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