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.]