Heanor Sep 3rd 1848

My dear Sarah

I fear you will begin to think I have forgotten you and all at the Lodge but such is not the case I assure you. I have just finished writing to John but I am afraid I shall not send you as long a letter as I have done him for I have written three sides close and crossed them in giving advice scolding and telling him a little news you know I am obliged to scold a little sometimes to keep things in order so much for introduction? you say.   Well now I will begin in the first place we wish to know when you intend coming home for we are in bad wants of you don’t brighten up at the thought for we have so much sewing needs going and

P2 Vertical

Mother thinks that Uncle has most likely got his harvest by this and so you can be spared   You must state the time in your next for we are impatient to see you.   You must write and send it to me at Heanor as soon as you receive this and tell us when you are coming , remember we shall hear no shaffling excuse for we have so much to do. Twice I last write to you Mother has been very ill obliged to have the Doctor he came here one day but I am thankful to say she is better than she was though no great things now.   It was so violent attack of the Bowel complaint it was meant to happend when I to be at home for days or I don’t know how they would have managed   Mrs Harrison was at one time at the same home she came on the Saturday and stayed till Thursday when Mr Rutland Hopcroft saw her her home they went the train.  I think think there will be a wedding

Side 3 (P3)

there in a month or two. How is Elizabeth and at the Lodge. I hope in the enjoyment of good health. We had a letter from Elizabeth Dewbery a few days since then is at Aldersby at Mr Campions,  I heard the changes of air will do her good   Thomas was something better the baby is at Aunts   I am sure I feel very sorry for poor Aunt and Uncle and they have nothing but trouble   I hope with care Tom will get better for the sake of his wife and child though I think he will not be a long hold out.   There is a Tea Meeting at Moorgreen tomorrow I think Miss Abbott will go.  I don’t want to go or perhaps I should stay at home and save my shilling and there is to be a missionary meeting at Marlpool on Thursday night four ministers will address the Meeting one from London   I think I shall go then I went to Nottm on Saturday but not to Scranton for I had not time.   I had lesson of Mr Hopkins and I think I have not had one since Christmas till this.

Side 4 (crossed P1)

I wish when you write you would not sent such short bits of notes but you will so soon see us that I think I can excuse it this time. Four of the little Abbotts are just come in so I must think of bringing it to a close for Miss Abbott and Anna are still out so there is a abundance  of Abbotts here   I think they are not so plentiful at [place name?].

We shall expect a letter from John.  I think he will not fail to write after what I have said to him.  I have not spoken to Miss Burton yet nor do I intend    I spoke to Mrs Heighton on Sunday but not to Mister ?

I turned completely round, I dare say she will think me extremely rude. I dont care if she does. It will be no worse than she has served one.

Side 5 (P2 crossedl)

Mr Burton went with my Father and I rode with them up to Heanor we meet Garratt and he began to talk about Elizabeth Goodman doing so badly by marrying that thing he said . I took him up sharp and said she was not the only one who had done badly  These were some had some worse than her. He never said another word about that    I quite stopped his mouth on that subject. I think I have said enough or you will grow tired so I will conclude with kind love to Aunt Mude, cousins and yourself and believe me

Your affectionate Sister

Elizabeth

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Folded sheet sealed with wax .

Also bearing a brown Victorian penny stamp with outside panel addressed to

Miss S Slater

Mr Burrows

Elkington Lodge

Nr Welford, Northampton

Also a variety of postmarks including Heanor and Rugby , the latter with date Sp 1848

Also above the seal the senders address?

Miss E Slater

Mr J Slater

Alfreton, Derbyshire.