[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