and so are your cousins. They always enquire about you and Walter and hope you are doing well. We but seldom meet. I know not why unless it be that I do not like, nor do they, Sunday visiting and in the week they are such business people that I am afraid of its being inconvenient. Your papa and Elijah went whilst he was here. 
Your cousin Adely Kraushaar is coming to spend a few weeks with me. I have not seen her since she was quite a little girl. She is about the age of Elijah and I may judge from her likeness she is a very nice looking girl. The carte de visite you sent, I am obliged to you for. I sent off Fanny’s and Anne’s with which they are much pleased and thank you. You neither of you look older. 
Present my kindest love to your dear wife. I hope she will very much enjoy her new house and live many years in it experiencing much real happiness. I shall write again soon as I want to answer a letter written to me by dear Eliza. Walter has sent me a nice account of his children. With love and best wishes believe me
Your affectionate mother
S Murray 

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San Luis Obispo
September 22d, 1865

Charles B Rutherford, Esq.
Dear Sir, 
I read with great pleasure a few days since a notice of your return to San Francisco. I presume you got long ago my letter to you, addressed to Detroit, enclosing the certificates of shares in the Algerin & North Mexican. Mining here is dead and buried, and I suppose that you found the same to be the case in the East. We have here only two mines being worked, one on the Osos ranch, the other the old “Golden Gate”. The latter is in the hands of George Hearst, the lately elected Assemblyman from San Francisco; the former of ex-Congressman Phelps, who is the present owner of the Osos & Laguna ranches. The Josephine is exploded and abandoned.
Of course you know of my defeat for the Senate, although I guess you are not acquainted with the particulars. I was virtually beaten by Union votes in this county. My opponent, Patrick W Murphy, has nothing to recommend him but his money, which he spent freely, and his Democratic antecedents and associations, which are unquestionable. He spent $3000 at the least in the two counties, & secured an alliance with the Noriega faction in Santa Barbara. Nevertheless I got 41 majority in that county; falling behind 44 here. The key to the whole matter is that I supported Munoz for Sheriff - before the Union convention of this county, as I well knew, without him we were powerless. My hearty support of him excited the ill-will of Van Alst and other patriots here, who avowed their determination to bolt my nomination, even before the Convention for choosing county officers came off. Stone was nominated for Sheriff, Munoz bolted; the Secest arose, called a “People’s Convention”; adopted a part of our nominations, to wit, Dana for clerk and White for District Attorney, and nominated Munoz for the Senate and Chato Noriega for Sheriff. They also nominated Fritz Sauer for Treasurer, against my brother. This carried the Dutch vote from the Union to the Secest side, and Van Alst, Dick Bayer, Carolan Mathens and others, mainly from personal motives, bolted and voted for Murphy. The result was the election of Noriega for Sheriff, Forrester for Superintendent of Public Instruction & Murphy & Hill for Senate and Assembly. The vote for Sheriff stood, for Stone 111 votes, Munoz 114, Noriega 174. Had Munoz been nominated by our party, the whole Union ticket would have triumphed.
I enclose you a copy of an address I published before election. Some lying whelp printed and published only a few days previous to election a scurrilous document in answer to it, over the signature of “Vox Populi”. I have not yet fixed the authorship of it and am anxious to do so. It lies between Van Ness and Forrester. If the former, I am bound to answer it, and will do so roughly. If the latter, it is not worth answering. In this connection I want you to do me a favor. I have discovered that the Vox Populi document was printed at Painter & Co’s. I wish you would either go yourself, or get someone to go with you who is intimate there, and ask to see the original manuscript. Compare the handwriting with the specimens enclosed. One is the handwriting of Van Ness, - the other document is endorsed on the back by Forrester. The latter please return, as it is a document of some value. If the manuscript is in the handwriting of either of the two worthies named, let me know of which. If of neither, try & procure a page of it and send down so that it may be identified. By attending to this promptly, you will confer on me a great favor.
Enclosed please find statement of acct. between us, which please scrutinize and tell me if it is right. How shall I send the balance due you, $27.93. Please enquire how my Black Hawk stock is getting along, and how it stands, what prospects, etc etc.
My wife joins with me in best respects to you and wants to know how the children are getting along and what you have done with them. Please see Henderson and ask him whether Moon went up on the schooner with him or no. He has disappeared.
Hoping soon to hear from you, 
I remain your sincere friend, 
Walter Murray

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430 Hackney Road, N.E.
3 November 1865 

Dear Alexander, 
Time is getting on - I am nearly 75 years of age - have been married 47 years, you have been 15 years away from home - and so we may go in narrating all the unfavourable circumstances attending our existence - and still we are happy in having children that love us, that lament all these untoward events, and would be most glad to see, and to embrace us. Well, “hope on, hope ever” - it may yet be our happy fate to meet again in this world, if not, we must do our best to prepare for the next - so that we may enjoy an Eternity of happiness.
Time played us rather an odd trick the other day - we went to Tottenham, to enquire after a friend of your dear Mother’s of 50 years standing and to our mutual surprise found her alive - aged 78 years - and heartily were the congratulations of each. It was the Aunt of your dear Mother’s old sweetheart, Tills - who is dead, and thus the cause of separation, severed. ’Tis possible we may see her again and of this more anon.
Now, dear Alexander, the war is over, peace is come, and with it the chance of peace being preserved between the two countries - which of all others ought to have peace with each other - and the Fenians notwithstanding, will have peace. Let us draw the bands of peace tight and not suffer any absurd jealousies [to] disturb it - each country is too mighty to fear - each is too happy in employment of mutual and ever increasing commerce to heed the bickerings of disappointed ambition and therefore let love and union prevail - between the two countries by all means.
We have not heard from you of late so often as we used - How is this? Surely there is not coldness between us - let us not cherish the thought, but live and love as usual. We are in want of the usual sight of the handwriting - the index of life and health - & the chronicles of events as they arise - Matter of little import you will say - Well, in themselves they may be unimportant but to us they speak of things going on - of time occupied in the busy scenes of life - unimportant in themselves, or to indifferent spectators but to us - they, the cares of life, the joys of life, it may be the woes of life of those near and dear to us - and therefore they are to us matters of deep importance because they speak of life as it is to our dearly loved one - and so comes it that trivial matters are invested with unusual importance. 
We have been talking of you and yours to Henry Manfred and his new made wife - a kind hearted, true hearted, affectionate woman, without a fault in the little intercourse we had with her - a patriot of the Soul [South?], rejoicing in Northern success and full of Union aspirations - one who has suffered from the war - who has lost two brothers in it, and whose whole heart is in the success of the Cause. Of Charles, too, we heard - he got into disgrace by pleading alienship to avoid joining in the war. However he has got through and is now employed on the RailRoad. -
One great drawback on our happiness is the little chance there is of seeing you. Well, we must take things as they are - and be content - we cannot alter it Give our love to your dear wife - her being not personally known is not a matter of importance, [but?] this: that she contributes to the happiness of our Son, and for that we thank her. We presume that you have received our answer to your last letter, containing an enclosure for which we thank you. Your dear Mother says she is too ill to write this time but the next opportunity you may expect a long letter.
With our united love to you and yours,
I am, dear Alexander
Your affectionate Father
James Murray 

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430 Hackney Road 
10th Nov. 1865 

My dear Alexander 
This day week we sent off a letter to you and Walter but on your papa's taking it to the post office he found it was beyond weight so he brought home, contrary to my directions, Eliza’s letter which I had written to her and enclosed - consequently, I am writing again this week. I was thus now induced to do so as I had not then time to write to you.
This morn I perused a letter from Walter sent to Mrs. Evans wherein he writes most energetically about his adopted country. I am glad you are both so satisfied with it as you appear likely to continue in it throughout your lives. I wish it had been otherwise but if it be for your happiness and interest I am content.
By this time the Elections are all over. I wonder whether Walter is elected to any office as he seems to wish it. I hope he has been successful. Your mining schemes seem to have turned out unsuccessful - your expectations are now upon the oil. Stick to your store - you have hitherto been fortunate and do not give it up without it is evident you can do no more good in it; but of course you do not want advice from me - you must of yourself know much better how to settle your business than I can tell you. By this time, I presume your house is finished - how do you like it? It alone I suspect would tie you to St. Luis Obispo as property in such a retired spot is not easily disposed of [with?] advantage enough. 
We have just had Sarah Ann Evans visiting us - she is a nice girl, about 21 - she is still in London visiting other friends. Emily Auston has been here - she is still single, but Jane, a younger sister, is likely to be married very soon. George, I expect will at the death of his father go off to join his sister in Australia who is married to a cousin - he has a good situation there with a chemist and druggist and is doing very well. 
I expect your paper [papa?] has given you an account of Henry Manfred and his wife - he came over here taking his wife to his various friends with whom they (his friends) are pleased. Indeed she does appear a nice unpretentious person, quite unlike the Manfreds. He gives it out that he is to have a fortune with her but that we cannot know for a certainty - these things are easily said. He has known his wife ever since he had been in America but it is only during the last year that he offered to her - she is at least 8 or nine years the younger - very fail [fair?] and interesting in her manners and conversation and I suspect has been brought up in a careful manner by homely well disposed parents, but we saw her only for one day - that what we do know is principally from his sisters. 
Charles is still unmarried - he would not be got into the war but clung to his situation on the Railroad. Did the young man whom you saw from Charles see much of you? He made it out as though he had some difficulty in landing and I think he was laid up somewhere with a fever which he caught.
We received last evening Harper’s Weekly Journal - a newspaper of any kind seems to tell us you are well, therefore they are always welcome. How is dear Andrea? I hope you are still very happy. I should above all things like to see you - a lady sailed in the same ship with Mrs. Manfred who had come by herself from some part of California.
Addy Kraushaar has been staying with us - she is a nice looking girl and a very good figure but above all else she is a religious girl - we like her very much. She was with us more than 2 months. 
Accept our thanks for various acts of kindness on your part and believe me my dear Alexander
Your affectionate mother
Sarah Murray 

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San Luis Obispo
Novr 25/65

Friend Rutherford, 
I duly received yours of Novr 12th. I have reason to believe that McCarthy has published all I sent him. I have seen them all in print, except the longest article, and that my brother saw.
I shall not be up in San Francisco until 15th to 17th of Decr; as I am to take testimony here in relation to my contest on the 11th. My notice is filed and everything in train. I am exactly even with Murphy on the home vote, and depend upon having the soldier vote thrown out for illegality of return etc. If I can effect this I can show that a single vote was cast for me at Drum Barracks by a member of Capt. Cas’s Company, which will elect me. If not I shall have to depend upon throwing out some precinct either here or in Santa Barbara; of which I have some hopes. In any event I shall make the contest.
Please find out, if you can, where I can address to Solomon, as I do not like to lose sight of him. His companion must be George Schuler.
I am sorry your business has failed but hope that you will make it up by your old employment. I begin to think that the East is going ahead of California just now, and do not believe that this country will improve until the railroad comes through.
I have sent you two copies of the Pajaro Times, a week or two since, containing letters of mine about the mines, etc. in San Luis. Did you get them. I will send you another next week. If you cannot find them I will forward you a copy of the most interesting one. You must have seen extracts copied in the various papers. It was copied extensively.
I am glad to hear the papers of N. Mexican & Alegris have turned up. We are going to have a live mine here at the Osos. The Superintendent, Hathaway, who is an intelligent Union man, says that he has a 4 foot lead of black oxide, from 30 to 35 per cent copper. He has sent up for more hands; is well fixed to house them, and says he expects to have 200 men to work by the Spring. This looks good.
Business is very dull here just now but I expect to have my hands full in the Spring if I should not secure my seat in the Senate. I do not care much whether I win or no, and would draw out willingly if I have not invested as much I have in the matter. $500 will not make me square. My only consolation is that Murphy spent thousands to my hundreds.
I have by no means given up my answer to Van Ness, but am laying on my oars for a spell. Perhaps I may have to run again.
Write soon.
Yours very truly, 
Walter Murray

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430 Hackney Road 
10th December 1865 

My very dear Alexander 
It is with much pleasure that we acknowledge the receipt of your letter, bearing date of 21st Oct. 1865 containing four souvereigns. We sincerely respect the feeling which prompted the gift and trust that you and your dear Andrea will accept our warmest thanks. We are very glad that you and your dear Andrea are settled down in a house of your own, and too, without debt. That is as it should be. Your business, too, is progressing. How good is the Lord thus to prosper you in temporal things. I trust this prosperity may be extended to you for many years to come, especially if it raises your thought heavenward. How very different might circumstances have been with you. You might have been a wanderer without a home or a friend!! Bless the Lord for His goodness and ask Him to give you spiritual prosperity also. The precious word of God tells us to “seek and we shall find”. He now knocks at the door of your heart through any agency; will you not like to open it? 
Dear Alex, do not think by thus reminding you of spiritual things that I do not fully appreciate your kind and affectionate heart towards us. Yes, my dear, we both of us do, and on that account it is that we the more desire to see you & hear of your being a child of God. It is true, I cannot see the state of either your heart or dear Andrea’s but I think if you had experienced that our blessed Lord was precious to your soul, you would write and tell us so, we would perfectly understand you. 
There is a freemasonry in religion, but I will revert to other subjects, and inform you that your uncle Hopwood was here the other evening and gave us an invitation to dine with him and his family on Christmas day, which if in the mercy of God we are spared, and in health, we shall do so. I read him your letter which he fully -- [torn] and seemed much pleased. He has recently purchased his house but not without having assistance from a Building Society. He is, though, notwithstanding all doing well in business and the girls have as thorough a knowledge of it that in the event of their father’s death they could carry it on.
But to return to your house - you seem to have got a very convenient one and well furnished too - that is very nice. I find too that you enjoy it. I hope dear Andrea does so too. Is she fond of poultry? I can fancy I can see the young rabbits about. Do you not remember those you had at 4 Northampton Place? You say you have a yard. Do you cultivate it at all? or is it merely for the accom[m]odation of your business? How I should like to take a night’s lodging with you. I find that you have two bedrooms that you can supply your friends and I am sure you would most willingly your parents, but with all this there seems an alloy can enter into it - it is this: settled residence may be the means of your not visiting your native land. Much as I should like to see you I could not ask you at the risk of your prospects in that county being destroyed, particularly as you have made up your mind never to settle down in England. I am not surprised at it as our family is so scattered about that when we are gone, which we shall be soon, who is there in London that you would care much about excepting the Hopwood family. 
By the bye, Mrs. Joyce drank tea with us the other day. Her daughter is to be married on the 27th instant but I greatly fear she will live to repent as the gentleman is too fond of the bottle. Walter has failed in business and is now upon the stage, but Mrs. Joyce seems reconciled to it by talking largely and giving us to understand that he can get £20 pound per week. She makes him out a first rate actor but what a worldly life. Already his wife is jealous of him but Mrs Joyce says, but for her taking him to plays he would never have followed such a profession. 
Sydney Turner drank tea with us last evening. I gave him a short history of your success. He seemed pleased. He is still in a situation as a clerk receiving about £100 per annum. With it he takes a large house - lets it to single gentlemen and I expect manages very comfortably. Having no family, in the summer they go out for about 3 weeks, first to one part of England and then to another. Last summer they went to the Channel Islands. Augusta, one of his sisters, is in a house of business where she receives about £10 pr annum. The others are in the scholastic profession. One of them is going to Paris in order to be able to speak the language fluently. 
One of the Austons is likely to be married soon after Christmas (the youngest). Poor Emily is sadly disappointed the gentleman did not choose her. She cannot conceal it; the gentleman is much nearer her age than her sister’s and until the offer was made she thought he was looking after her. I expect Jane is 15 years the younger. They intend coming to London and seeing all the sights. I expect both sisters are so fond of the Metropolis. Uncle and Aunt Holt are living without business at Springfield near Chelmsford. They are on the decline indeed; our generation is going fast. 
Your father is this evening at Hackney. He has always a monthly meeting of his Building Society on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. It is a very important day with us as we receive a deal of money which he has to carry with him. These winter evenings, it is something of a risk. He is looking exceedingly well but his business powers are failing him. He now has to have a clerk occasionally. I am afraid the Directors will soon begin to think the management of the Society is too much for him. He will, however, I am sure, persevere until the last. His memory fails him and I sometimes think he hears very indistinctly, but I hope it will get no worse. He is as much of a politician as ever and sometimes speaks with great vehemence. He would be pleased to see “his boys” again and talk to them about England and America. 
What are you going to do with Davis? I am very pleased with President Johnson. He acts nobly and the vanquished submit with a good grace. I thank you for the books viz.[?] you sent us. What a horrid description of the suffering of the poor prisoners. You seem to settle down very comfortably again, each individual to his lawful occupation. The Constitution of the United States, I must say, has been nobly upheld. Republicanism has triumphed and no mistake. I shall send you some newspapers that you may see what Bright says about reform and your country too. He is a wonderful man. I wish there were many more like him. Poor Cobden, he did good service. Lord Palmerston was a great man but not so much for the people as the other two. 
John Kraushaar and his family go on much the same. I persuaded Addy to get a situation in London. She could spend her Sunday with me, if she settled down in a house of business. Business is more pleasant and lucrative. She is a nice looking girl with ladylike manners but to be qualified for a governess much money must be spent about her and they have not, but they seem very contented. John, however, is sickly. He never was a strong man. He has contrived to keep a horse but he is seldom well enough to ride it. Living by faith is a most inconvenient thing for a family. I fear he has mistaken views or has --??? 

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430 Hackney Road 
9th February 1866 

My dear Alexander & Andrea 
It is with much pleasure that I once more address you and I trust I feel thankful to almighty God for having spared me a little longer. I pray that his goodness towards me may induce me through the help of his Holy Spirit to live more to his honour and glory than I have ever done. 
Since I dispatched my last letter a death has taken place amongst our relatives. Poor Aunt Everitt [Anne Thurtell 1791-1866, James's sister, and author of a diary of her trip to America] is no more here. She died at Hastings a few days before Christmas Day after a few days of unusual illness. She had been suffering under bronchitis for several years [so] that I am thankful to say she was fully prepared both as to temporal and spiritual matters. You will be pleased to hear she thought of your father in her will. And has left him £200. It is very unexpected to us. As it was currently reported her property would be left to her unmarried nieces. She was buried at Caister in Norfolk in the vault with her deceased husband. The greater part of her property goes to Aunt Browne. Her will is considered a very just one, quite like herself. 
And now I have to inform you of a death in our own house; vis Mrs. Ransom, an old lady, who had been with us as a lodger for 13 years. She was 8[-?] years of age. This event will, of course, make an alternation here. Her daughter will continue with us until midsummer as the apartments are taken until then. 
Mr. Evans [Philip Charles Evans 1820-1905, second husband of eldest daughter Anne] called in on Wednesday evening. He has recently taken a fresh lease of his house and mills and I believe is going on prosperously. But has a large family to provide for [so] that he needs all he has, and I must say deserves all, for he is a dear good husband and father. Walter, his second son, will I believe, leave school soon, when he is to be taken into the business. Philip, the Oldest is already In and is exceedingly useful to his father. He is quite the young man. He is a decided Christian and occasionally preaches to the people in the neighborhood. They have built a room for the purpose. Anne assists him and they and others of the inhabitants are by the help of God bringing the poor people to the knowledge of the Glorious Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. ELIJAH is getting on Very well in his profession: of a dentist. He seems calculated for it. Anne was left a few articles of remembrance by her aunt, so was Fanny. 
I have now to record a marriage. Your cousin Jane Auston to a Mr. Parks of Colchester. He is in business in an old established shop in Colchester known as the firm of Tubrin and Parks. He has plenty of money, [so] that of course her father is satisfied with the match. Poor Emily is sadly disappointed as she thought he was intending to offer to her, but he seems to have preferred the younger. They were married in London and went off to spend the honeymoon to Torquay in Devonshire. 
This last Christmas has been somewhat trying to your Father. He has had more accounts to get through than he was almost equal to. The Building society is getting very extensive and to get through a whole year's accounts somewhat complicated; he laboured, too, under the difficulty of having two auditors appointed who are clever men but who, I expect, would be but too glad to take your papa's place, so placed difficulties in the way, but I am thankful to say he got through all triumphantly but it was too much brain work for him at his years. He being too, very Forgetful and not so systematic as many, still he is wonderful, when we consider he was not brought up to business. He is now comparatively freed from care and is himself again. The registration is better calculated for him now that he is getting older, it was indeed a Godsend to us and still continues to be so. I am afraid, he will not write to you this time but as the days are lengthening he will do so 'ere long, but he has at all times enough to do [so] that he scarcely gives himself time to dress. You would laugh if you could see him sometimes. He receives your newspapers. 
I was glad to receive a photograph of your house; vis. you have not pointed it out distinctly but I presume by what you have said in former letters that the largest house is yours. I sometimes wonder (considering the few inhabitants in San Luis Obispo) how you can make a good a living, but I presume it is the large profits. Your mining speculations did not turn out profitable. I expect altogether you have been very fortunate and have much to be thankful for. How happy it makes me when I think of your and dear Walter's marriages. Had you been unlucky enough to have met with unkind wives, how much less happy you would have been. I thank my God that in this respect he has blessed you and, much do I wish I could have a personal introduction to them both. Present my affectionate love to them; kiss dear Walter's children for me. I am sure he would be very rejoiced to show them to me, and I should be glad to see them. 
Miss Joyce was married on the 27th Dec. 1865. Your aunt Everitt left her mother ten pounds, I believe. I have given you a description of her husband. I much fear she will not be the happiest of wives but it possibly may turn out otherwise, but I have no confidence in drunkards. When sober he is [a] very gentlemanly man; he is about 30 years of age. We have been so much engaged that your uncle and aunt Hopwood have not yet returned our Christmas visit. I intend writing and inviting them [to] come next Thursday or Friday. They always enquire very kindly after you and Walter and seem glad to hear of your well doing. With best love to yourself and Andrea including Walter and his wife and dear children. Believe me Your ever affectionate mother 

My last contained some cards wishing you a happy New Year and acknowledging the receipt of a remittance from you with thanks. Do both you and Walter write soon. We cannot read the letters which are crossed and it is very tantalizing; tell Walter, as we are anxious to decipher all. I will write to Walter soon. You, of course, communicate with each other and tell him all. Contrary to my expectations, but in accordance with my wishes, your papa is writing a few lines to Walter. 

----------------

April 27th 1866 

My very dear Alexander 
It rejoices my heart to be assured from your own handwriting that our letters are ever welcome to you. It does so encourage me to write. Thank you, dear Alex.
The health of us both continues as good as can possibly be expected at our advanced ages. Debility is principally my complaint, but amidst all I have been able with the assistance of a strong servant girl to get through my usual domestic duties, without any particular interruptions, for which I feel very thankful. Your father is well but he has his warnings; for instance, he is beginning to find fatiguing to walk far and he is especially forgetful about little things; while he retains his memory for anything that is political or intellectual. 
You say "what would I not give to visit you". Dear Alex, I am glad you feel so and whilst I wish from my heart a voyage to England could be accomplished, yet I do fear to press it lest you should have reason to repent. I feel afraid in my own mind at your return you would have to begin the world afresh as no one excepting your brother would be found to transact your business during your absence and he, it seems, is a little uncertain as to his future locality. Again I look at it in another phase. Suppose you and dear Andrea were to make up your minds to come to England for a permanency, do you not think there would be many unadvantages in that step? For instance, it is possible you might realize where you are sufficient to live independently upon here; you have no family, consequently you could live upon a hundred per annum and genteelly too. Riches alone are not worth living for here; you would have the precious Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ made known to you, which is beyond all price and with the blessing of Almighty God it might prove instrumental in your conversion, whereas where you now are the book of God and the Pure preaching of his word is denied you - alas! alas! "What can a man give in exchange for his immortal soul", that soul which must live forever either in Heaven or Hell. 
I am so glad, my dear Alexander, that you have given as [us?] your notions upon religion. Did you ever read about Elijah's vision in the 18 Chapter, the first book-of-Kings? He had been praying for rain. He said to his servant "Go up now, look towards the sea" and he went up and looked and said "There is nothing"; and he said "Go again seven times," and behold at the 7th time "a little cloud ariseth like a man's hand" which presaged the coming rain. In that view, my dear, do I look upon the disclosure you have made to me upon the religious experience of your heart. I trust this has come from the Lord in answer to the many prayers which have been offered up for you. In the first place you say “I am not an unbeliever". The devils believe and perish. Is yours, dear A, a living faith? Do you believe with the heart and the understanding that Jesus died for you? that he ever liveth to make intercession for you with the Father - that is the Almighty Jehovah, that his blood cleanseth you from all sin. Without the shedding of blood there is no pardon for sin. That the Holy Ghost, the Comforter whom Christ sent down to his Apostles on the Day of Pentecost will sancitify you and lead you into the way full of truth; that is if You ask in prayer, believing all things are possible with God. Recollect, dear Alex, that prayer is the key which opens heaven and to Jesus we must go as the mediator between God and man. If you read your bible prayerfully, that your mind may be brought to the truth savingly, and are a believer in Christ Jesus, no doubt dear Alex, you have saving faith and to be assured of this will be a comfort to me in life and at death. By your saying you "do the best you can to carry out the commandments", I believe you, but whoever did carry them out excepting our precious Saviour? You do not appear to know that use, not under the law but under the Gospel, and Jesus say "take my yoke upon you and My burden for it is light." You are trusting to your works for salvation, but by Grace are ye saved and not by works; lest any man should boast good works which we must all have are but as evidence of our faith. Indeed, my dear Alex, I perfectly believe you when you say "I am as good a member of Society as half the church members". I am sorry to say there are too many men nominal Christians but we are called upon to have love towards our blessed Lord who died for You and me and dear Andrea and to follow his example. We are not to aim at mere morality. We must have Christian morality, never mind your not belonging to a church if you love Jesus. I cannot see how you can, as you are situated, but the time may come when you may desire it, and have the opportunity. I am sorry you have no better Missionaries sent to St. Luis Obispo, I should imagine by the specimen you gave me of one "that he was never sent out by any Society". I am glad you are not a convert to Catholicism. Protestant religion teaches us that there is but one Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. I heartily thank you, dear Alex, for being so explicate [=explicit?] upon the subject of religion as it has enabled me to discern your real state of mind. I hope you will continue it as a few hints which I may occasionally throw out may be blessed to your happiness here and hereafter. Follow on to know the Lord, and continue to put [open?] your whole heart to me upon so important subjects - I love you too well not to value such communications beyond all earthly good. 
Now about your new residence, I am very pleased that you and your good wife are beginning to enjoy it. You seem to have an abundance of fruit trees; to have [a] garden to cultivate must be a nice change from your store. What a pity that your employees cannot be found faithful, but I have no doubt of such being the case. We find it so even here in this land of Bibles. If business is dull, you manage to succeed and put by; may such be long the case. Remember riches come from the Lord; what think you of the good American Mr Peabody? The houses which have been built with his money for the benefits of the poor are not far from us. When he is called home he will be able to render a good account of his stewardship to his Divine Master. I have never heard of his conversion but I presume he is by his works but you know if we were to give all we have to the poor and "had not charity (that is love) it profiteth me nothing" -13 Chapter of the first Corinthians.
By this you have received my letter containing the intelligence of the death of poor aunt Everitt, but why should I say poor? - she who was one of the Lord's dear children who is now "absent in the body but present with the Lord”, and St. Paul says that is far better, but we cannot all realize the latter. There are many things to endear this world of ours to us but the Lord will give us grace in the dying hour and enable us to part with our Idols. Alas, although not living in a heathen land we are not without idols. How many make them of their children; but God says it shall not be, so he takes them from us. Indeed, my dear Alex, you and your dear wife have evinced much liberality of spirit towards us "old folks at home”. We received the 5 sovereigns and thank you very much for them. We shall with pleasure comply with your wishes respecting Fanny to the extent you have mentioned, and most likely to a further as she is expecting to remove, when a little assistance will be of service. In your desire to help your parents do not think we are in any difficulties, therefore on no account deprive yourself of the pleasure of going elsewhere [if] you have the desire. We shall have before many months £200 pounds left us by Aunt Everitt, [so] that we ought not to need help. If ever we do, I will not conceal it from you.
I fear poor Walter is doing no great things just now. I quite think if he were to be less of a public character he would succeed better, but St. Luis Obispo appears to me too small a place to give him much business or celebrity. I am astonished at your getting on so well. Let well enough alone; perservere until you['ve] got enough to keep you in England, but I expect by that time I shall be under the green turf, but never mind if I meet you in that "better land".
I should like to say a few words to your better half, but time will not permit. Tell her that I should like to receive a letter from her. Never mind blunders; my letters abound with them, but I cannot on that account refrain from writing.
Henry Manfred has returned home but what he is doing I know not. Charles loves position better than money; you m better than position. However you cannot be said to be far short of your position if you possess a house, a business [of] your own. May you be blessed with it and make a blessing. Aunt and Uncle Hopwood are well, expecting to do a dea[l of] business this London season. They went down to Colchester this autumn and enjoyed themselves very much. 
Fanny’s children have all had the measles. Lately one of her little boys fell down and received so bad a blow that it was feared consequences would have been bad, but he is better. Anne I am expecting to see next month as she wishes to attend some of the "May Meetings". 
Give my love to dear Walter and his wife. I often wish I could see some of their children, I dare say if Walter could but introduce them to me he would be as proud as a peacock. 
Papa says he is ready to post a letter, therefore as he is a hurrying man I must bring this to a conclusion. Thanking you again for all your kind feelings towards us, believe me
My very dear Alexander Yours ever affectionately S. MURRAY 

-------------------

430 Hackney Road, N.E.
27 April 1866 

Dear Alexander, 
Your ever welcome letter of the 27th of February has been received some days since and I now proceed to reply thereto.
The little which you have said on religion - the great concern, pleases me very much because it indicates a mind disposed to weigh well every tendency & what is right and proper, sincerely desiring that the right may prevail. Sincere, earnest, and wanting sin only to be defeated. A mind so balanced will get right in the long run & ------ gives the holy spirit to such as honestly ask for it.
I was a wavering, undecided believer for many a long year but it pleased him who is the father of light to fire[?] me in a firm belief in the evangelical truth, and to promote faith in "OUR GOD CHRIST" reconciling the world unto himself. I believe "THAT JESUS CHRIST CAME INTO THE WORLD TO SAVE SINNERS, OF WHOM I AM CHIEF". This is a brief epitome of my faith and I hope that God may guide me to adopt [the?] right faith and give me firmness and perseverance in carrying it into practice. However so [=as?] a general rule, I leave preaching to your dear mother who is proficient therein, and as [=am?] content with St. James “to show my faith by my works".
Your description of your garden is very interesting to me who have had much early experience in the science. Your practice of "trenching" two feet deep and then digging holes for fruit trees extra is just the practice of our "old benighted Country", and which I saw carried to enormous extent in our "Hobland Garden", which I should like to have the privilege of showing you and also showing some of the trees planted by my right hand and which must now be either a wood or an orchard. The cost is nothing to the enjoyment arising out of it.
In the results arising from the war and the mode and the results of peace, I see much that is new, unexpected and magnificently great. I did expect [th]at long ere this the successful party would have wreaked their vengeance on Jeff Davis - instead of that, I see a bloodless revolution and the councils of mercy followed. I expected that they would use their undoubted power in attempted coercion and intimidation. Instead of that, I see that while they attend strictly to national interests, they do not allow passion & prejudice to get the better of their Judgement. Accordingly, while they send [the] fleet to protect the fisheries of the Northern provinces, they are at the same time negotiating a permanent settlement of the differences existing, and the last - not least - they are keeping the Finians in check and only waiting an opportunity for a final Interference. All these things are right and augur a final preservation of the peace of NATIONS as far as the two great nations of the earth are interested therein. I see plainly that peace will last my time and I leave as a legacy to my sons the care of preserving, as far as their influence goes, that peace forever, trusting also that the weapons of warfare may be further so improved as to render war what it really is - a blight, a curse, and an impossibility. The internal affairs of your great republic - how to settle a black element without unsettling the interests of liberty, is a problem full of difficulties and interesting in the solution. I must wait and watch.
Your dear wife comes next for recognition. I wish I had the opportunity of seeing her and thanking her for her share [in] rendering one of my sons happy. You can hardly appreciate my thanks to that dear girl your mother for the happiness which she has conferred upon me for 50 years think of that and then you will be in a condition to estimate at its true Worth my gratitude to your dear wife for contributing to the happiness of my son.
We are obliged to you for the ------- of affection conveyed in the present of 5 sovereigns, and for the privilege of applying them. Such testimonies of love are a welcome invitation of the heart that prompts them. We are in tole[rably] good health, in good circumstances, really needing nothing, but we feel it to be a privilege to be allowed to direct [the] stream of your kindness into proper channels. Your remembrance of Aunt & Uncle Hopwood & family, and to your two sisters & family shall be duly conveyed. We expect them here in a few days to the May meetings. I mean Anne and her husband. 
I have not time to write separately to Walter this time but will take an early opportunity [of] writing to him. Remember me to him and to his wife and children, all of whom I should like to have the opportunity of seeing, speaking, and shaking by the hand. And now I must say farewell- may [God] bless and protect you and yours and make them blessings to each other and to the community in which they live. 
Believe me to be my dear Alexander
Your affectionate Father
James Murray 

Mr. Alexander Murray 

Written in my 71st year in the full enjoyment of health, peace, love and joy. 

----------------

Brimscombe Mills 
Near Stroud
Gloucestershire
May 14, 1866

My dear Alexander 
I received a letter from Walter this morning telling me of his intention to remove to Mexico but not a word about you. It made me turn out your last letter to see how long it is since I heard from you. Positively more than two years so I determined to write at once. “Delays are dangerous.” I have been delaying all this time till I am quite ashamed of myself. 
How are you and your wife? Is there anyone else yet to inquire about? I fear not or I should have heard. Shall you go to Mexico too? or what will you do? It will be a pity to separate from each other but of course if you are still doing well it would be a needless risk to remove. 
We are all going on much as usual. My Husband is well and prospering in business. My children are growing up fast into young men & women. Elijah is quite a young man tho’ but 17 years old. He is keeping steadily to his profession & bids fair to make a good Dentist. I have now a lower set of his making - made well & fitting exactly. You must not think I have no lower teeth in my lower jaw - but having lost some this set is to supply the place of the lost as the vacant places interfered with my speech. He comes home once a month - is full of life & vivacity & a favourite with all. I think I have sent you his last Photograph. The young man is rather inclined to be aristocratic in his notions & would not like American equality at all - but I don’t object to that, as I have always found it best to keep up & not be looking down. I don’t know how it is in the States but here the lower classes are lower in every sense. If any one be found superior in any way he does not long remain with the lower classes but speedily raises himself higher. This brother Walter does not believe. He seems to think we are a set of poor, starving bachelors or hard worked spinsters that men can’t marry here thro’ want. I don’t know where the bachelors are, I’m sure except among the higher classes whose notions are too great to let them marry unless they can drop in with an heiress. 
My eldest daughter Annie is as tall as myself. She is only 12 years old tho’, & is at school at Cleveden on the Bristol Channel. She promises to be a very fine & nice looking girl. She plays well on the piano & is very good at French. Walter is not so tall as his sister tho’ elder but he has begun to grow lately so I expect he will soon top her. He is a great book worm & a great politician but withal a very quiet boy. Never plays except at cricket at which he is a famous hand. Always head of the school at arithmetic & very good at many other studies. He will leave school soon & come into the counting house. Arthur & Teddy are growing great boys - both at school. Arthur is a handsome fellow & also first rate at arithmetic. Teddy is a decided Murray. I shall get their likenesses taken & send to you one day soon. Bessie & Maggie, my two little ones, are all we have at home. They are both ill with the whooping cough. When well they are the sunshine of the house and even now they are not very depressed. I think I have sent you their likenesses. If not let me know & you shall have them. 
My elder daughters are still unmarried but I believe I shall shortly have to tell you that they have doubled themselves. Both are engaged & I hope the marriage will come off at midsummer. Phil takes an active part in the business & could carry it on without his Father. I should so like to introduce you to them all, but that seems a very distant hope. Well I hope we shall meet in a better world if not here. Time is passing on & carrying us all nearly to the eternal world day by day. 
I hope you & your wife can look forward without fear & with a firm confidence in the death & merit of the blessed Lord Jesus to a time of certain reunion when there will be no death - no separation - no disappointment but everlasting joy & peace. The bright hopes I have thro’ Jesus seem to grow brighter every day. I would not be without them for all the world. They are worth more to me than all I have besides. They cheer me when sorrowful & add to my joy when happy. I am sure in my inmost soul there is nothing so consolatory, so stable, & certain as the knowledge that we are children of God by faith in Jesus. Amid the changes of life we need a refuge & a Friend in jesus we have both. A “friend that sticketh closer than a brother” & a refuge that never fails. 
I enclose a tract I have written on the peculiar story of your family. It is fully in accordance with facts. Your nephews & nieces send their love to you. My husband is in London so cannot. I did think of going to London tomorrow but Maggie is so poorly with whooping cough I must wait a week or two. I make a point of going once a year to see the old folks. I shall write & tell you how I find them. 
Give my love to your wife. 
Believe me dear Alex
Your affectionate sister
Anne Evans 

--------

[Date missing, probably August 1866] 

My dear Alexander:
We duly received your letter of the 18th of July and were extremely pleased with its contents, chiefly because it evinced unabated love for your parents, which neither time nor any other circumstance has caused to change. "Time but the impression stronger makes, as streams their channels deeper wear"; and truly this is a universal accompaniment of "true love" of any kind -- faithful to its first bent, so it remains forever. Try by this standard attachment to wife, to parents, to country, and you will find fidelity under any and all circumstances the best of the truth of the passion, and 'tis well it is so; as it is intended to last forever.
I am glad you can survive the misrepresentations arising from and out of contending parties -- falsehood is a light matter when a purpose is to be served, so they agree to construe the matter; for my part, I am so old-fashioned as to consider truth as an imperative obligation and frequently please neither friend nor foe by adhering to its dictates. I too have lost by misrepresentations and lost my election by combination of parties, but I gain as much by undivided attention to my own business -- and not having to attend to parochial matters, that it is probable that I shall "wipe my hands of parochial politics" and leave those who gain by them "in meal or in malt" to follow them. 
I certainly did admire the style of "American Neutrality" -- very much -- and consider it about on a par with British Neutrality -- for we did what we professed, that is nothing. The Alabama to the contrary notwithstanding -- for her actions we were not responsible -- her escape being an accident, I cannot see the justice for the outcry. 
The Prussians here are "lords of the ascendent". They have finished a war in six weeks, which in former times would have taken even years to settle. Their needle gun, in the hands of intelligent and educated men, has worked wonders. 
[This is presumably the Austro-Prussian War, declared on 14 June 1866 and ended by the Treaty of Prague on 23 August. JCC] 
The French have --- [torn] --
...
still he's done without the sacrifice of Sardinia for Mexico. I rejoice that Maximilian is to be ousted, and I think it wise in Napoleon not to interfere further; for as the Americans are situated, it is easy for them to eject the French and I think they would be cowards if they did not. He had no right there at first -- and his going thither was a manifest taking advantage of the American Civil War, and the American movement is simply a deserved moral retribution.
[Ferdinand Maximilian Joseph (1832-67), brother of Austro-Hungarian emperor Franz Josef, was established as emperor of Mexico under French auspices in 1864. In 1867, however, Napolen III was forced to withdraw his support as a result of US pressure and Maximilian was confronted by a popular uprising led by Benito Juarez. His forces proved unable to resist the rebels and he was captured and executed. JCC] 
I am happy to see you so well situated in your new house, with "ample space and room enough", a good garden well stocked and withal a farm yard on a small scale - a "Rus in Urbe" - the advantages of the country blended with a residence in town - and the "mystery" of milking - mentioned with the next, why I early got over that and have many a time with a full tug [dug?] milked it into my neighbour's eye. 
I am very pleased with the contemplation of your happiness with Andrea. Domestic felicity, or "connubial" rather, is the very highest of human enjoyments - at least it stands first with me. If, as I sincerely hope and trust I may, -- if I live to my 50th marriage year, and I have but two years on the 25th of October to attain this "golden" year - I will have a real Jubilee, - and treat myself to a day's enjoyment with the participation blessed with seeing either of my sons with their wives here my happiness will be complete. I should die in peace.
[The Thurtell-Murrays' 50th wedding anniversary would have been on 25 Oct 1868, so we are surely in 1866. The letter of 18 July would probably not have arrived in July, and if it had, the writer would probably have written "18th inst." If he had been writing in September, he would probably have said "next month" rather than "October". This suggests the letter may have been written in August 1866. James did not, in fact, make it to his 50th wedding anniversary, dying on 1 Dec 1867. JCC] 
Give my love to Andrea, she deserves it for the love she bears my son - and tell her I hope kind fortune has yet in store for me the sight of my sons in England. Herbert Brown is here, having left in his 16th year, 25 years ago; the government at the Cape gave him a farm for his services in the Caffre war - which he has recently sold for 2500 pounds. Dreadful are the goings[-on] in Caffre land. I think an abstract thereof would amuse if they did not instruct you in the Rifle and the Bowie knife; and lately Colts Revolvers are their gentle instruments by which they rule. 
Believe me to be, dear Alexander 
Your affectionate father
James Murray 

Mr Alexander Murray 

---------------

San Luis Obispo
August 31/66

C B Rutherford, Esq.
Dear friend,
I duly received yours of Aug. 5th enclosing account. Everything has come safe to hand. Please tell Hawley that I got his last invoice of goods, to the amount of $35.54. Will remit shortly. Tell him also that on the last day of the month within which Pico could appeal, Graves filed notice of appeal & the case will come off next week before the County Court. Graves is now in San Francisco and I do not suppose expects to win; only to delay as long as possible. As soon as clinched in the County Court, I shall get out an execution & try to raise the money.
Please invest balance in your hands as follows:
Copper-toed shoes, sizes 8,9,10,12.
White unbleached hose to suit above named sizes.
Coarse women’s shoes, 3, & 4.
Graduate quantity to suit means.
Smaller sizes needed most.
I want you to price for me a couple of side saddles, cheap - one for a woman, largest size, and one for a child, of say 8 years old. To be covered with velvet or plush; not with leather.
You can tell Richard when you see him that no one has appeared for him yet, and that no one will unless he pays a fee. I have appeared for those who pay me only. Graves has appeared only for one, Cifona who employed him. He can now count me out of my former offer, as it was too low altogether. I will not touch his case for less than $25 down. Ten dollars from him was no object to me, but as others had made an arrangement with me, I thought I would give him the benefit of it, if he chose.
I should like to see you down here again, but could give you no advice as to the probability of making a living at storekeeping at San Simeon. Sull has opened a store on the Santa Rosa creek, where he will be near the new settlers, many of whom have come in during the present year. There is a more healthy set of men up there now than when you were here, except that they are mostly secest.
I shall start out in another week, prospecting for a sheep ranch. I have my eye upon a stage-station in Santa Barbara county, near Santa Ynez; about 60 miles from here. I think that I shall go into the sheep business, without a doubt.
The mining law passed by Congress that you refer to, I think provides that the party buying shall survey and log out his vein, so that a determinate piece of land shall be granted him. How the devil a man could do this on the North Mexican, I cannot see. I am disgusted with all the mines, although the Osos is still shipping rock. The Hope is still being worked, but it is hoping against hope.
Let me hear from you soon. Send goods on the Woolley. Nothing new here, except that on Friday 24th inst, my wife presented me with a little girl, whom we intend to call Fanny. Hope your children are well. My wife joins in respects to you.
Very truly yours 
Walter Murray

---------------

430 Hackney Road
14th Sept. 1866 

My very dear Alexander 
Many thanks for your last and its contents - we received it about 30th Aug. Money is a very acceptable commodity but I should be sorry that you should inconvenience yourself. Thank you dear Alex for your good wishes towards us and assurance of assistance if required - I do hope in the Providence of God we shall be provided for. I am strengthened in this hope by your dear Father’s continued good health. I sometimes think he will not be able to continue Secretary of the Hackney Building Society much longer but then you know there is his registration and his agencies - Our duty is plain, that is to do the best we can and to leave the rest to them [Him?] who cares even for the sparrows, for not one falls to the ground without His consent. 
I often think my time here must be very short but there are times when I feel so very much better that I think that perhaps I may outlive your father, but according to all human calculations I shall be the first to go and better perhaps that it should be so, as isolated as I am from all my children I should be a solitary individual. 
Perhaps it is as well that you should “wash your hands of politics” - schemes are bad in anything - your father was always a great politician, but it is possible if he had concerned himself less about them, his mind would have been more fixed on matters of greater importance - dear Walter sems to have run into that extreme - I am quite concerned about him; by his own account he seems to be doing badly and with so large a family too it is quite unfortunate - I wish I could help him, poor fellow. I do not like the idea of a separation between you and him but in his last letter he seemed bent on a change - Could not Pacheco who has interests in his -- (torn) ?or is he too proud? Surely something might be done - he has served his country, it should do something for him.
How ungenerous of the people to be so full of suspicion about you and Walter. I am but too glad and but too proud of you, my dear sons, that you were able to prove your faithfulness and I hope there are those who duly appreciate it. 
I have heard a hint that it is not improbable that Charles Manfred may join his friend in San Francisco. Henry, I find, has got into business in Cincinnati. Herbert Browne and his wife are now over from Africa - they are visiting the various families and amongst others have received an invitation from Mrs. Evans, but I believe the object is business as he wants a market for his wool. Through the Caffre war he has realised several thousand pounds but the horrid massacre of the Caffre [something missing here?] - however he thinks it so. 
I admire your accounts of your farm yard - why you can have new milk and bread - new laid eggs and a thousand nice things, besides employment for the hands, if not the head. I hope your London assistant will turn out well to the end but do not trust him too much. I expect he assists you in your garden - your nephews and nieces I expect are very pleased to visit you. How gets on the young heir? Is Walter very pleased with him, that is, is he a pet more than the others? He seems to take great interest in his children and has at different times given me a nice history of them individually, which has interested me exceedingly. How proud the dear fellow would be could he but introduce them to their grand papa and grand mama - that I fear will never be and yet who knows - the most improbable things come to pass sometimes. 
As to you and Andrea, if you continue money-getting as you do now you will be able to retire from business altogether and take a trip over to England but you must be quick about it or it will not be in my life time. 
We received Loyd’s papers from you this morning - we are obliged to you for them. Our daughter, Mrs. Evans has been staying for three weeks at Weymouth with her daughters - I have not heard from her lately - The time for the -- (torn)[post has] arrived - 
Present my very affectionate love to dear Andrea whom I shall one day hope to see and accept the best love of,
My dear Alexander,
Your ever affectionate Mother
S. Murray

Love to dear Walter and his wife. I am so sorry I cannot write to him this time - I will do so before long. 

-----------------------

[Part of letter, undated. DB thought October 1866.] 

--more than justice and seems perfectly satisfied. His wife is the daughter of a Dutch Boer, a nice young woman and appears to be as well educated as if she had been brought up in England. He contrived to leave his home with much convenience, as a son of your Uncle Alfred’s hired his farm and the lease of another will expire about 3 months after his return. So he will have an opportunity of visiting his African friends ere he enters business again. He seems a regular money-getting man. 
Poor Edward is not doing much and Horace seems determined to return to England but of course under his circumstances his friends do not wish him to come. 
Your father spent a week with Herbert and his wife at your aunt Sophia’s at Cove Hall. 
Your uncle Hopwood drank tea with us last week. He is now at Hastings with his two youngest daughters. He has purchased his house and I expect in case he were to die the girls would be able to continue the business. 
I received a nice sympathizing letter from Emily Austin [elsewhere it is Auston] the other day. Her father talks of giving up business. I wish they would come and live in London. I think it would be desirable as I believe they would like to get a situation here for George. He was two years in a Ship Insurance Office but turned farmer mad and now I expect repents. Susannah, who was married to Mr. Hollyday went off to Sydney where her husband is doing well but she feels very much the need of a female relative near her. 
You say “this is my wedding day. I have [been] eight years married to day and it appears but so many months.” You, my dear son, can form no adequate idea of the pleasure this assurance gives me. May you both continue to enjoy the same happiness for many, many years to come is the sincere wish of my heart. 
I want a second edition of your religious sentiments. I hope you are searching for the truths of Christianity in “the book of books”. “Seek and ye shall find” are the words of Scripture. Oh dear Alex, if I could but be assured that you and dear Walter had found “the pearl of great price”, methinks I would die happily because I should feel sure that you would impart the knowledge of it to your dear wives and Walter to his children. 
What think you of the Atlantic Telegraph? [Submarine cables provided the first transatlantic telecommunications link in 1866.] I shall yet have a message from you. Is it not delightful, the very idea - but dear Alex the signs of the times tell us that we are living in the Saturday night of the world.
[Letter incomplete] 

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Brimscombe Mills 
Near Stroud
Gloucestershire
June 5, 1867

My dear Br. Alexander
It seems very long since I heard from you. I don’t know why I have so long delayed writing myself but I believe I have written to Walter twice since I wrote to you. So now for a little chat across the wide ocean with you. 
I went to the Hackney Road in April. Our dear Father & Mother seem to have weathered the winter well & are not looking older or feebler than they were last year, but of course every year now tells upon them. 
Since then we have had a marriage in our family, which is to me an especial cause for praise and thankfulness. Mary, the girl who has been such a trouble to me, is gone. Well and comfortably married to a farmer in Warwickshire. She will now have her own affairs to attend to & will I trust leave me in peace. We had grand doings at the wedding. Our girls threw flowers all along the garden & up the road for ½ a mile. The men fired cannon all day & as each carriage returned a volley & from all the windows of the mill handkerchiefs waved and cheers arose as we passed. We sat down to breakfast 30 in all & had a very happy time. The happy pair went off after breakfast to the Paris Exhibition where they stayed 3 weeks. 
The Tuesday following we gave a tea to the work people - 250 - & many wives & children beside. I presided, of course. We gave ham, bread & butter, cake & a small piece of wedding cake each. My husband, son and myself - one of the workmen & a friend made speeches on the occasion! Don’t laugh at my speechifying - that is no uncommon occurrence now. I am quite used to it. Ladies do these things in England now - so you Americans have not all the progress to yourselves! We had all our children at home for the occasion - the little girls were bridesmaids & very pretty they looked in their white & blue - indeed the two little ones excited every one’s admiration. If I can get them taken well in their dresses I shall send you their Photographs - but white & blue don’t take well. 
Elijah is now out of his time & gets paid £50 per annum - not enough to keep him but very well for a beginner - In a year or two he will have to walk the Hospital & after that he can set up for himself. That is another source of joy to me. 
My Walter leaves school this midsummer & is coming into the business so you see we are all advancing - as the young ones come on, we must decline. I begin now to get a glimpse of old age. In three years I shall be 50! can you believe it? I can’t; yet so it is. Well, it does not fret me - my sun may set here but it will rise again in the glorious eternal morning where there shall be no more setting. I have a good hope in Jesus. Have you & has your dear wife? This is everything to us - other things pass away from us or we from them, but these hopes can never pass away & shall never fail us. I was much interested in the papers you sent Mamma - religious ones they were. I trust you & your wife are interested in the things of God - they are beyond everything else. 
Uncle Daniel Holt has gone home rejoicing. He was a Christian many years. His last illness was apoplexy. He lay 38 hours insensible & when all other means had been tried his daughter whispered in his ear “How sweet the name of Jesus sounds”. He opened his eyes and said “Jesus, Jesus” & died triumphantly - Ah none but Jesus can make us happy in death, nay more, we cannot be truly happy without Jesus in life. 
Give my kind love to your wife. Are there no more little branches to the parent tree yet? Well, well, never mind. God knows what is best for you & for her. All unite in love. 
Believe me, dear Alex,
Ever your loving sister, 
A. Evans

Love to Walter, his wife & children. Tell him I want his photograph & hers to put in my album. I have yours. One of you sent me Lincoln. I want Davis to put opposite it. 

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430 Hackney Road 
Aug. 31st 1867 

My dear Andrea & Alexander
I feel considerable pleasure in writing to you to acknowledge the munificent present of 10 pounds which you both so kindly sent to our grand daughter Adela Kraushaar - the request was responded to so unhesitatingly and so liberally that I felt for a moment as though I could scarcely believe it - at the same time I well knew, that from former acts of generosity you were both of you capable of it, therefore I would not for a moment depricate[sic] in any way the nobleness of the gift. Adela has been with me during the last fortnight and curiously enough was the very person to give me the letter direct from the postman’s hand. The drawft [draft?] has been placed before the banker and the proceeds will be received on Tuesday next, the 10th instant. 
And now, my dear son and daughter, permit me to show you the benefit this gift will be to the young people and to the parents. In the first place it will enable them to settle in marriage immediately. They had been saving money so as to make some preparations but the last effort was wanted which you have so kindly enabled them to make, thus enabling them to settle; rendering dear Adela the means of contributing something to her settlement which is no mean thing in the estimation of the female sex. You have too, contributed to the settlement of one of your dear sister’s children in life which, considering the misfortune of her life is a grand affair, and will contribute much to her happiness as the young man seems in every respect worthy of her daughter. He is, I expect a clever young man in business - a cutter-out in a large tailor’s establishment and is receiving about £100 per annum. He is a Christian brother and through his instrumentality John Kraushaar was situated in Northampton. He feels very deeply your sympathy and talks of writing to you. 
Your papa and I wrote to dear Walter about a fortnight since in answer to a letter announcing the visit of the Jew merchant. He has, however, never made his appearance. Tell Walter, with our united love, that I forgot to tell him that we have the second likeness of him, consequently we must have received the letter he suspects lost and it is greatly to our shame that it has not been fully answered, but really I think short letters get better attended to than long ones; for instance his letters crossed with red ink I cannot read and am obliged to wait your papa’s opportunity to have them read to me and he is always in a hurry and always busy.
Although last mentioned, not the least thought of, is the sovereign you so kindly sent us. It is very kind of you to remember the “old folks at home”. I shall, now that Adeley is here, get my likeness taken and send it to you in my next letter. I expect that poor old Fanny will be delighted with your letter to her. I sent it off the other day but I have not heard from her since. 
I am very glad to hear that business is progressing with you. I hope it is too with your brother. I thought he wrote in better spirits. I shall take care and not send you any more letters in mourning. I cannot say but your confession was somewhat gratifying to my feelings for I should not wish to die unlamented by you, my dear boy. Oh! what happiness to be assured that we shall meet in another and a better world, if not here. I hope ere my departure you will be able to give me this assurance by stating that you and your dear wife are converted. I like the honesty of your confession - your case is far more hopeful than those who think they are in the “narrow way” and are not. The first step is to pray to the Lord that he will give us to see that we are sinners towards him by keeping at a distance from Him which we do until we become converted. I do so wish you had some good Evangelical preachers out there. You have never yet been able to give me a good specimen of them. Oh! it is a dreadful heathen land; however as the population increases some Christian men and women will be amongst them. I am quite sure it would add to your and dear Andrea’s happiness to be able to unite with Christian people.
I have no doubt we are often in error in our politics from not understanding the American people, but I sum it all up in this “Justice to all - rich or poor, white or black.” 
Your sister Anne and family are quite well. They are at Burnham for the benefit of the sea air. Your papa has just returned from Cove Hall, the residence of your aunt William Everitt. He has, I think benefited from the visit as he is looking remarkedly well. Last Christmas he was much fagged with business. He bears the discouragements of commercial life with much composure after the trials have a little subsided. 
Now my dear son and daughter, I must bid you farewell, trusting you will accept and present to dear Walter and his wife and family the good wishes and much love, remembering
Your ever affectionate mother
Sarah Murray

P.S. I have two of dear Walter’s likenesses in my possession - both taken on the 6th of January by Bradley Rulofson, corner of Montgomery St., San Francisco, by which he will know for a certainty his letter was received. Once more thanking you both for your kindness, I must bid you adieu. 

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Northampton 
September 5th, 1867 

My dear Brother 
I thank you heartily for your kind letter as well as for the very handsome proof of the affection you bear myself and my dear Addie. My silence has not been, I assure you, intentional but from much cause of anxiety ever since our arrival at Northampton. We think the Lord is now about removing us from Northampton to Stratford upon Avon, where I hope brighter ways are in store for us. No doubt the Lord has chastened us for our good & I desire to be thankful for many mercies received at his hands. Do not say a word of this to Mamma - she is of such an anxious frame of mind, that I do not wish to say any thing of the past to her - nor indeed to Anne. Prospects do seem brightening. 
My dear Addie, I doubt not, will find a kind and thoughtful husband in dear Roberts. John, my eldest son, is capable of taking a good situation, which I expect will be found for him at Stratford. Frank & Allie we must send to school. I call the latter Allie, but his name is Alfred - in remembrance of you when you were a little boy. Then we have little Beatrice, a chubby puss of three years old. 
John & myself desire to be remembered to your wife whom we trust is well. We have both your likenesses but none of Walter & his wife & family. Are they all well? I had hoped that you, having scarcely reached middle age, time had not begun to set her mark upon you - I mourn the loss of teeth. I will as soon as more settled have my photograph taken that you may judge for yourself of time's tender mercies respecting me, but if it should be the Lord's will that we once again meet on earth may the sole change on those so long apart be change of countenance and not of heart. 
With love to all in which dr R unites. Believe me dear brother,
Your affectionate sister,
F. Kraushaar 

My husband is at present at Stratford on Avon 

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450 Hackney Road 
Sept 6th / 67 

My dear Uncle and Aunt 
I hardly know how to thank you for the extreme kindness you have displayed in sending me so generous a present.
You will I am sure be pleased to hear that it arrived at a most acceptable time, indeed it was just what was needed to complete preparations for our union & I assure you we are all most greatly obliged to you for it.
I have now been staying with Grandma for about a fortnight & it was I who took your letter from the letter box, little suspecting what it contained for me.
I need not say how glad we should all be to welcome you both to England. I do hope that the day is not far distant when we shall have the pleasure of doing so, but should we never meet in this world, how joyful will be the meeting in that land where partings are unknown - where all is peace, eternal peace & joy & where sorrows never enter.
Grandma has forwarded your note to Mamma, from whom I have no doubt you will soon hear. We often talk about you at home & Ma often expresses sorrow at not being able to carry on correspondence with you, but I dare say you are aware that hitherto she has been kept fully employed by her children who are still very young.
John who is next to me and fifteen years of age, is just entering into the world as a clerk. Frank is twelve & Grace Beatrice, the pet and darling of the family, a three years old toddler will now, I suppose very shortly rise to the dignity of Miss Kraushaar.
I enclose with this a carte of Mr. Roberts & myself. It is a good likeness of Mr. R. but I must send you a better one of myself another time, for I am told on all hands that I am far from being flattered in this one. And now once more thanking you for your kindness displayed both in the gift and in the wishes for my happiness
I remain dear Uncle and Aunt Your affectionate niece A. Kraushaar 

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430 Hackney Road, N.E.
6 Sept.1867 

Dear Alexander, 
By the Grace of God, your dear Mother and myself, notwithstanding our advanced age, are in good health and spirits & truly thankful that our lives have been so long spared to see our children & Grandchildren - not indeed around us - but still in the land of the living, and under the protection of our common parent, who though unseen, is still believed in and trusted by us all. Many thanks are due Him for his forbearance. 
I have just returned from a visit to my sister's house - Mrs. Everitt of Cove near Beccles. [This would be Sophia Thurtell 1803-1891 m. William Everitt 1794-1879, not Anne Thurtell 1791-1866, she of the diary, who had recently died - see below, m. George Everitt 1791-1844. Two sisters married two brothers.] We have passed a joyous week together, the only absent one being Mrs. Browne of Brunswick Square, who has been detained by her endeavouring, unsuccessful at present, to let her house, - & she shall continue in the same uncertainity. As usual I had to give such acct I could of my Sons In California, which though not all "couleur de rose" was in the main satisfactory. Did either of my sons intend to "come over to see us"? The obstacles of course stated & the hope still entertained that we shall have that great pleasure. Certainly I trust that it will not be as Mrs. Browne's terminated - in her desire to get rid of him, her son, at any cost on account of quarrels with his wife arising out of scandals attending the marriage of Mrs. Browne's son, Henry. Of this we have no fear, as the antecedents or our sons are clear. 
I felt very much obliged by your well timed present of £10 to Addy Kraushaar which will probably have the effect of sealing the marriage, which appeared to be simply delayed for the want of means. I think I have told you that I employed the legacy of Aunt Everitt of 200 pounds in purchasing three houses all in Middlesex - the effect of which, though not finished, appears to be that her legacy will produce an Estate worth 500 pounds --and to keep as an investment a surplus of a pound weekly which will materially help our house keeping. 
I rejoice at your prospects which appear to be prosperous - the effect apparently of the settlement of the State & of your County which carries with it, the establishment of business - in every branch, notwithstanding that the "Ile [=oil?] gives out - I desire you to present my love to Mrs. Murray, Andrea, your dear wife and thank her on my behalf for the happiness she confers on my son. I estimate it by my own and certainly every year establishes & confirms our love for each other. It is now about two months ago she and I travelled together [to] the scene of the residence and death of her old Bow Sweetheart William Tills, whom we found quietly resting in Edmonton Church Yard -- Peace to his name. He was an honourable Man, though he would not risk his position as a Gentleman to insure marriage with your dear Mother, and so his loss became my gain -- for she has been to me a faithful, loving wife and her truth and constancy have been tried by adversity -- a sure test of sincerity. 
Permit me now to thank you for the love you bear to me & to your Mother - which gives to both of us great satisfaction and gilds the evening of our days. It promotes our happiness and increases the enjoyment of life, very much assisted by the day's measure of health through the bounty of God, which attends us. Believe me to be, dear Alexander
Your affectionate Father 
James Murray 

Mr. Alexander Murray
Remember me kindly to Walter. 

-------------

[Though the date is missing, the reference to Adela’s marriage suggests September 1867.] 

My dearest Alexander 
I did intend to have written you a long letter this time, but just as I was about commencing, a visitor came and prevented me, but I feel quite determined not to suffer another week to pass without announcing to you the marriage of your niece Adele Kraushaar. She continued with me until the 25 Sept. & the following day she was married at Northampton. Her papa gave her away and on the following day he and his family went off to Stratford on Avon to reside, leaving Adely behind. I am happy to say through the kindness of friends and Mr. Roberts' economy, they have got a nice little home and I have no doubt, with the blessing of God, all will be well. 
Fanny's prospects seem to be brightening, Mr. Kraushaar having got with some nice liberal people who study the comforts of their ministering brother - living by faith as he does, it is of importance to get amongst people who are alive to his temporal necessities. I do not sanction such a way of living, but he has commenced it and it would be most difficult to retrace his steps. I hope a situation will be found for his eldest son. [John James K., who died in 1874 at age 22.] He had one in Northampton and kept it very well. He is a clever boy, fond of dry [=any?] study - a college education would make him a wonder, but that is not to be obtained, so he must be satisfied with what he can do for himself. There are many large Brewers in Stratford, and as they have an excellent introduction they hope to get John with some of them. 
Dear Addy was very much obliged to you and your dear wife for so kind and liberal a present - it helped them on wonderfully and was the means or their being settled earlier than was expected. In this act, you did a great kindness to your sister Fanny in more ways than one, which if you were here I would describe. 
Anna Brown has been studying [=staying?] a few days with me - she is a nice person but very peculiar. Harriet and Emma Hopwood have just returned from a visit to Anne [Alexander's elder sister], who prophesies that Emma's days are numbered - she thinks her consumptive. Neither of them engaged nor likely. Emily Auston called upon me few days since with her sister Jane, now Mrs. Park. They tell of the Ludannans who went out to Australia - now think there is no place like dear old England. You two are the only persons I know who prefer a foreign land - perhaps it is because you have done better than others. 
By the bye, how is dear Walter getting on. I am afraid I shall not be able to write to him this time and yet I am very anxious about him. I presume you have received Addy's and my joint letter containing her likeness and acknowledging your kindness. To save post I am now only adding our best love and good wishes to you and your good wife, trusting you will present the same to dear Walter and his wife & children - believing me 
Your affectionate mother 
S. Murray 

------------------

[Sukie Hunter comments: DB placed it in early 1868 but I think about October 1867 is more likely. It is definitely before James’s death, which Sarah doesn’t mention. She also talks of Walter having written and he didn’t write at all between the deaths of his father and Alexander. On the other hand, in the summer of 1867 he had written Sarah a more optimistic letter than the previous one.] 

--[torn] I approved of his conduct for I was from the first on the side of the north. Your President has behaved well throughout the long struggle. The States seem to be very unsettled; still the black people seem ungovernable. What nonsense to give these poor ignorant people the power of voting. Why not cultivate them and thus give them the necessary understanding first; but I am not [a]politician so I had better be silent or I shall have you laugh at me, but I can tell you I am very fond of a Newspaper and American news. I suppose it is because it is the adopted country of my dear sons. 
I did so hope I should have had a second edition of your religious opinions. I am afraid they interest you less. Recollect, dear Alexander, riches are a snare, the truth of which I verily believe. If God has in His infinite love given you temporal prosperity ought you not the more to look to Him for grace that you may make good use of your stewardship by promoting His cause? In the world all we have comes from Him; indeed so great was his love that he sent His dear son to die for us; yes, for you and me. Could He do more? and now invites you to come to Him through His beloved Son. Can you refuse? and thus preclude the opportunity of our ever meeting again. Oh dear Alexander, I hope better things of you. You write of [it] being your intention “to enjoy yourself as much as you can” - do you think there are greater enjoyments than those enjoyed in Christ? He would make every pleasure sweet because they would be sanctified pleasures. Religion is not intended to make us gloomy but happy here, and still happier hereafter. 
I do not exactly understand this “English friend” of yours. He seems somewhat inconsistent - a strict Protestant one year - the next an extreme Catholic. Do not give him too much of your confidence. It may be convenient to put on these different phases [faces?]. I should like to see you equipped out in your double carriage. Do you not frequently take out your wife? and sometimes your nieces? even an old lady you perhaps would not object to were she your mother. I wish poor Walter was prospering equally but he has such a large family. I thought he wrote in better spirits the last time; more hopeful about the future.
And so your old partner has appeared again “upon the stage”. I forget whether he acted a friendly part toward you. At any rate he found you happy in a home of your own and united to one you love and she loves you. This is ever a source of happiness to me. Continue to cherish this love to the end of time. 
I understand Charles Manfred is very happy boarding with his brother and sister; the mother too of his sister-in-law forms one of the family circle. His brother has a store in England. Amongst a certain grade, a store is looked down upon, but I expect the Manfreds find it convenient to dignify it. I heard his sister talking after this fashion. Your Uncle Hopwood is, I am sorry to say, very ill. Poor fellow, I do not expect his days or rather years will be protracted long.-- 

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430 Hackney Road N E
25 October 1867 

My dear Alexander
On this day 49 years I was married to your dear Mother and my loving wife. Seven apprenticeships have I served and not tired of my bargain now. Well, I bless God for his great Mercy in giving me so good & faithful a partner who, under great debility, is yet able to stir about freely and to do her duty to me - promptly yet pleasantly and without making it a burden.
Well, I do think that your kind benefaction to Addy Kraushaar, now Addy Roberts, enabled her to change her name at the right time when both were ripe-----[original torn] great transaction in which there is no further opportunity for change of mind - but for good or for evil they must remain what they are. I have not seen Mr. Roberts but from her description I should think him to be a sensible, clever and kind man, who will enlist all his sensibilities in her service, and will employ every feeling of his heart to her gratification and I trust that she will well receive all his endearment in the same spirit. I trust it was a right thing to marry under such circumstances and that the event will justify my anticipations. He has fairly caged his bird and I do think that God will help the union with peace, prosperity and happiness.
Your dear Mother and I enjoy the evening of our days. We have a fair measure of health and trust we shall have some few years yet of happiness to enjoy it. We saw the Hopwoods the other day on their return from Brimscombe. They found dear Anne happy in the bosom of her family - enjoying rest and peace and happiness in the full possession of all her faculties and employing them in the service of her God by prayer, praise and exhortation confirming her fellows in the worship of God, - in fact using her faculties to promote the honor and glory of our Triune Jehovah - Father, Son & Holy Spirit.
The great problem now in the course of being solved, is the union of Temporal power - with Spiritual - I say they ought to be separated and diversely & separately employed to his Honor and Glory. We shall see. I trust to see, even in my short time, the curse of war abrogated and nations consenting to dwell together in amity. The expense of war seems working out the interests of peace for there appears to be found no nation that is warlike, that is not burdened with debt which is draining their life blood, and therefore find that 'tis better to live in peace. Save the expense of war and leave all differences to arbitration - such may be done and must and will be done "in the good times coming."
Let us know from time to time how you are getting on - in domesticity and ---[original torn]--- and social position. The worst part of it is we cannot see each other - We cannot pleasantly interchange our thoughts and enjoy the merry laugh of children - such things are, but not for us. We must therefore endeavour to enjoy life at second hand in the prosperity of our respective countries - and in the promotion, honour, peace and love between states & so promote happiness of the world. Tell us all that is going on that you deem will interest us and we must do the same by posting up all that we may think will interest you.
Your dear Mother and I are going to have a cup of tea and maybe a glass of wine with each other and doubtless shall remember those far away separated by the briny ocean, and drink a glass to their honour. Tell Walter that he is associated in these thoughts and that nothing can separate a father's love from his children when those same children reciprocate the blest feeling of love and moreover it is shared by those loved ones who share the love of our children and participate in the joy which is created by loving acts and loving thoughts.
Give our united love to your dear wife and remit the same to dear Walter, his wife and wee things.
Believe me to be, dear Alexander your loving father
James Murray 

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Brimscombe Mills, near Stroud
Nov. 21, 1867 

My dear Br. 
I was very glad to see that rara avis, a letter from you. Thanks for the picture of [Jefferson] Davis - tho' I should have preferred a photograph to put opposite Lincoln in my Album of celebrated people. You say you cannot understand how I can admire him and his cause. Well, we look at the matter from different standpoints. Apart from his cause, I think him a greater and more capable man than Lincoln - I never thought him great, for a great man in a great difficulty would have known how to act & he never did a great thing. The cause we wished to succeed not for its merits, but for our own interests.We also wished the freedom of the negroes & had they been willing to concede this, they might have gained the help of not only England, but Europe - but obstinately determined as they were to keep the negro in slavery, they wore out the sympathy of England & we saw them conquered without one regret. Yet still tho' we earnestly, honestly, desired the freedom of the negro, we did not contemplate putting him on an equality with the white man & putting him politically above white women. Europe looks on with derisive laughter to see what you are doing now & you will too late see its folly. The suffrage might have been given to every coloured man fit to exercise it, but to give it to all is political suicide. You will say we have done as much, but not quite - the lowest class of white man here is intellectually far above the average black, yet even here we have gone too far in my opinion. It is difficult to draw the line & our statesmen have done their best to keep back the scum. You have made a way for the scum to be uppermost. All respectable English people have a great horror of American Institutions. They have not yet commended themselves & while we would acknowledge that our government is far from perfect, we would jealously guard it from Americanism. Just look at your House of Commons - look at the ungovernable spirits that congregate there & the disgraceful scenes that occur - worthy of a beer garden - an Irish wake or frat house. I must say I like to be governed by gentlemen.
But enough of politics. I am glad you and your wife are well, as are we too - but our Father fell from an omnibus 3 weeks ago & tho' no bones were broken, yet he was much injured & is only just beginning to get about. Of course, business was stopped as he was helpless, so nothing has been coming in. When you do send Mama anything, you should strictly enjoin her to keep it herself, unless you wish it sent to Fanny, for Mama is so nervously anxious about her she would send every farthing she can scrape together to her & go bare herself & I can assure you the old folks need it much more than Fanny & John. 
Adele is now married. John partly maintains himself & Fanny & John have very many friends, so I don't think there is very much need now. John is a preacher among a party called Darbyites & they ought to maintain him & I think they are doing so now. They are much more comfortable than they were - I am going to see them on my next visit to my daughter as she is only seven miles off, & then I will report to you what I see. But unless you hear from me to the contrary, the old folks need help the most.
I intend to go to London next week to see Papa - the wool sales are on & my husband is going, so I shall go too. I send you the Photograph of my two youngest boys. They are at school at Clevedon. Teddy promises to be clever, Arthur is delicate & that keeps him back. I am thinking of having a governess at Xmas to teach my three girls at home. How time flies - before you get this, I shall be grandmama in all probability; fancy it - I can't.
I hope you sometimes think of eternity. You said in one of your letters you were "not a converted person". Are you satisfied with that? 'Tis a sad state to be in - I cannot be satisfied about you while that is your state. Often prayers go up at public meetings in England "For two unconverted brothers and their wives". But oh do begin to pray for yourself. It is high time you gave your heart to Him who gave His Son for you. You treat no other friends so ill as you treat God, & if death should overtake you in this state, what will you do? The Lord forbid it. All send their love to you. Love also to your wife and 
Believe me 
Your affectionate Sister 
Anne Evans 

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430 Hackney Road 
Dec. 11, 1867

My dear Brother 
I am still here with our dear Mother in her trouble which if you have received my letter to Walter you already know all about. We laid our dead to rest on Sat. Dec. 7 in the same grave with our sister Josephine in Abney Park Cemetery. As you, his sons, were absent, my son Elijah & Uncle Alex were chief mourners; Uncle Hopwood & Sydney Turner also followed. 
It was a cold, snowy day, all was dull & dreary, but out hearts were not so sad as you may imagine for we did “not sorrow as those without hope”. He left a sure testimony behind of his faith in Jesus. We therefore, with reverent care, laid the empty shell in the grave, but our hearts pictured him before the throne radiant in glory - rejoicing with the blood-washed multitude who cast their crowns at Jesus’ feet & own that all the praise of their salvation is due to him. Once I said to our Father, “Are you happy?” “Yes, perfectly.” “What makes you happy?” “O trust in Jesus.” Ah my brother, what would poor sinners do without trust in Jesus! I cannot tell what they do who live without Jesus but to die without Him is impossible, that is to die in peace as our Father did - calm & quiet, without a murmur - pleased and satisfied with all we did for him - so he passed away. 
How is it with you my brother? If without it now, how will you do in the death valley? - Our Father would have been lost if it had been left to the dying hour - but for several years he was ready. The fine plans of salvation that men form for themselves won’t do in the dying hour. Their own moral life - their reverence for God - their sincerity in their false hopes - all this then appears in its true light & nothing but it - nothing but it will do then, but oh how much better to have it for the friend in life. The friend to go to in trouble - the friend to help in time of need - the friend to guide all our footsteps in the wilderness. My dear brother, do give your heart to this friend. He has called you many times - now by this death He is calling you again. Don’t turn away but seek Him now. Our Mother is comforted now by Him. She knows where to look for comfort & therefore she is calm & looking forward to the time when she too will depart in peace & see the Friend who died for her & the Husband who had gone before. May we all meet there an unbroken family, saved by the blood of Jesus. 
Mama will finish this. 
Believe me, dear Alex, with love to your wife, Walter, his wife & children, 
Your affectionate sister
Anne Evans

I want Mama to come & live with me & then with what Papa has left & what you may send she will be very comfortable. Try to persuade her. 

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20th Dec. 1867 

My dear Walter & Alexander 
Much as my mind is depressed by the melancholy death of your dear father, I cannot suffer this letter to be sent off without adding a few lines to you both. Thank God my dear children are still left me. Would that under these trying circumstances you were here to blend your tears with mine in sympathy, but in the Providence of God it is ordered otherwise, for even my daughters are at least 100 miles off. This seems hard - very hard. 
Your dear father, I rejoice to say, left a happy testimony behind of his resting upon Jesus as the only Saviour of sinners. In broken accents towards the last he said “I am waiting for the appearance of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” and when asked what he had to say to the dear boys in a far country, his reply was, “Give them my love and tell them to seek Jesus”. His illness was remarkable for but little suffering, much calmness of mind and resignation to the will of God. Poor dear, he has not left a better behind in many respects. 
Dear Anne left -- [torn] a week -- she -- right hand. Your dear father insured his life for a hundred pounds and in two Societies [so] that I hope with the rents of 3 Cottages which at present are in the Building Society, when all debts are paid, I shall have nearly enough to live upon. My time here can only be for a few years at most when I hope to be reunited to the husband of my youth and “old age”. We know in Heaven there is neither marriage nor giving in marriage but I believe there will be a knowledge of the relationship. At all events we shall see each other, for the Bible says there we shall behold Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and that in Heaven there will be no parting. This enables me now to bear without overwhelming grief the bereavement of one who was dear to me in life and will be so in death. 
May God bless you and yours my dear sons and make you happy here and hereafter. I will try and write again soon but as my stay in this neighbourhood may be short, you had better direct your future letters to Mr. Hopwood, 195 Sloane St, Chelsea. Should I determine to take up my abode with Anne of course they will be directed to Brimscombe. I remain
My dear Sons 
Yours in much love but in deep affliction 
Sarah Murray

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Samson’s Terrace
Victoria Park Road
3rd April 1868

My very dear sons 
This must be a letter addressed to you both as I shall not have time to address you separately. I have already written several letters today and have more to write. One of them was to Horace Browne respecting his Life Insurance in the Eagle Life Insurance Company Pall Mall. I have had much anxiety about it, but I am thankful to say it is now all right. The remittance came to hand on Monday but in consequence of my removal and he not being aware of your dear father’s death it might fall into wrong hands. 
You have no idea how much business transactions have terrified me, left here as I am without any friend to advise who possesses the necessary business knowledge. However I am thankful to say the clouds are passing over and I hope to be completely peaceful in my mind after a few weeks. It is probable you may wonder at your dear Father’s leaving me sole Executrix, but I presume it arose from the circumstance of his having so little to leave and thinking that at my time of life I could not work for my living, at the same time having perfect confidence in me that I should endeavour to act faithfully to the trust he has reposed in me.
Anne is very anxious that I should go and live with her - by doing so perhaps I should leave more money behind me but I am not inclined to pauperise myself for that, neither do I think your dear father would wish it could he know it. I hear of so many who have lived with their relatives and repented, that unless there is a necessity for it, I do not wish to try it. Still there are reasons for it as well as against it. The Hopwoods are all advocates for my going to Brimscombe and so is your Uncle Alexander. He, I think, feels it would be a better position for me but I care not about position. I want to be happy and dependence to me was always a burden too heavy for me to bear with composure. 
You are aware your dear father left 3 cottages. They cannot be given up at present without sacrifice and surely who can so well look after them as myself whilst in the goodness of God I am kept in health. They are in the Hackney Building society and I have to pay £6 per month until they are redeemed. He had, too, some shares in the Society for which I have to pay £2 monthly, but I can go on with these payments as at the end of about 2 years the time for the houses will have expired. The shares have to run 4 years longer. It seems if these things are withdrawn before the time, it is a sacrifice. I think that as the time for the houses is but 2 years, I feel inclined, unless I had made up my mind to sell the property, to keep on the shares as long as I have the means to pay the £2 monthly, as to sell them would create a greater sacrifice. [Transcription unclear: sentence slightly reworded.] I wish you both to know exactly what your dear father has left behind and to this end I will copy an extract in my next letter of the Society accounts, of the property he had in the Building Society at the time of his death. 
I am now living in apartments, of course doing for myself, but this, although at first was not pleasant to me, I am getting used to it and feel it almost a relief to be without a servant for at best they are necessary evils. 
I enclose an advertisement of the death of poor Charles Manfred. His disease was the same as our poor Josephine’s. He left some money which his sisters and I expect his brother Henry [will] come in for. 
I shall send you with this a Newspaper “Public Opinion”. I have received two from you lately. I am very glad that you, dear Walter, have gained your appointment as Attorney and Counsellor at Law and Notary Public. I am glad to receive the papers. You, dear Alexander, are I hope doing well. Dear Walter has a large family to provide for, that he needs a good income and I hope this appointment will greatly assist him. Why have you not written? I have not received a letter from you for a very long time. 
I think you had better not direct your letters here as it is uncertain how long I may remain. It is probable I may be persuaded to go to Brimscombe but look at 3 families - Mr. Evans in ill health, the son partly master in the business and a very bounceable young man, a daughter [of] 26. I am writing of the first family. They have made themselves disagreeable to Anne. They might be so to me. I should then be completely at their mercy. Then again what would my position be were Mr. Evans to die. He has been very ill all the winter. Anne makes out that he is well off and so he may be, but with such men as Peto and Gurney failing, who are we to trust to. Of course, my dear sons, all this is in confidence. I should not like Anne to know exactly my thoughts upon this subject. That if you write, enclose ½ a sheet upon this subject only. 
Fanny’s son John has got a situation in London. He was first with a friend and boarded with him but he now wants me to get him a lodging near me. He is promoted [promised?] 10/- per week with a Lawyer. I hope he will do well. He is a great religious boy but something of a bigot and as a controversionalist his people’s religious notions are all right with him. However I am thankful he is a Christian and I believe as he gets older he will perhaps be more tolerant [of] others. 
I went to the Cemetery yesterday to see to the lettering of your dear father’s tomb. Dear old man, how little did he think he should go first. His brain, in my opinion, was burdened too much for a man of his years. Blessed be God, I believe he is safely landed and in this hope is my greatest consolation. 
Adieu my dear boys. Write to me soon and address the letter to Mr. Hopwood, Sloane St. 
Love to your dear wives and children and accept the same from 
Your affectionate mother 
Sarah Murray

----------------

8 Sampson’s Terrace
Victoria Park Road
8th May 1868

My dear Andrea and Alexander 
The wish expressed in your letter that I should write to you with “perfect frankness” I shall with pleasure comply with; feel me assured [I feel reassured?] from the sympathy you have shown, that you are both interested in my welfare. By the date of this you will perceive that I am still in the same apartments, and so far I am very comfortable, as the family treat me respectfully and I am left to myself, which I like, although at times I do feel the loneliness of widowhood. Your poor, dear father’s company I had much of during the last few years of his life, and nothing can make amends for it but the Grace of God. He has wonderfully supported me under this bitter bereavement. 
The business cares too have provided mercies as they have drawn my thoughts from dwelling too much upon the dear departed. I still have business matters to attend to, and unfortunately have no friends who can help me in these matters, and they do not understand Building Societies, or the management of property involved in small houses. Besides, I have but few male relatives living and those few are too far off to render me that assistance I require. Paid agents I could get innumerable but they would run off with all the profits and cheat me into the bargain, so I am plodding on by myself as well as I can; if I could but get good tenants I could manage the cottages very well but with bad ones I find it most difficult. They are situated too, at a distance which is a great disadvantage in the re-letting. I have now one empty; the man has gone owing £7 in my debt. I shall not object to fresh tenants in one respect as I shall endeavour to look well into character, and if they will not pay regularly I must give them notice to leave. 
You seem inclined to visit England; to see you and your dear Andrea, would afford me more pleasure than I can express, but I dare not urge it lest after you have taken the step you would repent. If you could settle down here in England I should without hesitation say come by all means. 
By this time I presume you have received the intelligence of poor Charles Manfred’s death and now I have to record another viz. your poor uncle Benjamin Clarke; poor man, he suffered much and for a long time. I hope he is at rest but his mind was so absorbed in the difficulties of business that I fear he had no time to think of the higher duties of the soul. 
Mrs Lestourgeon (your late uncle Daniel’s daughter) drank tea with me yesterday. She is now on a visit to her uncle Burbidge at Stamford Hill. She is very stout and fast fading but she is a very agreeable, pleasant woman which is better than beauty. 
Your nephew, John Kraushaar, dines with me every Sunday. He is about getting a situation similar to the one Walter had with Mr. Speed with this exception that his future master is one of the Brethren, which we hope he will take additional interest in. 
I thank you and your dear Andrea for the 2 pieces of gold coin sent in the letter. At present I have not bought myself any thing to wear with the sovereign you so kindly sent before but I will do so as soon as the weather gets fine enough for a change of dress. You are very good to continue so often [to offer?] assistance to me, but I do hope, unless something very unforeseen happens, I shall have enough & to spare. At my time of life I cannot expect to live above two or 3 years and it may not be so many months. At all events when the time comes I hope I shall not only be willing but desirous to leave this world in hopes of spending an eternity of happiness with HIM who died to Redeem me and with those I have loved on earth. 
I sent you a fortnight ago a Newspaper containing Abney Park Cemetery. I though you would like to see the ground where your dear father lies. I hope nothing will prevent my being buried in the same grave, I sometimes feel disposed to take up my residence near the Cemetery. I would do so now but for the cottages. I should be then too far off. I have no doubt I shall make a change this summer as Bethnal Green has ceased to have any charms for me. 
I hear no more about the Holt affair excepting that Mrs. Hopwood says our uncle’s name was Edward, and not John. I never thought much about it but I believe the Austons and Mrs. Daniel Holt did. I feel that “man wants but little here below, nor needs that little long”. I do not say I always felt so. 
I feel pleased, dear Alexander, that you continue to cherish an affection for me & that gratitude towards the authors of your existence are not forgotten - it is a pleasing trait in your character. I hope it will be so when we are both in our graves: it will be a source of consolation to you. [Transcription unclear - sentence rearranged.] I hope you and dear Andrea will be spared for many years and should the time arrive for me to see you once again, and accompanied by your dear wife, I assure you it could not fail to be a time of much joy. Well do I remember the time I parted with you upon the stairs. I still have the likeness taken of you at that time, a most excellent one it is. I can often see my boy of 16 years old. Oh how I should like to meet you and hear you recount all your adventures. Some of them were painful ones I expect but I must say farewell, dear Alexander and Andrea. 
Accept the love and best wishes of
Your affectionate mother
Sarah Murray

--------------

Victoria Park Road 
18th June 1868 

My dear Alexander 
Here I am still here but you are most likely to hear that a week only might make a change in my residence, as apartments are ever uncertain, therefore continue to direct your letters and papers to Mr. H (?). I am wishing very much to hear from you. 
Your dear father has been dead nearly 7 months and I have heard from you but once. You then very kindly responded to my unexpected wants for which I truly thank you and your dear partner, but dear Alexander, a letter from you more frequently would rejoice my heart in its solitude. 
The business transactions of business have in a great degree subsided, consequently I have now time to reflect upon my great loss and the bereavement of your dear father. How is it that Walter does not write? Has he not one expression of sympathy for me? There are too many questions which might interest him, which I should feel as pleasure in answering. I wish for no concealment and if at my death there should be left beyond my needs, I should gladly have it distributed amongst all my sons and daughters. The Almighty disposer of events may think proper to prolong my life for years. In that case there wouldn't be much to leave if any, but should I be called away in the course of a short period, of course, I shall leave behind a few hundred pounds which at the present time is only in rents in my possession. I wish therefore to make a Will and to have my sons' approval of it as well as my daughters'. 
I have indeed been brought to feel how much I needed the assistance of you both in matters of business which I understood but little about and dared not trust a stranger. Building Society business and Insurance, none of my relatives understood and if they did they were not upon the spot to help me. Still I have had assistance in other respects. Mr. Hopwood did kindly come to my aid in time of need. Sister Anne especially during the last weeks of your poor father's life and for at least a fortnight after his death, writing letters for me and looking into my business, which at that time my mind was quite unequal to that. I have been helped much and should have been more, had they understood the business or resided near me. 
Do you receive any newspapers from me? I frequently send one. By this mail I shall send two. I have had several calls upon me from relatives recently, Mrs. Lestourgeon, Mr. & Mrs. Parks (Jane Auston that was), Uncle Walter, Sydney and his wife, Miss Manfred, Augusta Turner (Uncle Walter's daughter) who has an excellent situation in a wholesale house in the City. 
I sent a letter the other day containing the account of the illness and death of poor Charles. He seemed to have been much beloved and I hope he is now in that "better land." He seemed to regret being called away just as he had found a happy home with his brother. He exclaimed "how hard it is." How little do we know of the future, therefore it behooves us the more to be prepared for it by the Grace of God - all other help is vain. 
Your aunt Browne's daughter, Mrs. Lewis, has within the last 3 weeks lost her husband, leaving nine children, 3 of the former wife. I expect there is property left to keep them comfortably but so large a family must be a great responsibility. She resides at St. Alban's and I expect your aunt will go and live with her daughter as she wished it before her son-in-law's death. 
The intelligence you sent us respecting the Holt family is making a great stir amongst the country folks; some of them are or have visited the place of the birth of our Ancestors in order to ascertain particulars. Would a letter from you to the party in America lead to anything? Your Uncle John and his family must be located somewhere and a great Uncle John who left his home soon after the marriage of my father, but the advertisement goes further back and it would be worse than folly to spend more than a few shillings without additional particulars. 
Emily Auston has written to me to go and see her. If I should go, I will endeavor to search into the family history of my father's family. It is worth enquiry. Have you heard any more? I am told those things are got up in America by way of speculation. 
I hope you and your dear wife are enjoying this beautiful weather. Your sisters have both invited me to visit them, but if I do I must leave an agent to collect the rents of the Cottages, which I do not relish. Still it might be beneficial to my health and spirits. 
I must now write a few lines to dear Walter as it always vexes me if I cannot write to you both. You are both very dear to me as well as those you have chosen for your partners for life. May you have many, many years together and each of you enjoy an increase of happiness both temporal and Spiritual and at length have an entrance into that "better land" prepared for all who love our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Farewell my dear Alexander and Andrea and believe that I am
Your affectionate mother 
Sarah Murray 

-----------------

Weston-super-Mare
At other times
Brimscombe Mills
July 22, 1868

My dear Alexander, 
Not a line from you since our dear Father’s death tho’ you have been better than Walter for you have written to our Mother, for which I thank you, but she would like to hear from both & so should I. We like to know that across the Atlantic you still remember the dear ones in old England & that our sorrow is yours. Our Father died full [of] years & laid his burden of life down without one regret, so we need not grieve on that account; still nature mourns that old ties are snapped asunder, & it is only the hope of reuniting the broken threads that reconciles us to the breakage. What a reunion that will be! no more parting! no more sea to separate - but all the members of one family rejoicing for ever in one common home. May all our beloved ones meet there!
I send you a photograph of my two youngest sons. I don’t think you have had them before. If you have, Walter has not. In that case please hand them to him. Your American newspapers do not equal ours in any way. They are not so well written & they contain such nonsense & some things worse than that. We do not allow in our papers - that is respectable papers, such as come into a family - such advertisements as you allow in yours. I look the papers I get from you over, to see if either of your names is mentioned, or anything marked for me to read & if not I put them into the fire, that the young ones may not see them. If there is anything I wish them to read I cut it out & burn the rest. I should recomment those who have influence to try & purify the papers.
I dined with Fanny last March. Had not seen her for 12 years before. She looks quite the old woman - has lost her teeth & grown wonderfully like her Mother. She still has her nice brown hair without a grey one as far as I could see. Seems very cheerful & bright & lives in a nice little house with a garden, orchard, stables etc. but not too many comforts about her. Their peculiar mode of life does not commend itself to me but they seem contented. They eschew pictures, ornaments & all the superfluities of life, John having consciencious scruples about them, but they have [a] few comforts. Fanny is not a good manager, neither is he. I could not live with them but they seem happy enough. Very nice children. I believe they will do well. Children brought up in straits nearly always do. John’s preaching, I hear, is very much valued. I was more pleased with him than ever I have been before. He is not a taking [talking?] man but I think he’s a good husband & father as far as he knows how.
Mama is feeling the heat very much. It is an unusually hot summer - no rain for 3 months - everything scorching up - strange to say Mama can bear cold better than heat. She is in comfortable lodgings and I hope will remain there. I intend if all be well to see her in August. I look out over the sea and think - there they are, over that ocean - if I only had a glass strong enough, I could see them - but I can’t except in fancy’s eye. How I wish I could take a peep at you all & see what you are like!
Give my love to Andrea. I write to Walter by this post so must refer you to them for further news. I & the children are well. Only my husband is poorly from the effects of bronchitis. Indeed it is long since he was well.
With love from all to all,
Your affectionate sister 
A Evans 

Thank Walter for the book he sent me. 

---------------

[Part of letter, undated. Perhaps mid-1868.] 

--John who is now ill, I can find out a Christian, somewhat bigoted but he will get over that. He has an excellent knowledge of the Scriptures for so young a lad. Addy seems very happy in her marriage. She has no family [n]or is there any prospect of any. Her husband has entered into business for himself and appears to have met with success. I believe the Brethern all cling to each other and I think Mr. Roberts is a young man much respected by them and clever as a man of business. 
I am much obliged to you for the Pioneer. I am very glad to see that dear Walter has two appointments. I hope he will be prospered. He seems to have a nice family and to take great interest in them. I hope as they grow up they will reward him for his care. 
You appear in the Pioneer as a man of business. It gives me a nice idea of St. Luis Obispo. The population appears to be much increasing. This will give you more business unless you get opponents. One great thing is that you have only your two selves that will not require so large a sum to retire you a[s] many, but perhaps in that country you never think of retiring to your residence as the people do here. Why, even the shopkeepers in the Hackney Road have a country house in the Park. 
Considering the care I have had upon my mind, my health is pretty good. Anne wants me to go on a visit to her but I am so tied to these cottages that I fear I shall not feel a[t] liberty. I expect Anne told you that your dear father left a will. It was sworn under £600 but I think that was far too much. At any rate much will depend on how the property is managed in the Building Society. Out of this money I have had a deal to pay into the Eagle Insurance Company and likewise into the Phoenix, besides other debts, but thank God they are all now paid. Of course circumstances occur, for instance Ground Rent Taxes upon the houses besides £8 per month until they are redeemed and whether it be advisable to redeem them or not I do not know - consequently it occasions me much anxiety. Oh! I often think had I but one of my sons here but ere you could reach it might all be settled. 
I hope, my dear Andrea and Alexander, you are both well. You have given me an account of yourselves. I have no doubt I should be very pleased with dear Andrea - she having already displayed the love of a daughter in her willingness that you should assist me. Accept both of you my best love and ever believe that I am
Your affectionate mother
Sarah Murray

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18 Victoria Park Road 
Hackney 
4th Sept. 1868 

My dear Alexander & Andrea 
It is with much pleasure that I reply to yours of yesterday (received through your uncle Hopwood) who kindly came over to present it to me with the two papers. Accept my thank for the souvereign as well for the papers as upon reading them I find some interesting particulars upon the subject of religion. The Pioneer now and then gives me a little news about yourself and brother, for instance, it said Walter was lecturing upon the subject of education and that you had sent a present of fish to the editor - nothing can be uninteresting that relates to you or yours, be it ever so trifling in itself. 
Do you get the paper I send? Public Opinion Telegraph [?] My letters to you appear to be received regularly - was wishing very much for a letter from you when yours arrived and I am so glad to find that dear Walter is at last thinking about writing to me. I must confess he never omitted to write to me at all convenient seasons during the lifetime of our dear father - and I should be doubly grieved that he should do so now that I am in my widowhood as I am much alone and slights of any kind dwell unnaturally long upon my mind especially when I am unwell during the very hot weather - I was ill for 3 weeks - lost my strength and got very thin. I really thought I was going home but the Lord in his goodness has spared me a little longer.
I thank you very much for your consideration towards me respecting commercial transactions. I know that I ought to be free from such Anxieties but I hear so much from persons who have trusted to Agents that I am willing to transact the business connected with the cottages as long as I can, but I begin to think I shall be conquered at last, for the drainage and repaint requires a masterly mind. 4 times I have been to Bow this week - the tenants too take advantage. As soon as I see my way clear I think I should sell them but I am putting off thinking about it at present as there is a prospect of them being purchased for the Railroad. 
Indeed, my dear Alex, you take a very deep interest in my welfare and are most liberal towards me, nevertheless I do hope to leave something behind - my wants are very simple - my only desire is to live in a quiet retired way for the remainder of my days. I am in a state of preparation with the help of God for a future state of blessedness where I hope to meet your dear father once again to part no more forever. In the intermediate time should you in the Providence of God be enabled to visit dear old England in company with your dear wife I am quite sure it would rejoice my heart to welcome you both - would that it could have been during the lifetime of your dear father. 
I received a letter from Anne yesterday wherein she tells me Elijah is expecting to come to London very soon (he is now at home) to walk the Hospital. Philip is expecting to be married shortly - your sister is now busy preparing the house for their reception. Thus two of the first family will be off. Sarah Ann will most likely be the next - she is a nice girl and no doubt would make a good wife. Mr. Evans has been acting ill almost ever since November with Bronchitis but since he has been to the seaside he is better.
John Kraushaar just keep[s?] his situation and is about becoming a member of the same body of Christians that his father has joined - his mind is thoroughly in it and there is no doubt in my mind of his being a Christian, but he is certainly unfit for business and no doubt will ultimately become a Preacher. He spends his Sundays with me and comes in to supper almost every night, but he is a very peculiar boy at present - no doubt he will improve - his advantages have not been great. I am thankful he says John & Fanny appear to be better provided for than they have hitherto been. This I am sincerely glad of, but to my mind it is a very inconvenient and unnatural way of living. 
Did I tell you in my last that your uncle Clarke was dead - his widow has many difficulties to content with but I think she will be able to maintain her position. She has a nice house, well furnished and understands the management of a Boarding House better than most people. She visited me a short time since and I have promised to spend a day with her - she lives at Paddington. I have not at present been out anywhere this summer [n]or do I feel inclined.
I think your future Newspapers might be directed here and generally your letter[s] but any of importance to your uncle Hopwood - he has on many occasions been very kind. I am glad you direct your letter to the care of Mr. instead of Mrs, as he is very tenatious of respect. He has many nice points in his character but poor Human nature will creep in us all at times. Aunt is very kind - it is a pity that a better feeling does not exist between them but take no notice of this when you write. He is looking as well I think as I ever saw him and as ambitious as ever - he has a very good position at Chelsea and has a very comfortable life of it as his daughters are all women devoted to business. 
There are plenty of families by the name of Holt in England both in London and in the country - those who have been most stirred up by the news are Mrs. Daniel Holt, Emily Auston & Mrs. Wood. Mrs. Lestourgeon has some relatives in America and they wrote to her upon this subject - the dates settle the matter I think, for they were before my uncle John Holt was born.
I must now my dear Alex thank you once more for your very great kindness and consideration towards me and with love to dear Andrea, believe me Your affectionate mother 
Sarah Murray 

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Victoria Park Road 
Hackney
January 7th, 1869 

My ever dear Alexander 
It is with much pleasure that I once more write to you as it serves so much to bring you to my mind’s eye just as you were on the day I parted with you upon the stairs. Do you remember the circumstance? but ere I enter into the past I will wish you, my dear son and your partner in life, dear Andrea, my best wishes that this year may be the happiest one of all that you have passed through and that each succeeding years may bring with them increased happiness. 
I spent Christmas day by myself. Uncle -- [torn] kindly -- [torn] public days I consider myself safer at home unless I had someone to accompany me. After my domestic matters were over I spent the evening quietly reading and thinking occasionally of your dear father with whom I had enjoyed so many Christmas days never to return. “The place that knew him once shall know him no more for ever.” This is a melancholy thought but I have realized it as a sad reality for me. I hope not for him. I trust he is forever with the Lord and with whom can he be better. Perhaps if he had his choice he would not come to this world again. What a consolation it is to know that we shall go to him. Yes, my dear Alexander, if we are believers -- [torn] love our Lord Jesus Christ --
-- [torn] Walter the eldest son of her second marriage. They were in London almost a fortnight. They slept in Common St. City, [so] that I only occasionally saw them. Your sister was there at times suffering from spasms which still continue frequently. She is under medical treatment. Mr. Evans is healthy - is better looking - much stouter and altogether well. Walter is a nice gentleman-like boy. His father is bringing him up to his business and he promises well. Elijah has just returned to London from spending the holiday. He is now walking the Hospital. I expect to see him on Sunday to dinner. He is a very nice companion and I think he is an open-hearted young man that if there be wrong -- [torn] you know it. 
John -- [torn] he was so extraordinary close he has left London and is now with his brother-in-law, Mr. Roberts, at Northampton where I hope he will exert himself but he is a sad “slow coach” so like his father in every respect. I assure you I do not regret his going for he was no companion and required being looked after as much as a child at 8 years old but with all this I believe he is a Christian which is the most desirable trait he can possess. I was often obliged to quote to him the text “Diligence in business” but it was contrary to his nature to be so. I hope he will improve - he now has another chance. 
I received a letter from Henry Brown[e] the other day informing me that his brother Horace had had his premises all burnt down without being -- 
-- [torn] must now my dear Alexander bring this to a close. Present to your dear wife my love. Accept the same yourself from your ever affectionate mother Sarah Murray 

My wants have all been supplied, dear Alexander. I have much to be thankful for but the Lord has promised to be a “husband to the widow” and a “father to the orphan” -- [torn] he is ever a faithful promiser [?provider] - look to Him dear Alexander & Andrea. He is a friend in need -- [torn] not think I overlook your kindness in -- [torn] this puts all hearts in his keeping -- [torn] we do a good action. He -- [torn]
Adieu, may God bless you both. 

---------------------

[Portion of a letter from Sarah Murray to her son Alexander. References to Horace Browne's fire suggest January 1869.] 
--very sorrowful. I shall hope to have a letter from you soon telling me how you and Andrea spent your Christmas. I hope both of you enjoyed yourselves and that all goes well with you. You find by the date of my letter that I am still where I was. Yes, I feel safe here and I should not do so every where that I was. I rather put up with a few inconveniences than leave until I meet with other apartments where I shall be equally so. I often think I should like to go and live in the neighbourhood of the Abney Cemetery. I have had a desire to do so ever since I lost poor Josephine. 
My last letter, I believe, informed how very ill I had been during the summer -- [torn] Uncle Hopwood sends me the usual turkey. In addition this time he sent me an abundant supply of sausages, previously writing me two very brotherly letters. Uncle Walter and his son Sydney drank tea with me a few days after Christmas. Indeed all my relations have been very kind. Most of them have drunk tea with me. Emily Auston stopped 3 days. I believe in a former letter I told you all about it. 
I have with much interest watched the events of the Elections, thinking in my own mind what your dear father would have desired and I find from my own observations as well as Sydney’s (who is a good judge) that they turned out quite in accord with what would have been his wishes. 
I have not part-- [torn] it seems his men were accustomed to go to sleep with pipes in their mouths. Upon two occasions he had to put out fire; consequently, he had “resolved and resolved” to insure his property but put it off. Dr. Young says man does this with regards his soul and I know it to be true in many instances. Horace insured his life in the Eagle. This he fears he shall not be able to keep up. He used to pay £10 every half year for 500 at his death. I hope he will be able to dispose of it rather than give it up. Poor fellow, I cannot but pity him although I think he was neglectful. His family have, I expect, been well educated and brought up as ladies riding out in their four wheeled carriage that -- [torn] should as fire happens? Be cautious - be safe - that is, insure if you can. 
By the Newspaper you sent me you have been in the midst of much riot. After all I feel no country is like dear old England. Here we have as much liberty as is good for us. Great fortunes are made here occasionally as is the case elsewhere. Look for instance in the case of Mr. Peabody and hundreds of others. 
Walter, I find, is again elected as District Attorney. He has not yet written to me, which I regret as it looks as though his affection was centred in but one parent. This I think about in my solitary hours. I always coveted the love of my children but at that time of day, circumstances were so uncongenial to our wishes that I had not the opportunity of showing it 

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18 Victoria Park Road 
Hackney
Feby. 4th, 1869 

My ever dear Alexander 
Your letter dated the 1st January came to hand yesterday. How is it that is has reached in a shorter time than usual? Some Railway has been started I expect. Well any circumstance which tends to bring news from “a far country” more swiftly will ever be acceptable. 
The account of your health somewhat disturbs me: it is however mingled with some phrases of a favorable nature, for instance, “your partner” has dislodged - about 150 feet! The thought of it is terrific. I hope he will be got rid of altogether and that speedily. I understand but little about the complaint as, when children, you were some of you troubled with worms. 
I rejoice to hear that business is prospering with you and that in the course of time there will, I suppose, be no necessity for you to keep a store but your income will be produced from Ground Rents; in that case there would be no difficulty in you coming to England, as your brother could attend to your rents in your absence. I suppose, too, he will transact your law business. By what you have said about his being so much engaged I hope he is doing better. An influx of population must be a benefit to you both. I wish you were both inclined to get enough and settle down in Old England. Here we have the glorious gospel of our Lord and Saviour preached to almost every creature. I often think you will never realize the love of Jesus until you visit your native country; a heathen country is sad, sad, but as you increase in numbers I expect you will have Missionaries come amongst you.
I like amazingly the account you have given me of the Chinaman. I wish you had more such about you - a good honest servant is a great treasure and deserves the respect of the family he is in. I can imagine that you and dear Andrea are very kind to him.
You ask me how I am getting on. Well, at present looking up my rents, - the expenses upon the cottages are more than you have an idea of - for instance, 72 pounds pr annum to pay the Building Society until they are redeemed; 24£8 taxes and £6/19 for repairs and reletting. Of course there are the rents coming to me provided they are let throughout the year. They amount to no more that £72 but to have them let thus is not to be expected. The houses being in a locality where there are a numerous number of new houses to let, some will not, or cannot pay their rent; others are changing about, that it requires the greatest vigilance to keep them in a paying state. Half of my time has been given up to them and my thoughts day and night. How is it possible an Agent could enter into my interest as I do myself or give them that attention when perhaps they have 100 houses to collect for. I am hoping and expecting they will be taken for the railways, a circumstance which would rejoice me. I have been poring over my accounts lately in order to see my profits or loss during the year 1868. My greatest difficulty consists in not meeting with honest tradesmen, for instance the roofs and drains - Oh they torment me! These men will look a widow in the face and rob her if they can. I know many who would like to become my collector but what would they do? Why repair them with a view of their being ultimately for sale and would buy them. You will say what a humbling opinion of human nature, but it is so in Bethnal Green. I do believe the men who purchase small property are the most avaricious set to be met with. I am quite sure were your dear father alive he would say I was right to persevere.
This being forced from home is in some respects good for my health. I often get an appetite through it. Some phases [?] of the business is rather pleasant, but much depends on the weather and tenants, but enough of the houses. 
John Kraushaar has left London not being fitted for business. He is now with his brother-in-law, Mr. Roberts, at Northampton to be instructed in the business of a salesman. Poor boy, he is too much like his father to like anything but books. With them he has stuffed himself. Elijah is walking the hospitals. He visits me occasionally. Your sister Mrs. Evans is in very poor health. She is troubled with spasms. She and Mr. Evans are now at Weston Super Mare for change of air and scene. Anne tells me her husband is doing exceedingly well in business, but really when we hear of such failures as Gurney & Peto there is no knowing where money is safe. I do not like the responsibility of money lest I should lose it. The Bank of England gives but 3 pr cent interest. Our Building Society gives 5 pr cent and I have reason to think is safe but I do not like all my eggs in one basket. I hope you understand where your money is safe - are you insured? only think of Horace Browne. I expect he is a ruined man, --
[Part of this letter missing: D Bilodeau] 

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Brimscombe Mills
Nr Stroud
Gloucestershire
Feb. 16 1869 

My dear Brother 
I am so sorry to hear of your ill health & especially that you have such an unpleasant disease. I hope the remedy will prove effectual in entirely extirpating the monster. 120 feet! how horrible! I do hope there is no more left. I am glad to learn you & Walter are having a prosperous time of it & hope indeed you will soon realize sufficient to return home. As for Walter I suppose we must give up all idea of seeing him but he surely might write. It is too bad not to have written once since our dear Father’s death. It looks unfeeling but I don’t think it is that - it is I expect the family complaint - procrastination. I have written to him lately & expect you will get the letters by the same mail. 
I am glad to see you urge Mama to sell those houses. She will do nothing I advise her to. She is very feeble yet she works & slaves in a marvellous manner - denies herself many things she ought to have & when I remonstrate, pleads poverty. When I say I will pay, then she says “I can have it if I like. I am not without income.” One thing I will tell you - she gets up & lights her oven fire every morning & gets her own breakfast. Now you know she never was used to this when she was much younger & it vexes me to see her do it now when she really is not equal to it. But it is no use for me to say anything. I have again and again & you must not mention it directly or she will be angry with me for telling you. I want her, as she will not sell those houses, to make a will because by the present English law, if she dies (& she is likely to go of[f] any day) we could do nothing with them. There would be no heir in England. We could not take rents or do the least thing & she says she wants to make a will & by her direction, I wrote one for her but get her to sign it I can’t. Every time I speak about it she has something else to propose - so it goes on from day to day & I don’t expect she will sign at all. So the only hope lies in getting them sold, then all would be straightforward. 
But I have not told you why she is so saving that she does not have the comforts she ought to have. It is on Fanny’s account, - she sends everything to her - things worth literally nothing. Poor dear Papa used to say “Your mother has quite a mania about Fanny” & it is so truly. Fanny is not rich, but she has a nice little house & garden & orchard. Two of her children are off her hands & she is as contented & happy as possible. She laughed most heartily when I saw her last March at Mama’s groaning over her. John is very peculiar - but he is not unkind and they seem to get on nicely together, but you cannot persuade Mama so. It is poor Fanny this & poor Fanny that, while I am sure Fanny is much happier than she is. Uncle Hopwood told me when in London that I should have laughed had I seen what she was going to send to Fanny, but he at last persuaded her to sell it & so shocked was she at the small value that she lives in the firm belief that the man cheated her grossly. In fact, the poor dear ought to live with one of us & be taken care of, but she will not as long as she has sense to say no, or strength to lift up a finger against it. I do not think that will be for long. I went to see her at Xmas but you will see by my letter to Walter that I have been very ill & am now at Weston for change. I could not therefore do much for her when I was there. I am getting better every day now & shall try to go up again in the summer & see her. I am very uneasy about her. It seems so unnatural for her to live alone muddling on in her way when she has children able & willing to care for her. Fanny has offered her a home as well as myself & she need be no expense to Fanny. She objected to live with me on account of my son Philip but he is married & gone.
My dear husband unites with me in love to you & your dear wife. I enclose you his likeness, a very good one it is.
Believe me ever Your loving sister
A. Evans

-----------------

[Undated but obviously added to a letter from Anne. Unless one of these is missing, the most likely candidate is the letter of 16 February 1869. At that time Anne had clearly recently had a letter from Alexander in which he said that he was thinking of visiting England, and that eliminates most of her letters. Philip was in the same house, which eliminates a number of the others. I also think it is after the letter of May 1865 in which Anne mentions Walter’s belief that the English poor were all destitute and couldn’t afford to get married, as Philip seems to be addressing that point too. It certainly isn’t the letter of 29 July 1863, as it doesn’t even touch on the death of Alexander’s baby, which was Anne’s main reason for writing. SH] 
My dear Brother 
I embrace this opportunity of addg a few lines to my dear wife’s letter. 1st I am very pleased to see there is hope we may have the pleasure of seeing you & your dear wife in the old country, we shall be very glad to see you both, also your Brother & his wife & family if they can manage to get away. 
I think your Brother would find things very different to his expectations here, particularly in the rural districts or rather I should have said the manufacturing towns & villages. The people earn good wages & if they are careful can live very comfortably as clothing is cheap & provisions except meat are also reasonable. Many of my power loom girls can get 16/- pr week and some 18/. 
I saw in one of the newspapers you sent us some time since, that the olive tree thrives well with you - Now, if you could get a large tract of land, say 1000 or more acres, which you could enclose at little cost, for instance if you have a windg river running thro’ or near your town & you could get a sort of horseshoe piece which could be fenced easily by putg a fence thus [the diagram shows a winding river with two bends fenced off across the neck, one on each side] & get it planted with olives in the early years the paper said the fruit would pay the expense for salad oil - but my ideas are far beyond that. I should cater for a large consumption & a certain sale - The usual price we pay is about 45/- per cwt but we paid last year 66/6. Now it is 52/- or 52£ sterling pr ton of 20 cwts. I should say after 10 years, every acre would produce a Ton. In 15 years 2 Tons after 2 years or so [?] The cost would be but little. The expense of mashg the olives, & pressg out the oil, would be but little. 
I am glad to hear things are better with you, allow me to say if riches increase set not yr heart upon them, they take wings & fly away. Not so with the true riches. With kind love to you & yours also to your Brother his Wife & family I am
Yours faithfully
P C Evans

P. S. The Holts are investigating the family matter. They will ferret out if there is any thing in it, but in England you can't stir a step in such matters without money, & I dont think it worth spending it on such an uncertainty so I leave it to the Holts.
Olive oil is always in good demand. There is a large consumption in England & Europe generally for Manufacturing. We use about 20 tons pr year. In Russia[?] the people eat it very much 

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18 Victoria Park Road 
Hackney
9th July 1869 

My very dear Alexander 
Your letter dated the 5th of June reached me on Saturday the 3rd of July. I was quite rejoiced to receive it as I was so longing to know about your state of health. Then after all homeopathy has been the means resorted to and the “Great Physician” the author of your restoration to health. Oh! dear Alex, He has graciously given you another lease on your life, do not abuse it by keeping at a distance from Him; receive Him into your heart with thanksgiving. In this event He says “My son or daughter give me thine Heart”, will you refuse Him? 
I think you do quite right to reduce your exertions a little in business, and thus get more country air and exercise, especially as your dear Andrea is willing to look to your interest in the business. In giving up your store you would not, I presume, be giving up but a small part of your business as becoming a land proprietor must be more lucrative and that you could leave to your brother’s management were you disposed to visit England. Is this a right view of your position? 
And now, my dear Alexander, permit me to thank you and dear Andrea for the two sovereigns so kindly sent. You will be pleased to hear that these presents of your have on several occasions been the means of assisting me in emergencies, for instance I keep the money as a sort of sinking fund to help me out of difficulties for I am unexpectedly sometimes called upon to do repairs to my houses which I always pay ready money for. Then again there are a multiplicity of other expenses. I pay all rates and taxes, notwithstanding all however upon calculation of the year 1868, I realised a profit of £35 - that you see although I have a deal of trouble, they secure to me a little independence and if you have any recollection of me you know it is what I value very highly. I think you possess the same spirit and so does Walter if I mistake not. 
I am very glad to hear he has plenty of business and that he and his wife and children are all well. He has not yet favoured me with a letter; the reason why is quite an enigma to me. I hope he will succeed in being appointed as Judge if in accordance with his temporal and spiritual interests a high position is [‘if’?] desirable, if [is?] attended with the blessing of God, for by it we may be enabled to do an immensity of good to ourselves and our fellow creatures. I much regret that in this Providence of God I have never yet been permitted to see any of you. I often sigh and think in my solitude, I wish your lot had been cast in this country but God’s will be done. He is too wise to err. 
Elijah visits me occasionally on a Sunday. Uncle & Aunt Hopwood drank tea with me a short time since. I returned the visit. He has been rebeautifying his house. When he does anything it is always without regard to expense, consequently well done. He has purchased the leases of his house [so] that of course it is to his interest to keep it in good order. None of his daughters seem likely to get married. 
I received a letter from Emily Auston yesterday. She always enquires after you both. She too is still disengaged but her father being in the decline of life needs all her attention and she like a good daughter is willing to give it to him. The two sons are not married and seem by her account of them to be very unsettled at the death of their father. I think George will go to Australia. His sister Sus[annah] is married and settled there. She married a first cousin and has 5 sons and the last a daughter. The husband is in a store and I hear much valued by his employer. Why he is not in business for himself I cannot tell as he has had several hundred pounds sent out to him. 
Uncle Walter is still living. He paid me a visit a short time since. His eldest son has recently lost his wife. You remember Mrs. Joyce. She died a few months since after a long illness. Mrs. Lesturgeon (Aunt Holt’s daughter) and her two daughters called upon me a short time since. If I go to Bow I expect I shall be too far East for them to look after me. 
The letters seem to come in much less time than usual, this is a great boon. I do hope you may meet with a good customer for your store that you and your dear wife may be able to visit England. Present to her my affectionate love and tell her it would rejoice my heart to see you both. She must be quite your darling having no children. My love to Walter, his wife and family, with many wishes for their happiness. I wish some clever optician would in these days of improvement invent a glass that would enable me to see you all across the great Atlantic. We are living in wonderful times but that I fear is beyond man’s conception so I must be content to draw a picture from my own imagination. 
My health, I am thankful to say, is as good as I can expect it to be at 75 years of age. I am very nimble and still I can walk (at times) miles without much fatigue. I sometimes think I try my strength too much but I was always fond of walking. Once more thanking you and dear Andrea for the two sovereigns. Believe me to remain My dear Alexander Your ever affectionate mother Sarah Murray 

P S Do you receive newspapers? With this I send you “Public Opinion”. 

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[This letter is undated, but is obviously from October 1869, as Sarah says Anne will be in London in 3 weeks time and in Anne’s next letter to Alexander she says she was there in November] 1 Alexandra Cottages
Fairfield Road
Bow
Middlesex

My ever dear Alexander 
Since writing to you I have had another removal - I am now residing in one of my Cottages - I came here in order to test whether my tenants has spoken the truth for two have lately gone away without giving me the required notice, declaring that there were so many rats, that they could not live in them. I have been here a week last Tuesday and have neither seen or heard one, indeed the house is very comfortable, and I must say I feel much more at home in it than I did in apartments, this however is the last trial I shall give them but I hope and think it is a step in the right direction. The noise from the Railroad trains disturbs me but I hope to surmount that difficulty. My houses are next to the Train, that the Luggage train completely shakes the houses - I shall let two rooms that I shall not pay more for a house than I did for apartments and I hope have the advantage of always having my house let - I shall now soon have redeemed my cottages which will be a great triumph but they have been a heavy drag upon my pocket - 72£ pr annum. The Fairfield Road runs parallel with the Grove Road, where Walter used to go to the Hudsons. I think the neighbourhood is healthy, for I have felt much better, and my appetite is better since I have been here - 
I received a letter from poor Fanny yesterday, she is in great trouble about her son John and Addy, the doctor has pronounced them both to be consumptive, Mr Roberts too has not succeeded in business that it is another source of trouble to her, but I hope that difficulty will be overcome as he is very clever at his business, and can get a situation. 
Your sister Mrs Evans has been very unwell for some time past but not so as to prevent her going from place to place for change of air. Elijah after 3 months holiday has returned to London again, he has gained 3 prizes at the Middlesex Hospital - both Mr & Mrs Evans are very pleased thinking it a great triumph. 
Are you any nearer coming to England than you were? I hope your health continues good and that the gentleman is entirely destroyed - How is your dear Andrea? - present my affectionate love to her - I should so like to be introduced to the wives of my dear sons, but that pleasure will not be granted me, I fear in Walter’s case; you and Andrea I do not yet despair of seeing. I expect Mrs Evans will be in London in about 3 weeks time. I quite long to see some of my family - I have been so alienated from them. 
All your future letters and newspapers direct to me here - I do not fear not getting them, as the postmen have been very attentive, in finding me out, although obstacles have been placed in their way. 
I expect the elections are over - how did Walter get on? has he succeeded in his wishes dear fellow I fear he is not passing through life without meeting with some difficulties, his large family must occasion him heavy expenses - give my fondest love to him, his wife, and the dear children - Likewise present my affectionate love to your own dear wife - I presume she is doubly dear to you, in consequence of your having no children to love. I must now say farewell - may the Lord protect and bless you both - here and hereafter.
In much love I am
Your ever affectionate mother
Sarah Murray 

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1 Alexandra Cottages 
Fairfield Road 
Bow 
Middlesex 
10th February 1870 

My very dear Alexander 
It seems a very, very long time since I received a letter from you. I think your last is dated July 69. I have, I think written 2 or 3 since but I have met with no response. I hope I have not outgrown your remembrance, at any rate, your affection but this is a thing I do not like to dwell upon. 
I will proceed to relate my adventures since I last wrote to you, which I believe was in Sept. I had then removed to Park Rd., Bow. Since then I have removed here but now I think of it, I wrote to you about my previous residence, but to that letter I have had no answer. You will be glad to hear that I have redeemed the Cottages and have got the Deeds in my possession. I expect this spring I will decide whether I shall sell or keep them. Your advice is to sell, but if I do they will not at the very most fetch more than 4 or 5 hundred pounds. Then there are the chances of whether the seller be a competent person. However, I must await the events patiently and watchfully. Every now and then am meeting with defaulters but this is very usual amongst landlords. If I had not been upon the spot this Christmas, I believe I should have lost 7£ by a tenant whom I had had such great confidence in. I shall be obliged to have them painted outside this Spring under any circumstance. Otherwise they will decrease in value. 
How are you getting on with your business. Are you at all likely to sell it and visit England? I seem to know very little about either of you now. I did hope from what you said you would have been more voluminous in your communications. It would have been cheering to me in my widowhood. I am afraid that “absence makes the heart grow colder”; is it not so dear Alex? If I say this to you what can I not say to Walter? I fear as we have not had any newspapers, that he was disappointed in his expectation in being nominated as a Judge. It is very characteristic of him to be silent when he is disappointed in his expectations. However I hope it is not so. I wish him all the success he can desire himself. Do write and give me some particulars respecting him and yourself. I want to hear how your wives are and Walter’s children. But this time you ought to have a great deal to tell me. 
Poor Fanny is sadly tried just now, her eldest daughter Mrs. Roberts being in consumption. The doctor gives a very unfavourable account of her. Her husband has not succeeded in business that the poor thing has had a deal of care upon her mind. John Kraushaar, the son, is considered consumptive. He is now in a situation in Surrey but he is not able to keep it, but I think it is his misfortune more than his fault. He is the very counterpart of his father - sluggish - absent in mind - bad memory but a good pious boy. I wish I could afford to keep him. I would not hesitate if he were a smart active boy likely to keep a situation. His father paid me a visit in November. He is looking well - as young as ever, whilst poor Fanny is a wreck, but I expect as kind-hearted and unselfish as ever. 
Elijah Davies frequently comes over from London St. Fitzroy Square, where he lodges, on a Sunday. He belongs to the Middlesex Hospital Oxford Society. Your sister Anne is about having the last of the first family married in May next, Sarah Ann. She will then be left with only her own which will be a great comfort to her. She paid me a visit last November and was then looking as well and almost as young as I ever saw her. Her sons Walter and Arthur are growing up to be nice looking youths, fast approaching to manhood. Walter is in the business. Philip, the eldest of the family, who ought to be his father's right hand has entered into partnership with a gentleman (whilst being with his father and receiving 500£ annually) which is considered not nice of him, his father wanting his undivided attention. I expect he will live to regret the step. 
I never hear of your writing to Anne. Mr. Evans will, I expect, be in London about the 17th of this month, looking after the wool sales. He seems to be prospering but with so large a family to provide for, he needs it. 
How is your health? Have you been troubled with worms since? Do let me know - all particulars. Does St. Luis Obispo continue to increase in population? I expect you have heard the rage there is now in England for emigration. I expect thousands will be sent from our shores next spring. Several rich gentlemen have offered 10/ per head on 1000. This is private but it will, I expect, be taken up by the government. It is considered right in a religious point of view, us being one of the means of spreading the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 
How are you off for Missionaries in St. Luis? Are you still amongst the unconverted? I was in great hopes my prayers would have been answered ere now and that the welcome intelligence would have reached me that both you and dear Andrea were brought into the fold of Christ. Surely the subject occupies your thoughts sometimes. The profession of Christianity is wonderfuly spreading and I hope the reality but each must answer for himself and herself. It is blessed, dear Alexander, to feel that you are safe for time or eternity but I forbear to say more as I am quite sure whenever your conversion takes place you will be but too happy to tell me the joyful news. I expect your temporal affairs are prospering. Be careful that they do not prove a snare. The Bible says “Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all other things shall be added thereto.” 
I spend my time very much alone - my leisure is devoted to reading. You cannot imagine what a comfort it is to me, particularly as I have not ventured out alone during the winter. This is a great privation as I have been so long accustomed to go twice on a Sunday to Chapel and once or twice during the week. I often wonder what my next change will be, if the houses are sold. You must not be surprised at my going to live in the neighbourhood of the Cemetery, but I perhaps may really be there in the grave with your dear father. It was so much his wish that we should mingle our dust together that I would not have it otherwise for a great deal. 
Present my very affectionate love to dear Andrea and accept the same from
Your ever affectionate mother
Sarah Murray 

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Brimscombe Mills
Nr Stroud
Gloucestershire
Feb. 24, 1870 

My dear Brother 
It was quite refreshing to see your handwriting once more. It seems so long since we heard. Mama persuaded herself you were on your way home as you did not write, but no such good news. I was glad to hear you are doing well & wish we could bottle up some of our showers & send across the Atlantic to you, for we have had so many, our ground is like sponge & our house, being by the side of a small river, my back kitchen is very often flooded. The flood gates have to be kept up continually to let the water pass down or we should be flooded altogether. Miles of land near the Thames & all the country round Gloucester is flooded & as it has also frozen, the skaters have had a good time of it. But now we long for dry as much as you long for wet. It has been a very sickly season - nearly every one ill with cold or fever & numerous deaths. Our mother has weathered it hitherto - but she has felt it much. 
I am glad you said what you did about the houses, for there she is fussing & worrying herself still. I spent a week with her in November. She is living in one of them & that saves her much fatigue, but it is very lonely for her. She seemed very brisk & active then & younger than last year, but she seemed to want a companion very much & I was quite loth to leave her. 
Fanny gives her much trouble, not that F. would do so of herself but she is so completely a slave to her Husband and does his bidding right or wrong & he makes her write & tell Mama every want & then she thinks she must send something & very often sends what she needs herself much more than F. does. You know with the greatest economy she has only enough to pay her way & if I did not send her a few presents, would not have needful clothing, because she gives to John & Fanny what she ought to keep herself. Thinking Fanny did not know this, I wrote & told her & begged her not to mention her wants, especially as to me John boasts that he wants for nothing, “the Lord supplies him fully”. John wrote me a most insulting letter - that is, he made Fanny write it, but it was his writing. He has done this several times. I know it is not Fanny because last summer I saw her alone. John was out & she opened her heart to me & told me how she hated this “living on [only?] by Faith” as John calls it & said with tears in her eyes - “Oh if only I were a widow, I should be far happier & better off. I would get a living for my children & not live in this beggarly way!” She told me she was only happy when he was out, he was so tyrannical & said “if I even have a little money at mama’s death it will never do me any good, for John will spend it.” The money you sent Adela on her marriage, John borrowed & never paid the poor child again, nor even made any allusion to it. Fanny thought he might have uttered a regret but he did not & then he tells me by Fanny he wants for nothing & does not wish Mama to send him anything - then why tell her his wants? He knows she will send something. When he came to London in the Autumn he quartered himself on her & even took three [and?] sixpence she offered him, being all she had then, as her tenants had not paid up. She was on account of his coming obliged to send to us for money she had put by for contingencies. What do you think of such meanness? Do not tell Mama I have told you but I think you ought to know. 
My son Philip has a son, so now I have two Grandchildren & my daughter Sarah Ann is to be married in May, when I shall only have my own children at home. Elijah was the first Prizeman last year in his Hospital & brought home 10 splendid volumes received as prizes. He is sticking hard at it & I expect will gain another this April. He is very steady. Walter also but he is in the business at home.
Arthur, whose likeness I enclose, leaves school this year & comes into business too. He is a clean boy - has made a profession & promises to be in every respect a fine fellow. My children are all very tall except Elijah & he is a respectable size. Much bigger than his father. Annie has left school now. She is a very fine, handsome girl - quite takes the shine out of her sisters & will soon be my right hand. She is a most useful girl. How I wish you could see them all. 
Give my love to your wife. She is quite right not to come without you. How could she?
All unite in love to her & you.
Believe me, Your affectionate sister
Anne Evans

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1 Alexandra Cottages 
Fairfield Road 
Bow 
Middlesex 
4 March 1870

My dear Alexander 
Your letter arrived in due time. I have now to thank you and dear Andrea for its contents, viz £4. It was very thoughtful and affectionate of you both, for although I cannot be said to be without money, yet I am often in a strait which I could best explain if you were present. I shall retain my houses, living in one. I have just redeemed them of the Building Society; whether I shall realize the money given for them remains to be proved. Your dear father (who was ever sanguine) had frequently said when redeemed they would be worth £500 but unless taken by the railroad company, I fear they would not clear £400. They stand next to the railroad. The noise at times, as we are near the station, particularly the screaming is really terrific. I wish indeed you could well dispose of your property and come over and dispose of them for me, that is if on hearing all particulars you thought it advisable to sell. At any rate, if I get a few years older, it cannot be supposed I should be capable of looking after them and to employ an agent would be to give up all the profit, and perhaps more, so that in that case there would be no alternative. 
Much as I should like to see dear Andrea, I think she is right not to come without you. I still cherish the hope that I shall one day see you both. As to Walter, it looks like an improbability, but “sufficient for the day is the evil thereof”. None can tell what is in the future. It is probable he may have no desire, if I may draw a conclusion from his recent conduct. There may be circumstances which may justify his remaining silent, but none that I know of - that is worse than cold- it is frigid, to treat a widowed mother thus. I am quite sure if I judge Mercedes right, she does not second him; I believe her to be of a too affectionate disposition to do so, but I will forbear. Who sent the newspaper containing an account of his travels? I think it was directed in your handwriting, but if sent by him, I should hail it as a turning point - an omen of better things. I am glad to hear he is doing well, as he needs a profitable profession to bring up and educate so large a family. I am longing to hear more of them, as the children must be approaching a very interesting period in their history. Cannot you give me a few particulars or are you hindered? 
I am very glad that your health is better. You got rid of your partner very suddenly at last. I was very much afraid you would have a relapse. You never give me an account of your home. I expect as you are doing well, you have furnished your house very comfortably if not genteelly. Your garden, too, does it improve? and your Chinese servant that you gave me a nice account of - is he still with you? How does the Gospel progress in St. Luis Obispo? It is making rapid strides in many countries. 
I think you do not quite understand poor Fanny’s position but I expect in helping her, John, and not she, would be the better for it; should she ever be left a widow, I hope dear Alexander you will not over look her; her disposition is most amicable and I am quite sure she would do her utmost to provide for herself and children. I would give anything to have her situated near me. John James has left his situation. He is in too delicate health. Frank, the second boy, is a regular sturdy fellow that will get his living anywhere, I have not seen him since he was a baby but I hear most encouraging accounts of him. Addy is just recovering from the scarlet fever. 
Anne’s family are, I believe, all well and doing well. Sarah Ann is to be married in May next, that she will be left with none but her own family. I often see Elijah. He is succeeding in his profession rapidly. 
I was pleased with your remarks about Uncle Hopwood. I sent him your letter to read as I thought it would please him. He took great care that it would reach me safely. He is ever ready to give a helping hand. He has been very ill lately. It is wonderful with his delicate state of health that he has lived so many years. 
The book you mentioned in your letter - I have not got - where it went to I know not. I have written to Anne to know if she has it; at all event should it not be out of print, I will get it for you through some of the shops in the city if possible. I wish you were nearer. I have a great many books treasured up. Some I wish to return to Walter but the distance is so great that a trunk of books would I fear cost more than they are worth and I fear might be lost at the custom houses. 
I am thankful to say my health has been very fair through the winter excepting at times. I have, though, been obliged to contrive many ways to keep myself warm. 
What a pity there is such a scarcity of rain in your neighbourhood. The poor emigrants! How disappointed they must be and to lose all in a foreign country must be sad indeed. 
I have written this in a regular scramble, as I was afraid of being too late for [the] post. I hope you have got rid of your cold and that dear Andrea is quite well, to whom present my affectionate love and with many thanks to you both for the very bountiful presents, believe me,
Dear Alexander
Your affectionate mother
Sarah Murray 

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San Luis Obispo
April 15th, 1870

My dear Sister, 
My dear, I received a few days since yours of March 21st. Have received many others of your letters which I have not answered. I cannot give you a reason for my neglect, but only excuses. You remember that my poor father was always considered dilatory, and I believe that his mantle has fallen upon me. Further, I have had my full share of reverses and disappointments, and the cares of a constantly increasing family press on me with their full weight. But I do not wish you to think that any word of yours or of my dear mother has led to estrangement on my part. Any such idea would do me injustice. I have no complaint to make to any of you. On the contrary, in the intercourse between us, and in review of the relative fulfilment between us of our respective duties as brother & sister, son & father, son & mother, I am far more inclined to cry out “mea culpa”, than to allege any failure on your part. I am particularly sensible of this in view of my long and persistent silence after the death of my dear father. It took me so by surprize that I did not know what to say or what to do. I felt that I had done wrong in not forcing an opportunity to go and see him before his death, and I felt that it was now impossible to repair the wrong committed. I did not know how to exculpate myself and on the top of this came reverse after reverse in my business arrangements. With all this, my increasing family has left me little time to think of anything beyond my daily cares and the habit of procrastination superadded has led me to put off and put off correspondence with you all, until my shame and constant importunity, manifesting on your part charity rather than exaction, force me to devote some time to that intercourse which never should have ceased between us. 
I have another reason for writing you, which I desire to break to you as well as I can. Alexander is, in my estimation, dangerously ill. It is now nearly a month since he has been on the decline; for about 10 days he has been confined to his room. It is the general opinion here that his lungs are affected. This he has steadily resisted until now. I have several times urged him to submit to a medical examination. He has repeatedly told me that he would do so, as soon as he was cured of his cough. He has been very self-willed on this matter. Today the doctor examined him, and reports that he has a small abscess on the lung, which he can cure. I am in hopes that everything will come out right, but I cannot shut my eyes to the fact that Alexander is very weak, and has had several crises of his disease, which threatened bad results. He has long been in such a condition that any mooting of the matter before him, unless called for by his own remarks, has been insufferable to him. He steadily refuses to recognize that he had [has?] any very serious disease. I would, therefore, warn you not to say anything to him, manifesting any serious apprehension on your part, as it might have an ill effect upon his health. He has told me before that he had refrained from a medical examination so long because he deemed that to know anything which intimated danger would not have a salutary effect upon him. I therefore desisted from pressing him upon this subject. He has a good doctor and the best of attendance, including his wife, and a particular friend, who takes as great an interest in his welfare as I do myself. I have offered to attend him, whenever desired, and my wife, although nursing a child in arms, and burdened with a large family, is ready at any time to lend her aid. It is her nature, as I think she has as much of the milk of human kindness in her composition irrespective of claims of relationship, as any woman I ever knew.
Do not communicate this to my mother, as it might have an ill effect on her. I hope my brother will get well at once, but I do believe that if he should mend, he ought to seek some climate which is more suitable than this to his health. I have told him so, and he concurs; but he’s so wrapped up in his business that he does not feel inclined to close it out at anything like a sacrifice. He is much better off than myself pecuniarily, and with no family other than his wife. Should he remove as I think he ought, to some Spanish American country, with his knowledge of the language and of the habits and customs of the natives, I should have no fear that he would do any worse in business than he has done here. He is a good business man; much better than I am. He, however, manifests much less self confidence than his pecuniary position and business qualifications warrant.
I send you a picture of my eldest boy, Walter. He was born in 1864 and is now more than six years old. He is a bright enough boy, can write his own name and spell and read a little. He attends the public school. I have all my family at home now. They all attend the public schools here, except Eliza, who has a sickness attendant upon her peculiar age, 16 years. I have had doctors here, and finally have sent her to some warm sulphur springs, which have done her much good. I hope that she will get over it. She has been troubled with fits, but I trust she will now get over them. They are consequent upon menstrual irregularity.
I shall write today to my mother, but shall not let her know anything in regard to Alexander’s health, except that he is ill. I shall send her pictures of my two youngest children, Fanny and James Alfred. She will send them on to you and from that letter you will gather more particulars as to my position and prospects.
I have been for the last eight months publishing a weekly paper here. It is no emolument, but on the contrary is a drag upon my exertions. Its object has been more to strengthen myself and my part in this community than anything else. If it had not been for the fact that I was seeking the election to the office of District Judge, with a salary of $5000 per year, I should not have started it. It did me good service, as I managed to get a majority of 46 votes in my own county, in part from the assistance its wielding afforded me. I was beaten, however, by the vote of Santa Barbara county, where the native Californians were very strong; my opponent being the head-man of that blood in the State. He was a scion of old Spain, and repeatedly filling office in this state, to wit, those of State Senator, member of the Convention, Lieut. Governor, etc. He only beat me in the District by 49 votes, and would not have done that, had it not been by the brute strength of the native Californian vote, which went all against me. The Mexicans of my county supported me almost to a man.
I spent some money in traveling and the necessary expenses during the election and would have won the fight had I spent a little money in bribery. I could not do this, which is customary, and so had to succumb. This I cannot help, and have submitted with as good a grace as I could.
I will mail you a few copies of my paper today, and will send it regularly to you, if you desire it. It would give you a better idea of my position than anything I could write you, unless I should be a far more attentive correspondent than I have been. I should be glad to receive in return for my Walter’s picture, one of yours. You will see that the photograph is not well taken, which arises from the fact that we never have any good artists in this place. Those I shall send to my mother bear the same criticism. I shall not be able to write her tonight, but will tomorrow. 
Give my respects to your husband. I hope he is improving in health. My love also to the children. My wife and family send you their best regards. Now that correspondence has been reopened on my side, do not neglect me, although I confess that I deserve it. I am glad to say that my wife has just returned from Andrea’s and says that Alexander is better.
We have had a very nice warm day today. I have an acre of barley up a foot high, which I intend to cut for hay. This will give you some idea of the mildness of our climate.
I enclose you first [=bills?] of exchange for £19/12, which I purchased nearly a year ago to send to my mother. You can judge from that how far my dilatoriness has extended. Please forward it to her, and tell her to use it for her needs, and not to sacrifice any of her property. I ought to have sent it before. I will write to her fully about the children, etc.
Goodbye, my dear Anne, remember me kindly to Fanny and her family, and believe me ever
Your affectionate brother
Walter Murray

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San Luis Obispo
April 22d, 1870

My dear Anne, 
My dear, I have not yet mustered up sufficient courage to write to my dear mother. I write to you now simply to satisfy your natural anxiety about Alex’s health. He is still indoors; comes to the corridor of the garden to sit awhile during the warmth of the day; but he is very weak. Some days he appears to be mending; at others stationary. He has had no crises since I wrote to you. I cannot say that there is a very immediate danger, but there is no question but that he must get better soon, and be able to move to a warmer atmosphere, or else he cannot stand it, and must succumb. He has good attendance, and his wife takes good care of him. He still attends to the Express matters in his back room; but does not come to the business part of the establishment. He cannot. I see him every day, but do not stay to talk with him much. I have opportunities constantly, of course, to hear of him. He has plenty of help to attend to his business.
I send you tomorrow’s Tribune. Shall I continue to send it? I send you a picture of my baby, James Alfred. I think I only sent you one of Walter before.
Tell my mother that I will write to her fully in a day or two. You cannot either of you imagine how much of my time is occupied. If I only had method, I could make money, combined with a little economy, but as it is, I am all the time busy, but do not progress. I never learned method at home, and after experience has not implanted it in me.
The weather is very fine here now. You would hardly believe that I have an acre of barley behind my house which in two weeks time will be fit to cut for hay, and that further on, in the Priest’s garden, there are several acres already cut and cocked.
Let me call your attention to an article in the “Tribune” I send herewith, on [the] American Free School System. I expect that some of my utterances will shock you somewhat, and that my language at times appears to you rough, but I publish a paper to suit the community I live in, and I am generally commended. All I complain of is lack of cash.
Expecting to hear from you soon, and promising that you shall soon see my handwriting again, through my mother, I remain, my dear Anne,
Your affectionate brother
Walter Murray
P S I am momentarily expecting the stage, or would write more WM 

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San Luis Obispo
May 19 - 70

My dear Sister Anne, 
My dear, It is with sentiments of the deepest sorrow that I write to inform you of the decease, unexpected on my part, at least so soon, of my dear brother Alexander. I wrote you two letters a week or two since, the first written in fear of such a result, the latter intended, truthfully, to reassure you. It turned out that those, and they were legion, who had taken the most sombre views of my brother’s health, were in the right. He, poor fellow, held out to the last, and would not believe that he was in danger. The doctor, who now says emphatically, that poor Alex died of comsumption, never mentioned the word either to him or to me. He said to me only that Alex had an abscess on the lung, and this only toward the last of his stay here, and then only to get me to persuade my brother to seek a warmer climate. This I had repeatedly done before, but poor Alex was so wrapped up in his business that he always pooh-poohed the idea, and would not listen to any suggestion of the kind. He became offended if anyone mentioned the matter to him. At the doctor’s suggestion I advised him strongly to go to San Miguel, 40 miles from here, where the climate is much warmer than this. He went on [the] next day, and was there about three weeks, with his wife. It was an old mission, where an hotel was kept, and stage station. He had beautiful surroundings, as far as landscape, kind attendance, and wanted for nothing, except health. His wife attended on him faithfully to the last, and both refused to believe that he was so far gone. We received letters from him every day, and the news was on the whole favourable. He was gaining in flesh, as was ascertained by actual weight, and most people thought he was mending. 
The very day of his decease a friend came in from San Miguel and told me that he looked better than when he left town, but that he was very weak in voice. Next morning, at 3 o’clock, came a courier to tell us that he was gone. Immediately I hitched up a team, had it put in my buggy and took my wife and a friend out. We arrived at mid-day. We found poor Andrea very much afflicted; found out that my brother had been sitting down the night before, reading. She was conversing with him, when he complained of a dizzyness, and according to a previous instruction from the Doctor, called for a cup of coffee. It was given him, and he took it. His wife suggested sending for the doctor from the HotSprings, 6 miles distant. This Alex declined, but said that if it would relieve her anxiety, she could send for him. She went to the door to do so, when, on looking back she saw my poor brother fall back in his chair. She called for the lady of the house, and rushed to him. He had passed away without a groan or apparently a pang. This was about 9 PM of Monday, May 16th. 
Poor Alexander. We had given directions before leaving town to have everything prepared for the funeral. A friend brought the coffin out the next morning, May 18th, yesterday. On [the] same day we brought him home with his wife, and he is now lying in his coffin in my parlor, as I write. He is in a metallic coffin. Will be buried day after tomorrow, Saturday, at 2 PM with Masonic honors.
Dear Anne; I have seen so much buffeting about in this world, that perhaps I do not show, perhaps I do not feel, that emotion which is natural to such as have not seen trouble or danger; an emotion born as much of shock of an unexpected or unexperienced sorrow or danger, as of the true affection which all should have to those who are dear to them. The face, perhaps the heart, too, hardens. But, believe me that I feel deeply the loss of my poor brother, and would do much, very much, would travel far, endure greatly, to save him to him and to us. This I think he would have done for me. But he is gone now, and all I can do for him is to pay those last respects to his memory which all of us will some day require. This I will do, and all that I can do for his widow, who was a good wife to him. Write to my mother; break it to her. I cannot write to her now. I will do so hereafter. We are in good health. Respects to your husband.
I will write again soon. 
Your affectionate brother
Walter Murray

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[Alexander had already died on 16 May.] Brimscombe Mills
Near Stroud
Gloucestershire
May 31, 1870 

My dear Alex 
My dear I have had a very kind letter from Walter in which he apologizes for his long silence & says it is owing to his inveterate habit of procrastination, which is also a family failing. I am very glad he has written - another letter he said would be on the way to our mother & I hope it is. He sent her also a substantial present in my letter which she has obtained thro’ Baring Brothers. Perhaps you had better know nothing about this; he may not like it. It was nearly £20. She is very pleased of course & the money will be a help to her, but I think I know her when I say, she will be more pleased with a kind letter from him than with twice £20. She is not mercenary & does not set her heart on money tho’ of course she does not despise it. 
Walter told me about your abscess & general state of ill health. I am very, very sorry to hear it but trust the means used will be successful in restoring you to health. I know the kind of Doctor you mean “Electic” & think very highly of them. But, my dear brother, one little word I must add. All this illness shows that tho’ there may be no immediate danger, your health is in a very precarious state & your life very uncertain; now I must intreat you do make sure for any earthly contingency - in like manner make sure for your soul, that immortal part, that is of so much more value than the body. Believe me, you will not enjoy life less but more - far more & the future will be surrounded by a halo of light. Get it as your life & you will say with the Queen of Sheba when she saw the Glory of Solomon - “Behold, the half was not told me”. I say this from a life-long experience. 50 years have now rolled over my head in this vale of tears - for 40 years of which I have known the Lord & every year only adds to my joy. Men speak of the joys of youth. I am far happier now than I was in my youth & have no desire to go back one day because of the bright future to which I look. 
I did not know I had not sent you a likeness of Elijah. It was too bad. Here then is one. He does not take well. He looks cross when grave, but in life he is never grave - the most merry light hearted boy in the world. Quite the delight of his brothers & sisters one & all. Yet he keeps well to his studies. I think I told you he was first prizeman in the medical schools last year. He has won another prize in April this year for physiology & past the first examination very successfully. He has one more to pass & he can practise but he has two years study before that. He is every inch a doctor. For some years he has been called “Doctor” by us all & when he comes home for his holidays the people come all round for his advice & help & they always call him “Our little Doctor”. Do you remember when you used to hang “the Doctor” on a nail in a bag!! We often laugh about it here.
Mama has declined Miss Kraushaar’s company. Fanny wrote & begged her not to have her as she would fleece her like her dear brother. Elijah is in London & he sees his Grandma continually & attends to any matter in which she needs help. She never likes him to be home as she looks to him for company, sympathy, etc.
The book containing the family secret is out of print. Papa’s copy was lent, when last I heard of it, to Emily Auston. I will enquire of her about it & get it for you if I can.
My husband is quite well again now, but he must take great care next winter. If it please God to spare him to us a few years longer till little Ted is old enough to fight for himself, I shall be very thankful.
We are only 4 at home now. The step children all married & gone, Elijah in London. The four youngest at school at the seaside. Annie & Walter only at home. Arthur leaves school at Xmas and comes into the business so we shall be one more & every one is counted one in a small number. I have three grandchildren. My husband, Walter & Annie unite with me in love to you & Andrea who I hope is well.
Hoping to hear a good account of you soon I am,
Your loving Sister
A. Evans 

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[Alexander had already died on 16 May.] 40 London Street
Fitzroy Square
London W
June 3rd 1870 

My dear Uncle Alexander 
Doubtless you will be very surprised at receiving this letter from me, but as Mamma told me of your kind enquiries about me, your message to me, I thought I could not do better than answer them myself. Mamma tells me she has sent you my carte-de-visite. I regret it is not a better one, it having been taken two years ago. Had I known you had sent for one, I could have had some taken up here for you. However, you shall see the next I have taken.
I am very sorry to hear of your illness. I hope that you will soon be better. I hope the change of air I hear you have taken will set you up again.
As you may imagine I have very little, if any, remembrance of you, except from reputation; but I am almost certain I remember, on one occasion hanging up in your dirty clothes bag behind your door & Mamma coming into the room at the time. Mamma however says that it is a stretch of my somewhat lively imagination. I, on the other hand beg to differ & believe it is quite genuine.
No doubt you have heard that I am studying medicine at the Middlesex Hospital. I have given up Dentistry & have been at the Hospital for two years. I like it much.
On Sundays I often see Grandmamma. She is living in one of her houses & on the whole seems contented & happy. Before she resided in her own house, the tenants used to vex & annoy her, by always complaining & at last running off, & leaving a month’s rent unpaid. Now however circumstances are altered, & they complain much less, & pay more regularly, so that she has much less trouble. Indeed now it is a little amusement to her looking after her tenants, etc, and helps to break the monotony, which she must necessarily feel in living by herself. Nevertheless as she gets older, she naturally feels things a trouble, which were she younger, could be pleasure to her. We all think it is a pity she does not sell the houses & come and live with us; but having been a housekeeper all her life she does not like giving up & naturally too. She is very pleased to see visitors, although she does not see many. She always looks forward to my coming (which is every second or third Sunday) as quite an event, & is always pleased to see me.
With regard to my own mother, I am happy to say that on the whole she is pretty well now. Although she is subject to spasms, which are anything but pleasant companions, between attacks she enjoys good average health.
Of course you have heard that since the marriage of my second sister, she has only her own family at home, which is of course very pleasant for her & I trust that like old Job, “the latter days will be better than the former”. I had hoped that this was a quotation, but I find I am mistaken; however it will do.
I visit the Hopwoods alternately with Grandma; they are pretty well, Uncle H. being the greatest invalid in that establishment. They often talk of you, & always ask for the latest news concerning you & Uncle Walter.
With regard to myself, I enjoy very good health [I] am happy to say, & trust I am getting on moderately well in my profession, Have succeeded in obtaining four prizes at the Hospital for different subjects & last April passed my first examination at the College of Surgeons. However, I don’t intent to try for any more prizes, as it creates jealousy & ill feeling amongst the other students. Amongst the Physicians & Surgeons at the Hospital I am in good favour, & after all that is the great thing. I am afraid you will think I am a great egotist when you see all these capital I’s, but it could not be avoided inserting them, if I told you how I was getting on.
I am afraid I must bring this letter to a conclusion now, as I shall have to send it to Mamma to send on to you, as I have not your address.
Hoping to hear that you are much better, I remain
Your affectionate Nephew,
Elijah Knox Davies 

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Brimscombe Mills
Near Stroud
Gloucestershire
June 16, 1870 

My poor dear Andrea 
I cannot tell you how much I feel for you in your present sorrow. I have been a widow myself and know its desolation, but I also know that God is as good as his promise & is indeed the Husband of the widow. He helped and delivered me, provided for my fatherless boy & has never left me & He will be with you if you only look to Him. He knows how to comfort better than any earthly friend. He is the Brother born for adversity & the present help in every time of trouble. Do look to Him - put your trust fully in Him & you will find Him as good to you as he has been to me.
Now I want to hear something more about dear Alex which only you can tell me. Will you kindly write as soon as you can & satisfy my earnest longing - They say he did not expect death & did not like to hear about it - That is natural to some minds but dear Andrea, was he prepared to die - I mean did he ever speak to you about his soul & eternity & tell you how he felt in the prospect of death? I know he was a kind husband & a good man in many ways. That he was moral in his conduct & so on but did he express a hope that it was all right with him for another world[?] What book was he reading just before his death? Was his mind at all resting on things of God? Oh if you could tell me something about these things I should be so glad. I have heard nothing that can give me any comfort & I shall look eagerly for a letter from you hoping that you, his wife, who knew so much more of his heart than any one else, will be able to tell me something that will rejoice & comfort me.
My husband unites in love & sympathy.
Believe me, dear Andrea
Your affectionate & sorrowing sister
Anne Evans

P S I wish you were nearer to us - we would come to you & try to comfort you. 

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1 Alexandra Cottages 
Fairfield Road 
Bow 
Middlesex 
17th June 1870

My dear Andrea 
My dear Although separated from you many thousands of miles & though I have never been privileged to see you, yet believe me that your faithfulness towards my dear departed son has endeared you to me by the endearing ties of a daughter. Permit me then to sympathise with you in your bereavement, may you, dear, be comforted and supported by that Almighty power which is ever a source of comfort and consolation to the afflicted. 
I read with much satisfaction the testimonial of Alexander’s character in the San Luis Obispo’s paper - dear Alexander, he was ever a kind, affectionate son, and I have no doubt of his having been a loving and devoted husband. May you, my dear Andrea, cherish an affectionate remembrance of his virtues. He did so much to enter into all the various duties of his home; in his last letter to me, mentioned your attention to your garden and various other matters which were very gratifying to me. How little did he then think that his time would be so short. True it is, that “in the midst of life we are in death”. 
I fear that horrid worm was the original cause of his death otherwise consumption took a very rapid course. I hope I shall have the pleasure of hearing from you. Any little remark he may have uttered respecting his spiritual state would be consolatory to me. During the 3 weeks absence from business cares, perhaps he might have been led to remark upon his prospects as to the future. 
In your arrangements should you feel disposed to visit me, or my daughter, I am sure we should be most happy in seeing the beloved wife of dear Alexander and would endeavour to make you as comfortable as circumstances would permit. And now, my dear Andrea, I recommend you to the care of Him who is a husband to the widow. Trust to Him, and he will be your friend even until death. With my very best wishes for your restoration to happiness, I remain
My dear Andrea
Your affectionate Mother
Sarah Murray 

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San Luis Obispo
June 15th, 1870

My dear Sister,
I have received yours of May 18th, two days later date than that of the decease of my dear brother. I am glad that the letters you had received from him and me had prepared you for the sad news which I communicated to you. I am anxiously expecting to hear from you again, and to learn how my dear mother has received the fatal intelligence. I enclose you now a copy of the doctor’s certificate, circumstantially detailing the facts which led to his death. I believe it to be a fair statement.
Andrea is living at my house, and I am about taking steps to administrate upon my brother’s estate. He was doing a good business when he died, but it was of so varied and peculiar a nature, that I am afraid it will die with him. He used to make about $900 per annum out of his Express agency. This he intended so to arrange as to dispose of before closing his business; his intention being to seek a better climate for his health. He had failed, however, to complete any arrangement before his death, and the result was that some greedy persons here got the promise from the Express Company, that “in case of a vacancy” (which they evidently expected) a certain young man here should be appointed. Accordingly, but three or four days past after poor Alex’s decease before the appointment came down to the man promised. I expect to get the Post Office, and will endeavour to carry on a part of my brother’s business.
I received the two numbers of the Daily News mailed by Mr. Evans, but did not know who sent them, nor what there was especially in them for my notice. I did not read the bribery case you mention. I passed them to another countryman but will endeavour to recover them. I am glad your husband is better and hope he will soon entirely recover.
The girl holding the baby in her arms is not Eliza, but Amelia, or Emilia, as we spell it, an orphan girl whom my wife is bringing up.
After a short time I will give you some particulars of my brother’s estate. By the law of the State, his wife is entitled to one half of the property, by right of survivorship. She then takes another half (of the moiety) as one of his legal heirs, under the Statute of descents and distribution. Independent of this, she is entitled to the Homestead, and all the property exempt from execution. What does not go to her goes in equal proportions between my mother, you, Fanny, and myself. I cannot tell what there will be to distribute, as most of the property is in real estate, which bears a fluctuation value, or notes and debts, many of which are not good. I shall have a pretty hard time in making collections, especially as this is a very dry year, scarcely any harvest, and no business doing. Many persons are being ruined, there is nothing fixed here, and a man is apt to lose in one year what he makes in another. At least it has been so with me.
I should have refrained from going into all these business details, so soon after my brother’s death, but I felt it to be my duty to let you known something of the state of his affairs. I will further inform you hereafter.
You do not mention in your letter of first [??] of Exchange for £19, or thereabouts, which I sent by you to my mother, in I think, my first letter; please acknowledge the receipt of it if it reached you. If not, I will send a second. I have written you three letters, two before my brother’s death, and one after & besides a letter to my dear mother, under cover to you. Have you received them all?
I have my time fully occupied now and I could increase my store if it were not for my large family, which needs all my exertions for their support. Neither I nor my wife are good managers, or we might do better. Please give my love to my dear mother and to all your children. I am very proud of my little namesake. I am afraid my boys will not be as good-looking, although James, as a baby, is considered extra. Respects to your husband,
Your affec' brother
Walter Murray

---------------------

San Buenaventura
July 14th, 1874

Miss Anita Murray,
My dear daughter, 
I was very much pleased to receive your pretty letter of the 5th instant. I had really supposed that you had forgotten me, and I was agreeably disappointed when I saw your handwriting. I hope you will now continue corresponding with me. You ought to do so at least once a week. It will be good practice for you, will improve you in writing and composition, and it will be a comfort to me to know that you think enough of your father to correspond with him when he is away from home. You ought to know, my dear child, that I love you very much, and I am glad to be able to tell you so. I love you because you pay some attention to what I tell you, and show a desire to improve yourself in knowledge, by reading and study, so as to enable you to grow up to be an educated and intelligent woman. Persevere in this, my dear girl, always. Your reward will be that you will grow in mind beyond the dull level of the San Luis Obispo girls, -- [and] will some day be worthy of a good husband, instead of a fool or an underling; and will be a joy and pride to your parents instead of a sorrow or reproach. 
I have determined to send you either to Mr. Harmon's College or to Santa Barbara. I should prefer the latter because it is nearer and because I could see you oftener there, as also because you would there form acquaintances who might some day be of some use to me, but I have heard that they have but few boarders there, and I fear it is not as good a college as Mr. Harmon's. Besides, I have great confidence in Mrs. Harmon, and I think she would take especial care of you, for old acquaintance sake, as also on account of your previous knowledge of her. I am going to Santa Barbara tomorrow, and will take occasion to visit the college then, and enquire about it. I will let you know the result; but you may write in the meantime and let me know which place you would like best. You may tell your mother to prepare you for going, because I am determined to send you to one or the other. The next time you write, let me know how Mr. Felt's school gets on, and whether he has improved as a teacher or not. Write to me at Santa Barbara, and tell you mother to do the same, as I shall not have to return here until next November. 
I had a very pleasant 4th of July and will send you a copy of the oration I delivered, which I hope you will read through, and try to understand. This is a very pretty place, and if I send you to the Santa Barbara College I will take you to visit it some day; probably next year. I trust you are attending school now all the time, and I expect it of you. I received a letter from your mother yesterday and will endeavor to reply today. I am glad to hear from you all, and am very much tired of being away from home. I desire that you will write me a longer letter next time, that is, if it does not tire you, for I do not want you to write against your will. I am very much pleased that you write a good hand, and that you have a good idea of composition. I wish you would compose me two letters, one for your grandmother (Mrs. Sarah Murray) and one for your aunt, (Mrs. Philip Evans). They are both in England, and I know that it would give them great pleasure to hear from you. After writing the letters, send them, under cover, to me, that I may see if they are well done. If they are, I will send them on; if not I will correct them, and return them to you that they may be rewritten. 
I send you my picture. Take care of it. 
I am glad to learn that Fanny is well, and will not forgot her white mouse. Perhaps I will bring her two. I suppose that the one she has is full grown. 
Did you attend the circus when it was in San Luis? I want to go and see it; but am afraid I cannot, as I shall be on the road to Santa Barbara while it will be removing to this place. 
Goodby, my dear child. Pay heed to what I have told you in the first part of this letter and be sure that while you do so you will ever have my affection. 
I remain, 
Your loving Father, 
Walter Murray

[The original of this letter is in the San Luis Obispo Museum 
D. Bilodeau] 

----------------------

San Buenaventura
November 7th, 1874

My dear daughter, 
I received yesterday, in this place, your welcome letter of October 31st, acknowledging mine of Oct. 25th. I wrote you again on the eve of my departure from San Luis so that you still owe me one. I am glad to hear that you are progressing in your studies, and hope that you will come out well in your examination. I feel that I need not press upon your attention the necessity of using every endeavor to excel in your studies, for I think that you have sufficient ambition to do so, without my prompting. 
I am surprised that you should find composition difficult. Every letter you write me is a composition, and is good practice for you. I presume, however, that in school they give out to you some subject upon which to write, and you are obliged to set down your thoughts upon it. This, of course, is more difficult than ordinary letter writing, as in the latter you treat only of what must be familiar to you, as the news of the house or neighborhood, the health of relatives, etc. etc. But this style of exercise which I presume they prescribe for you is very useful, as it stirs up the ideas, brings them out, and stimulates the use of the intellectual faculties. Do not tire; but strive as hard as you can to comply with the task that is set you. 
At your age I had never been required to write on any subject; and perhaps it would have been better for me if I had. I had voluntarily commenced to write verses, however, which generally follows instead of precedes prose composition. I was a very lengthy letter-writer, for I had two elder sisters, with whom I was in constant correspondence. This assisted me greatly, and [I] trust that you will cultivate letter writing, so that you also may improve by experience. Choose for your correspondents such as known more than yourself, so that you may learn of them. For want of a more congenial friend, I have volunteered to be your correspondent myself, so that I may be of some use to you in framing your mind. 
I trust, my dear daughter, that you will believe that I love you, that you will repay me with your love, and that you will make that gift more precious, by proving to me that it proceeds from a good heart and a mind ambitious to improve to its fullest capacity. I assure you, my dear daughter, that I will do all I can, that you may not fall behind in education as your sisters have done, but rather go onward and proceed to the utmost attainable point. If you will only second me in this, by taking the utmost advantage of the instruction afforded you, my greatest desire in life will be accomplished. 
I shall by very glad to see the picture you promised me. I am sorry that you did not get a good a copy as you desired, but “que vamos hacer?” It happens so sometimes. 
I will write to your mother to have “Chatterbox” sent you. I sent you from San Luis a Spanish book, Goodrich's Select Stories for the Young, translated into that language. You will see by the inscription in it, that I bought it for you as far back as May last. I do not know whether you have ever seen it before. I hope you will like it, but fear that it is somewhat too simple for you. As it is in Spanish, a language which you have not studied, perhaps it is better for being simple. 
I learn by letter from your mother that you told the girls when in Oakland, that you wanted a hat, a pair of gloves, a woolen gown and some under clothing. This the girls forgot to report until after I left. You can see or write to Mrs. Rutherford, and she will get these things for you. I enclose your mother's letter to me. 
I remain, in haste
Your affectionate father, 
W Murray

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Santa Barbara
May 3d, 1875 

My dear Anita, 
Above I send you a few ideas on the subject you named. I do so in the faith that your teacher permits you to make use of them. Otherwise I forbid your doing it. You had better show them to her, and let her be the judge of how far you follow blindly the language given you, and how far by the use of your own words, and by judicious combination of the ideas presented with your own, you show personal merit in composition. I received yours of the 25th April. I shall probably stay here all this week, but shall certainly be home by next Sunday. 
I have put your picture in a locket, and I want you to tell Mercedes to have one of her taken in same shape, and to send it to me to put in the same. 
Mrs. Harmon could not have received a letter from me the other day as I have not written one to her since you were at school. She must have been mistaken about my election as Judge of a Court. You know that I was appointed by Governor Booth on Dec, 31st, 1873, and have held the office of District Judge ever since; and the election for the office at the conclusion of my term does not come off until October next. Mr. Fawcett, who married Miss Pray, is to be my opponent. 
I hope to hear from both of you soon. I like to hear from you. Your letters are a consolation to me when I am alone, as I am half the time. Do you get the papers I send? Do you get Harper's publications now? Did Mercedes write about them to New York? Did she get the $50 I sent her? I hope it will be well bestowed. We have beautiful weather here now; not too hot nor too cold. May Day was particularly lovely. I hear that San Luis is building up fast, and so is this town. Adieu, my little girl. Give my love to Mercedes, and respects to Mr. & Mrs. Harmon. 
I remain, your affectionate father, 
Walter Murray

----------------

Santa Barbara, California
Aug. 11th 1875

My dear daughter: 
I duly received yours of 2 inst. I was sick off and on during most of the month of July. I am much better now, and at work all the time, but my stomach is out of order, and I cannot eat heartily. I am taking medicine, and hope soon to be well. Eliza is here with me, and is much better, but it is only temporary relief, and I do not know how soon her symptoms may return. 
I wish you would devote your whole energy toward such studies as Geography, Grammar and History. I do not see what use Physiology and Rhetoric will be to you, except the mere rudiments. The studies I have first named it would be as well for you to exhaust. 
I am glad you are getting the Weeklys. If they do not come readily, I tell you again to write to Harper Brothers, New York, complaining of their irregularity. 
Have an understanding as soon as possible with Mr. Harmon about that bill. I am glad the teachers are to be more strict with you. You need it. I reached here on Monday, August 2d. I shall go next Sunday to San Buenaventura, and shall, perhaps, take Eliza with me. Shall only stay there three days. I shall then return here, and stay until the end of the month. 
I am now nearly certain of my election turning out favorably, as my opponent, Mr. Fawcett, is about to withdraw from the contest. I hope you will advance all you can during the coming six months, as I am not sure that I can let you return to school. 
I understand from your mother that Fanny is not well. Espiridiona has been sick, but is better. Eliza is leading a lazy life here, and I shall take her home with me on my return. She has a sea bath nearly every day. I have been teaching her to swim. She is improving in the art, and if she tried hard, will before long to able to swim well. She can float on her back now, and is not at all afraid of the water. 
It is very hot here, but with cold nights. Last evening I went to hear Mr. Houghton and others make some political speeches in the open air, and was compelled to return before it was over, for want of my overcoat. 
Goodby for the present, Your affectionate father, 
Walter Murray

[D. Bilodeau comments:
The letter was written on stationery headed: 
Office of the 
County Clerk of Santa Barbara County 
H.P. Stone 
County Clerk and Recorder] 

---------------

Santa Barbara, Cal.
Aug. 11th 1875

My dear Anita - 
I was pleased to receive your letter of August 1st. You should never have left your trunks on the wharf. Don't do that again. It is just like the thoughtlessness of all my children. I do not believe in the new studies you talk about. What good will Geometry, Anatomy and Chemistry ever do you, unless merely to learn the first rudiments, which you can acquire yourself, as I did, from reading and lectures! I wish you to perfect yourself as nearly as you can in Music, Grammar, Reading, Composition, History, Geography, Elocution; the French and Spanish languages, and Drawing. The rest does not bother me. I left out arithmetic, but not intentionally. The same remarks apply to Mercedes. 
I refer you to my letter of today to Mercedes for particulars as to my health and that of Eliza, who is here with me. She is better, but I am afraid only temporarily. She is well treated here by Da Tuna and leads a very easy life. How would you and Mercedes like to try the Santa Barbara College next term? Let me know. Quite a number of children have gone down from San Luis Obispo, and the principal is very anxious I should send you. 
I shall go next Sunday to San Buenaventura, to stay for a few days, and may take Eliza with me. Your mother wants me to have Fanny sent down here for a while. She seems to be always anxious to have her children spread all around the country. 
I am just going to the beach to have a bathe with Eliza. She is learning to swim. Everybody goes there, and many ladies. Santa Barbara is fast building up and it will be a fine large place when you see it, if you ever do. 
I am pretty sure of election now as my principal opponent has withdrawn. 
Do not forget to write to me, and get Mercedes to do the same. During August you can direct here. In September to San Luis Obispo. 
I am in a hurry just now and will conclude. 
I remain, your affectionate father, 
Walter Murray

PS Give me respects to Mr. & Mrs. Harmon.
[D. Bilodeau comments:
Judge Murray was in Santa Barbara holding court. His two daughters, Anita and Mercedes were at Washington College in Irvington. Anita was 15 years of age. The college was run by Mr. & Mrs. Harmon. 
The letter was written on letterhead paper as follows: 
Office of the 
COUNTY CLERK OF SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 
H.P. Stone 
County Clerk and Recorder] 

-------------

Santa Barbara
August 26th 1875

Miss M. A. Murray, 
My dear daughter: 
Yours of -22 inst just received, and I was glad to hear from you. Fanny is not here. I did not like to split up the family more than it is at present. I am much better than I was in San Luis Obispo, but have not regained my appetite, and as soon as I get back to San Luis will put myself under the doctor's charge. 
Miss McKeeby and her brother are very good people, and so are their parents. They are very good friends of mine. I do not know why you should imagine that I have spoken ill of you to them. I should not do so if you did not deserve it; and I should not do so if you did. 
I shall not be in San Luis until about the tenth of next month. Then you can mail me Harper's Weeklys in one package, and thereafter send each week. I cannot understand why you did not get them before. 
Eliza is better, but has an attack once in a while. She is engaged to be married to a young man here, who I think will make her a good husband. He is mayor domo for Mr. John Bell, who is a rich man and has plenty of land and sheep. That is, Mr. Bell has, not the young man. I have given my consent. They will have to wait some months before marriage. 
I shall write to Anita today. I got her letter with yours. My election is nearly certain. 
I think I shall take Eliza home with me, but am not certain just yet. Da Tuna, wife of Mr. Judart, has seen you in Santa Barbara, and I gave her one of your pictures. Give my respects to Miss Mamie and her brother. Do not let any one know that I have any intention of removing you or Anita from Mrs. Harmon's, as I am by no means determined in regard to the matter. I may have to remove to Santa Barbara, in which case I could have you with me. But this is not to be mentioned, either, to any one. It would injure me to have it known in San Luis. Both places are improving greatly. In Santa Barbara there have been many large houses built since you were here; among others, a new hotel, beyond the College, with 300 rooms. 
I remain with much love, Your affectionate father, 
Walter Murray

[D. Bilodeau comments:
The original of this letter to Mercedes Anita Murray is in the Bancroft Library in Berkeley, California ] 

----------------

San Luis Obispo
December 17th, 1875 

My dear Sister,
Your sadly sweet letter brought to us joy and bitterness combined. With eyes filled with tears and hearts bursting with grief, did we eagerly listen to your kind words which were read aloud by the eldest daughter of that noble father who is lost to us forever upon this earth. Not in the earthly home will we again be blessed by his sweet companionship and may we so live that we will be allowed to enjoy it in the Heavenly Home.
The loss which we have met is indeed irreparable. One which we must mourn until our days upon this earth are ended. - It is a very great comfort to us dear sister, to feel that we have your affection and kind sympathies, although the great distance which separates us renders it impossible for us ever to become personally acquainted. But since we cannot communicate in person it will ever be to us a great consolation to do so in writing, and to feel that you take an interest in the welfare of the unfortunate family of your deceased brother - who was so much beloved by you, as they were by him.
He was highly esteemed and respected by all who knew him and to me this is a very consoling thought. Although he has been taken from us, his memory will be with us forever.
I was indeed proud of my relation with one of God’s own noblemen, and although he has been removed from our midst, I shall always pride myself in his name - a name which we shall honor and suffer to remain unsullied so long as we shall live.
At present I am much confused, and know not what I shall do. Everything appears as a black cloud to me. I trust that dear Jesus will cast a light in my path and with his kind helping hand guide and instruct me. This is certain - I must do something. The children must have schooling, and I must sacrifice anything for their education. It is indeed hard to be left along with a large family in your hands. It is true that he has left many friends, but there are none who offer us more than sympathy for our loss. You know what this world is - Each one for himself. I have not yet found one as ready to help and advise as was our dear Walter. He was ever willing to lend a helping hand to all. Now I must be dealt with as one of the world - with no pity - no compassion. Each one for himself - such is California. 
So far, out of the numerous friends which my dear husband left behind, only one has proved worthy of the title. This is Charles Rutherford - father of a large family. He and dear Walter were boys together in Boston and were as dear to each other as brothers, until Walter’s death. Now he is doing all he can to help us. His wife came down while our loved one was breathing his last, with my daughters Mercedes and Anita, who were at College in San Francisco. When all was over she insisted upon taking Josephine home with her that she might attend school there, as our schools in San Luis are in a bad condition. They had refused to take pay for Josephine’s board and she is cared for as though she were their own child. Josephine will be 14 years old in April. 
Walter, my only son is also with Mr. Rutherford and attending school in San Francisco. I pay all his expenses. It is the first time the dear boy has been away from home and it seems a little hard to him. He will be 12 years old in January. I have a great desire that Walter shall grow up to be as good, and as intelligent a man as his father was, and while I live he shall have every good opportunity that I can afford him. 
Anita - her father’s pet - is attending the State Normal School. This is a very superior institution of learning and I hope I can keep Anita there until she graduates. She has always expressed a desire to become a teacher and if she graduates from this school she will be qualified to teach anywhere and will obtain a State certificate. Her advancement for one so young is quite remarkable. She has her father’s head and is more like him than any of the other children are. She is going to make a noble woman. 
Mercedes left school at the time of her dear father’s death. We thought to keep her at school a year longer, but since our sad misfortune she feels that she must give her place to one of the younger ones. 
My daughter Eliza is still with me - her health is not good. Fannie, my youngest - now 9 years old - is getting to be a big girl. At present I dare not send her to school. She is a very delicate child, and I intend to keep her at home this winter. Mercedes hears her lessons. Fannie is a smart child - very quick to learn. I trust that God will help me in bringing up my dear children. They were deprived of a noble father’s guiding hand just when they most needed his counsel. 
In regard to what means my beloved husband left us, he left something beside the Homestead but I do not know how much will remain with us after everything is settled. I find that there is quite a sum to be paid out and I fear that there will be very little left us - if anything. There are a number of persons who were owing him but we will have a hard time in obtaining their pay. One of these owed Walter three thousand dollars and in the hour of his death he said to this man - in my presence “Be sure and let my family have what you owe me”. Now the man denies the debt. It seems to have been an agreement made verbally as we can find no papers by which we could force the man to pay. And so it is - they all hand in their bills but refuse to pay theirs. Yes, my dear sister, such is my situation and I am utterly incapable of altering it. May the All Father help us in our trying hours.
We buried our loved one near dear Alexander. I have not yet had the grave arranged but we are daily expecting the money for his Life Insurance and with a part of this I mean to build a sort of vault for him and the dear children whose remains I will remove from where they now lie and place them with their dear father. When this is done I will have the dear grave photographed and will send you copies of it, that you may behold where our loved ones lie. 
I send you as much of his hair as I can possibly spare. I will also send some to our dear old Mother from whom I received a precious letter last night. I will write to her very soon. I see that she is not living with you. Still independent as ever is she? The dear old lady is not long for this world. For her the blissful reunion is not far distant, God knows, but it is less distant for us. Our loved ones have gone only a little while before us, and Oh! to prepare ourselves for the meeting.
I also send you two more copies of the account of dear Walter’s death. I tried to obtain more but could not. There was nothing said about him in any paper but the Tribune. Have you as many of his photographs as you want? I am having some copied from the best ones we have of him and if you wish I will send you one or two copies.
Mr. Thompson is dead. He committed suicide by shooting himself shortly after his arrival here. It is said that he committed this rash act because a young lady whom he greatly admired, refused to marry him. I do not know how true this is. All that reached us of the box which you sent us by Mr. Thompson was a piece of greyish cloth. The rest of the things were lost on the way out. We thank you for your kindness in sending them. 
I shall hope to hear from you again, dear sister, and shall ever be happy to answer your dear missives. Mercedes says she will with pleasure write to her dear Aunt. She will also write to her Grandmama soon. I hope this letter will find you all well and may God watch and protect you ever. Your nieces would all be delighted to make their Aunt’s acquaintance, but he who might some day have taken them to visit the dear relatives is gone to return no more, and the children must now be satisfied by making the relations' acquaintance through writing only. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, blest be the name of the Lord. We poor short sighted mortals cannot understand these afflicting dispensations of Providence but He says that we shall know hereafter.
Present my respects to your kind husband, and to your family - much love from their unknown cousins. The girls all send love to their dear Aunt. Accept, dear sister, and present to your dear children my best love with the assurance that I am
Yours affectionately
Mercedes Murray

---------------

San Luis Obispo
December 21st, 1875 

My very dear Sister,
I have just received your kind and very welcome letter refering to Mr. Henderson’s letter to your husband. Mr H. is an old acquaintance of 25 years and was one of your dear brother’s best friends. He says that you are mistaken in that - He being Administrator of the Estate of Alexander could not with propriety act for heirs in England, but he merely recommended the appointment as your attorney in fact, Mr. John Simmler - our Post Master - as a proper person to be instructed with your interests, he being an old and tried friend of my husband’s and this appointment is fully indorsed by me. I am the sole Executrix of Walter. 
The children are much pleased with the little cards you sent them and they thank you for them. They are doubly pleased with their little gifts as having come from their dear Aunt. As to health, we are all well thank God, but the wound in our bruised hearts is as sore and fresh as ever. I am still undecided as to what I shall do to earn something that I may keep the children at school. I hope that as soon as all business matters are settled I will be able to see my way clear to do something to help us along. Thank Heaven we are not at present suffering from poverty - but I fear that if we do not find some other means for living than that which our dear one left us we will some day fall short. He was taken from us just at the time when he was beginning to set himself up. His re-election was considered secure and he was so ambitious and anxious about it. The very day he died he sent a man out in the country electioneering. You can imagine how great was his enthusiasm. He died on the 5th day of October and the election took place on the 20th of that month. But the Great All Father knows best. He does all things wisely and I feel that He will help us in this our sorrowing time.
We shall hope to have your dear letters always, as a consolation and comfort. Mercedes and Anita will write to you and to their dear Grandmama regularly and they hope that when you are unable to write, the unknown cousins will do so for you. They would love to hear from them.
I hope that this will find you enjoying perfect health in company with your dear husband and family. The children unite with me in love to yourself and all the dear unknown relations.
If you conclude to send Mr. Simmler the power of Attorney, do it with all possible dispatch. You may safely place all confidence in this gentleman, as he is perfectly reliable.
Hoping to hear from you soon again I remain
Yours affectionately
M Murray

------------------

[This letter appears to have been written in Spanish and translated by some unknown person. This transcription from that person's handwriting was done by Sukie Hunter, who has retained the original spelling. Only some spacing has been changed.] San Luis Obispo, Calif.a
Feb. 19th 1876 

Mrs. A. Evans
My very dear Sister, my only consolation 
Your favour of the 15th ultimo, which is at hand, shows me that You and yours are all well, for which I thank God, and hope that he will preserve your precious life, for the consolation of your dear family and our own too, in this our terrible affliction and solitude, which every day we feel more and more keenly in our hearts.
One reason why I did not answer your very esteemable letter above mentioned immediately, has been the visit of Mr. Charles Rutherford, the most dear Friend of my beloved husband, who has been with us four days, and as he loved so truly my dear Walter, he has been with us to his grave, where he has shed his tears with us weeping most bitterly like a child for his dear Friend. We felt some consolation with his visit, as he resembles my dear Walter, in many respects, his ideas, manners and even his features or so it appears to me, and also his departure has caused us considerable sorry at the end of his visit. He is a very good gentleman and a true friend of my lost Walter. He has lost two wives and now is married to a very good lady and lives with his family in Oakland, California - where two of my children are taken care of at his house while they are being educated and now, he took Mercedes with him to go to stay two or three weeks with his family and at the same time to see her brother and sister. He has promised me to write to You a long letter and I am sure he will do it soon. He is in charge of the purchase of the sepulchrum and ornament of my beloved’s grave and when all will be complete I will send you a Photo of all of it, as well of all your poor neices and nephew, and I will also send the same to your dear mother, who is now the most sacred person that I keep in my sorrowful heart. As soon as will have all the photos readdy I will write to her, dear Mamma I pray to God to preserve her life and health for a long, very long time.
In regard to your dear brother’s business, they are not as yet concluded or ended. I hope that after paying all our debts there will be a small rent left for the support of the family and their education. I economize as much as I possibly can but I see that it will be necessary that I do some work besides or some Kind of business to make ends meet, as the saying is; the difficulty is that I see nothing that I can do, as during my beloved’s life time, I never did any thing in the least, except the care of the house and family, and now I am the most afflicted creature on earth, not knowing what to do, to help supporting such a large family, seven children, all girls but one, and this so young in a country so difficult for lone women to do any thing. I tell You my dear Sister when I reflect and think in my terrible situation my forhead burns and almost get crazy with afliction. Our Friends are mostly poor and although they encourage us with words they cannot do anything further towards helping us, as they too have their own cares and families to support.
When I began to raise my family, I took with my husband’s consent two orphan little girls, we brought them up, and they have helped us very well in all the sickness that we have had in the family, and in raising our own children too, one is 23 years old and the other 15, they are very virtuous, and in the last illness of my beloved, they have heroically helped me in everything, with constancy & good will, they have no father or mother and we were all they had in the world and Walter loved them as his own daughters, they are still with me, and I feel as my duty to take care of them until they shall be established as God will direct and provide, and I will starve before exposing them, in this corrupt world, to its dangers. 
Therefore my very dear Sister, You will see that all my family contains ten persons with myself: six children of my beloved Walter, one daughter I had of my first husband, which daughter was so very young when we married, that Walter was, so to speak, her second father and he loved her, and she him, just the same as the best father and daughter, the two above mentioned girls and myself; therefore I beseech You to pray for us all, my very dear Sister, that our Lord may guide my thoughts in performing my great and holy duties, as my very dear Walter told me, when near his last moments, with a great effort and pain from the bottom of his heart.
Oh! My very dear Sister, the more I cry and weep the more I feel my misfortune and solitude and the more my eyes desire to shade tears so bitter and my agony increases almost every day, so great has been my loss, and having no consolation, but that from God I hope I will obtain it.
Dear Sister, I pray You not to forget us with your consoling letters, which bring such soothing to my heart for my lost treasure. You say that Walter did not speak much of his family, please excuse him, he had so many business that took all his time almost, to comply with his engagements, and he intended to remedy all those faults, when he would go to make a visit to You and all of yours which he desired from the bottom of his heart, which desire he kept in his heart for so many years, and now when it seemed so near its cumpliment [Sp. cumplimiento = fulfilment, realization], out Lord took him to his Kingdom - His will be done. Although in my humble judgement his death was premature and his sickness was not properly treated by the Doctor, which circumstance augments more and more my grieff, every time I think about it, without I having been able to help it in any wise or manner.
My very dear Sister, although I am overcome with grieff and pain, I am going to give You an explanation of all his sickness, as You desire me to do: Walter was a gentleman who knowing his merits he always made himself obeyed by his family, as well as by all other persons having business with him, without admiting any contrariety by any one, his character was always firm and decided. He enjoyed generally good health and he had too much confidence in this, not caring, as he ought to, in regard to his stomach. In all the time of our married life he had only been sick three times: first the small pox of which he suffered very severely, second a very bad cold he took once which nearly cost him his life: he used to get up every morning from his bed and go out immediately without covering himself enough as I though, and told him many, many times not to do, but without any heed to my advise and one day we brought him in the house from the garden, almost stiff and trembling so terribly, that we thought that he was going to die; but fortunately he got well; but still continued with his habit of going out in the cold air and strong wind, as soon as he got up form bed and without covering himself, in spite of my continous remonstrances. This is a place where the wind is almost permanent and requires considerable care even with very healthy people; but he had none at all, specially now with his employment of District Judge, as he had to travel from one place to another in rain or wind to attend to the oppening of his court in different places, and he was so punctual, and exact in his business and appointed hours, that many times or rather most of the time he had not his meals at their proper hours, in spite of all that I could say to him for the sake of his health. When he was at home he used to go out without taking any thing except a cup of coffee in the morning and eat nothing until night his supper soon after which, he used to go to bed without much or any exercise. I told him that sooner or latter his stomach was bound to resent that method of life, but he always did the same. After some time he began to feel some indisposition in his stomach, but still he did not alter his way or method with his meals. 
Our house where we reside is about one mile distant from town, and I used to go with him every day to town in the buggy, and leave him at his office, and in the evening I also brought him home, this was not long before his last illness, one morning when I went to take him to town, he saw some nice large apples and wanted to buy one boxful, and as it was fruit long put in boxes, and brought from distant places, I told him not to buy, that might hurt some of our children and him too perhaps, as his stomach was not in very good condition, nevertheless he ordered a box to the house, and at night he bought some very fat pork which he liked very much, and although I refused to cook it that night for him, he ordered peremptorily and he ate that same night of that meet and also he asked for pickled pigg’s feet, which ate also, and after that he ate one of the apples above named. I was almost sure that such a heavy supper was going to hurt his already delicate stomach, and told him so several times, but perhaps he felt hungry and thought as he often told me before that nature would help him out, not long after his supper he went to bed. He slept very little that night, he felt a severe pain in his stomach, I done all I could without calling a Doctor and the following day he felt better, and the next day the pain came again and he refuse to take my home medicines and went to town, and saw a new Doctor there by the name of Barger who was unknown in town, and right away he began to take his medicines, in this way he passed some time always discharging the duties of his Office very punctually, in spite of my remonstrances and advise to appoint a deputy, or stop such hard work for some time any how until he would recover his health, but to no purpose, and the reason was that as his election was approaching, he did not like to give any occasion to talk against him. 
He began to lose weight very rapidly and without being able to eat well on account of his continous pain in the stomach and as he refused to take any medicine from me, I ask him and implored of him to go both to San Francisco City, where there are so many good Doctors, and that there under my own care he could get well quicker than here; but he refused even to see another Doctor in town, he still continued with the same one. It is true he was very careful about his eleccion, although his friend assured him that there was not the least danger about it, that he ought to take more care of his health. All to no purpose, he continued in the discharge of his duties just the same as if he was not sick; in the last trip he made to the counties of Santa Barbara and Ventura, he suffered very much, and when he came back he was very much desfigured and terribly poor in flesh, and still taking the medicines of this unknown Doctor. 
I again insisted and prayed to him to leave or quit taking those medicines, which I could see that he received no good from them, and to change Doctors, but all in vain. With very much difficulty I detained him about three days within the house, and made him take a little castor oil and as soon as it began to operate as a light purgative, he felt himself better, so much so, that he was very well contented arranging and fixing his papers until eleven o’clock at night, singing in french, because whenever he was contented and felt gay-like he used to sing often in french. You can imagine how contented and satisfied I felt at seeing him so elated and much better of his pain in the stomack, I am well convinced that if there had been no Doctor at all, but myself I could have cured him, and this circumstance of course doubles my terrible affliction. 
He went to town the next day and as the day was so very hot I went to bring him his diet ordered by the Doctor, which consisted in very little or next to nothing, and afterwards he insisted in going to look for a certain person to work him some bricks to fix a certain place at our house, in spite of my remonstrances on account of such a hot sun, and he being so feeble, he took that sun over two hours, we came to the house and as soon as it began to refresh the afternoon he went to town again, without allowing me to accompany him and promising to me that he was going to come back early that night, so as to rest well. I was left with very much care for my heart almost told me that something was going to happen very bad, on account of so much disorder in such a feeble health. 
About two hours afterwards, one of my daughters came to call me, saying that her Papa was in a hotel very sick, I went in a moment and found him in bed in a hotel. They told me that they found him insensible laying on the floor of his Office, and they carried him to the next hotel. He told me that he was a little better compared to the previous attack, he also told me that he thought better, that we should pass in that hotel that night and would go home next day, but it was impossible to ever return home with him, other fits came with very strong hard tremblings, and the Doctor said, that it was better that he should be in town where there was every thing handy. The only way that we made those tremblings to leave him was, by surrounding all his body with bottles full of hot water, and as soon as the tremblings were gone, there came a very strong fever. 
This same Doctor began now to give him a certain medicine that as soon as he took it, he used to act as if he had drank fire or as if he had fire in the stomach, he used to ask for snow to chow, in this way he was about two weeks. When I saw that that firy medicine did not do him any good, I asked the Doctor to change that medicine and try some thing else, as we could see no good came from it, but he disregarded my suplication and never changed it till he died, my poor dear companion. Some days before his death when I saw that there was some hopes of his recovery yet I told Walter that I thought that we ought to change Doctor, as he was every day worse; then he told me never to speak to him again about changing Doctor, and that if that Doctor should give him poison to drink that he would take it without the least doubt.
Seeing the great danger in which he was, and not being able to persuade him to change Doctor, I went with those of his most intimate friends to se what they could do for him, as we could see very clear that if we would only let him any longer with that Doctor, and under that treatment, he could not live. They all went but they let the Doctor persuade them, that Walter was going to get well with that medicine in spite of what they saw, every day worse and worse. When death was very near he, the dearest of my heart, began to lose confidence in said Doctor, but it was too late, he asked the Doctor for his diploma but he, the Doctor never produced, there were two particular friends, who were overconfident that the Doctor was going to cure Walter, and to whom I told what I thought it would happen; these same friends do not look to me straight in the face now. 
This is the way that my poor dear husband died at the hands of this rascal (Doctor). I could do nothing neither with my dear Walter himself, not with the said Doctor, or the friends of my sick husband, and all my disgrace consisted in the circumstance that I could never take or remove my dear husband to my own house after he was taken to the hotel, because at my house I could have done what I wanted with my dearest, and send away the Doctor when I saw his incapacity; but there at the hotel I could do nothing at all.
He died with great suffering, his moaning will always be in my heart, as well as in my ears, his complaint, and agony was terrifying.
All this I tell you, my dear Sister, is only a very small part of what has ocurred to me, I do not think that I could be able to state to You all the terrible circumstances that transformed my dear husband from a healthy and almost young person into a corpse, making us all orphans in this house. Yes, my heart and my mind, are so penetrated with this profound affliction that although I do all in my power not to let my bodily health be affected, for the sake of my dear children, I fear very much that some bad consequence may result of so much trouble of my mind. It seems as if my heart would burst. I can tell You no more, but just think of a poor and sorrowful mother of so large a family in a country where there is so little morality, and where the only god there is, for the most of its inhabitants is money and money and very little else. Please, dear Sister, I beseech You, not forget in your prayers, this poor family, specially, your nieces and nefew in whose veins there runs your own precious blood. I tell You a nobler man than your brother, my very dear husband, I do not believe there exists.
I am going to try and see if I can find those presents which You had the kindness to send, and for which we all are very grateful to You.
My daughter Mercedes received a very kind letter from You, for which she is very particularly thankful to You, and which as soon as we find out some thing about the above presents she will have the pleasure to answer.
Dear Sister, please present my highest respects and consideration to Mr. Evans, your dear husband and also my most heartfelt expressions of love and respect to your dear mother, whose health God may preserve for a long time, and all the rest of your family, and You, dear Sister, accept the very best wishes of all this family, and the afflicted heart of your most obedient Servant and Sister
Merced. [‘Murray’ has been added by somebody else, in a different hand.] 

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San Luis Obispo, Calif.
May 15th, 1876 

Mrs. Anne Evans
My dear Sister, 
I received yesterday both your letters dated March 23rd and April 25th last past and also the power of Attorney, which I have placed in the proper hands. 
As you desire to know the circumstances and cause of the death of my brother Alexander I will tell you that the beginning of his sickness was a tape worm which he expeled in pieces; but after he expeled it, he became so feeble that he easily took a severe cold and he kept so long without giving due and proper attention to his health that concluded by affecting his lungs. Still he continued to disregard his health, in spite of all our counsels, my sister, his wife, and all of us used to tell him to leave some person in charge of his business and go to the City or some other place, to be properly attended to, by some good Doctor; but he wouldn’t do it, until the last stage of consumption set in and died. Also many of his friends used to tell him when yet in time to pay due regard to his health but he never done it. 
You ask me if my husband’s dreadful pain which he suffered at last was from a perforation of the stomach. Well, I can not tell you, as they would not let me approach him towards his last hours, because I never ceased to tell them that them medicines were doing more harm than good, and the Doctor did not like even to see me, and he does not yet, whenever I hapen to see him in the street, he goes off in any direction or enters anywhere before meeting me or coming near me; but I think that Walter’s stomach must have been inflamed and perhaps ulcerated of course. He did called several times during his sickness the name of Jesus in his prayers. 
I suppose Alex did the same in his last hours, though I was not present and he died almost without any pain. He was sitting down in an arm chair and had just taken a cup of coffee and while his wife went to put away the empty cup, when [s]he came back he was dead alredy without almost a single struggle. She is Catholic - 
We are only 9 of family in all as you say - Both the orphan girls I have are Spanish and the name of the one whose likeness you have, with my lost child in her arms is Emily and the other is Espiridiona - 
In regard to my troubles they are on the increase more than otherwise. In this country the best rents are not safe, and all those business you speak of they are good in England, but here all is danger and entirely risky, no regular prices for anything and the expenses so very heavy, and the taxes also. And when I think that here any house that does no business is surely to come to ruin, I know not what to do or how to begin. 
Now I have another trouble, my children can not any longer be taken care of at Mr. Rutherford, and I can not put them in any other place or establishment. I will have to keep them at home with the exception of Anny and Walter, whom even at heavy expense I will keep in their institutions of learning, and if at any time I obtain means to send some of the others also to colege or any good school, I will do it, and at the meantime I will keep Josephine here going to this common school. 
In regard to the presents we have not been able to learn anything at all - The property of Mr. Thompson is in the hands of some nephews of his here, or at least we understand. He never made any will at all. 
The monument at Walter’s grave is now completed, but I have not the means at present to have it photographed so as to send you a copy of it, but as soon as I can I will do it, and also have photos of the children and send you a copy of each together with the one of the grave. 
O my dear Sister this great wound in my heart is so fresh that it seems to me that it was inflicted only yesterday, the time only makes me feel it worse every day, because every day that passes brings to me necessities that [I] never felt or experienced before I lost my beloved husband. 
Please give my love and due respect to our beloved Mother, and assure her, for us all, of our true and respectful love and our sincere wishes for her well being and happy existence, which God will preserve for us for a long time, as we ask him in our daily prayers. 
We will send you some of the almost innumerable verses that Walter wrote, they are being copied by your nieces, I do not send you the original, because I wish to preserve them for the children, and also because they are written in thick heavy paper and the expense of mailing would be considerable. - herewith I send you a poem, which is only one of many he wrote. This one was made to an association of Walter’s particular friends who were nearly all California pioneers. 
All my children send their love to you and your family, although they have not the pleasure of knowing them personally. - Please accept also the love and gratitude of my two orphan girls, for your kindness in remembering them, and the stricken heart and true love of your poor sister 
Mercedes Murray 

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San Luis Obispo, Cal.
Aug. 8th, 1876 

Mrs. Anne Evans
Dear Sister-in-law, 
I have received your last letter and you cannot imagine how welcome it was and how much pleasure your letters give me; they strengthen my courage in my affliction. I have been very sick in bed for two weeks and for this reason you must excuse me for not answering it sooner. Thank God Almighty I am well again at the present b[ut] my sickness is such that I do not know when I may have another attack. 
My dear daughter Anita, who is at present in the State Normal School, about two hundred miles from here, has also been very sick, but thank God is now well again. I am so glad to hear that you are all well, and I do hope that God Almighty will let you enjoy it for a long time to come. I hope that your son Walter is happy and that God may preserve him and his dear wife for many years to come in good health & happiness. 
Dear Sister, it is useless for me to tell you that my situation is terrible; it is hard to tell when God will call me away from the midst of my children, and take me to him. What will be the future of my dear children should I be called away from them. California is a bad country. Boys may get along but for the poor girls, and so young; my heart bleeds when I think of it, that they should be left orphans. 
My dear husband’s pride has allways been to make a prominent man, usefull to his family and to his fellow men. I will do all in my power to carry out his intentions and hope that you will be proud of your nephew, my son Walter - he shall go to the best school which my limited means can afford; my means are limited and this Country is a bad Country for a woman with a large family of children to get along. I have yet a good many debts to pay and nearly all who owed to my dear departed husband, now that he is dead, say that they did not owe him anything. 
I have started a private boardinghouse, but I see that those who promised to assist me are not doing anything for me. I am also willing to take in sewing, but as yet I have not been able to find any work. Hard work at my age, and with my poor health, I am not able to perform, so that I do not know what to do. No property can be sold now as the prices are so low. But still by all this I will not lose courage and will confide in God to see me through all my troubles. 
I cannot thank you enough for your generosity by giving me what is coming to you from the Estate of Alexander Murray, my departed brother-in-law. I assure you that it shall be disposed of according [to] your wishes, that is to say, for the education of my children, and I hope to God that they will appreciate it. I can never forget my poor beloved husband, and am still satisfied that if he would not have been in the hands of that Doctor and would have allowed me to administer him medicines, that today he would be a well man! But God has decided otherwise and we must submit. 
I hope that your dear mother, and sister and her family are all well. I will before long send you all our likenesses, as well as the one of my dear beloved husband. I ought to have done it a long time ago but circumstances would not permit. I hope that you will in return send us yours. My dear children all join me in sending you all their love and particularly remember them to their Grandmother. 
Mr. Simmler is about settling up the estate and will report to you the situation in a very short time. 
Receive kisses from all of us, and particularly from me your affectionate Sister 
Mercedes Murray 

Covering letter from J. J. Simmler to Philip Evans 
San Luis Obispo, Cal. Aug. 9/76 

Mr. Evans (confidential) 
Sir
You will see that the letter of Mrs. Murray is in my handwriting. At her request I have translated her letter, written in Spanish, into English. I will tell you in confidence that her affairs are a little better than she imagines after settling all liabilities she will be worth about $15,000.00 (fifteen thousand Dollars) in real estate, which of course cannot be disposed of every day. Consequently she has not any cash on hand to educate her children as well as she wishes. There are two at least, Anita and Walter, to whom she intends to give a first class education, and I shall assist her in all I can to well manage her affairs. I have so far succeeded to settle with Mr. Churche’s heirs, and will very soon settle with Mr. Henderson, the administrator of the Alexander Murray estate, who is slow, but I have notified him that I will not wait any longer. Should your mother-in-law intend to do the same as you have done, giving her share to Mrs. Mercedes M. please let her write me a line. It will be very small, as three fourths goes to Mrs Alexander Murray, according to law, and the remaining fourth to be divided among four heirs, of which three of you acknowledge of having received one thousand Dollars or 200 pounds.
Respectfully yours, 
J. J. Simmler 

P S She has also remitted to me the likenesses which I send, together with poetry from the late Walter Murray 

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Brimscombe Court
Thrupp
Stroud
May 19, 1889 

My dear Fanny-
The old Pilgrim is safely landed at last. Your aged Grandmother passed away to be with the Lord on Friday last, 10th, at ½ past 9 in the evening. She had been ill ever since Xmas Eve, off & on, her mind nearly always wandering & for the last month we expected her death nearly every day, yet at last it came suddenly. She had been sleeping all day but at 9 asked to have her bed made. We got her out with difficulty as she was very helpless that night. I said “this will be the last time” - truly, for as soon as we got her back she seemed faint but took some brandy & milk, then asked for a small shawl for her throat, she placed it round, crossed it & asked for a pin but when the pin was brought the hand fell - the head too & with a few breaths she was gone - so easily & peacefully we did not know when the last breath came. It was a very merciful release for she had suffered much for some time from weakness & general discomfort - not pain except the last week from pain at the heart - but that had ceased for two days & she had slept all the time. She was not afraid to die for she knew in whom she believed, but she had a great horror of the last act of dying & the Lord graciously spared her that for she did not know she was dying & was gone like an infant on its mother’s breast going to sleep. How true it is “precious in the Lord’s sight is the death of his saints”. We bury her with your Grandfather on Tuesday. I & Maggie, Edward & Arthur will take her up to London & see her poor old worn-out body laid in the grave.
Her small income she has left to me & your Aunt Fanny but as I am provided for by my late dear Husband I gave it all up to your Aunt, as she is poor and has had a sad life of privations; she will therefore now be more comfortable than she has been for years, which is a great comfort to me.
April 1st. We laid your grandmother in the grave and had a look at your Grandfather’s coffin which was put in 21 years ago & it is as sound as when first put in. His Sarah, whom he so loved, is now with him in the Glory and their mortal remains are together. I felt very satisfied to see them at last in one grave. I took a bad cold though & have been ill ever since, that is why this has been delayed. I could only go out once after which[?] in London & then I went to the occulist as my eyes have failed me much this summer. He tells me that I have cataract of both eyes & one is to be operated on next week when I return to London for that purpose. If I gain my sight again it will be like a new life to me as I have [had] difficulty in seeing for years. I have been very busy since my return clearing out Grandma’s room & packing her things off to Aunt Fanny. Grandma never spent much on herself & most of her things are like herself - worn out, but what there is goes to Aunt Fanny by her wish.
We miss her very much as she was the one in the house whom it was everybody’s business to look after - she could never be left - must be read to & cared for like a baby. So now we feel as if we had nothing to do - but we shall soon fill up our time for ours is a very busy life & we are all the happier for it. 
I have a card for your brother but I must look up the letter for his address & send it tomorrow. I hope you are all well - Is Anita married yet? My close brethren all - I like to hear how they are coming on. There is one other old lady left - Aunt Sophia & 81 years old - when she dies the family will have passed away. That is your Grandfather’s family. There is one old lady, a widow of Grandpa’s brother & she is the only one left in that family, but there are some Holts in America & we fancy they must belong to us, for Great-Grandfather Holt’s brother went to America & was never heard of again. There was money wanting an heir advertised some years ago, but we had no means of proving title to it. Well, well, it does not much matter - in a little time we shall no more need the silver or the gold - but shall be fully satisfied without it.
Now with love from your cousins & myself
Believe me
Your loving Aunt
A Evans 

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