The Hospital
Liverpool Rd
Islington N
6 December 1892
My dear Chris and Alex
I am writing to both of you in one letter, as it is Christmas time, to wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year – and also may the New Year bring you both lots of good luck and good health. I am sending a card each, as perhaps it may look a little more like me – can’t afford a present this year, hard up, they will do to put on your mantlepiece and to show you I am thinking of you both, and only wishing you were in England.
I shall have to spend Christmas here in the hospital as there will be a lot of things I must see to myself. We are going to have a jolly Xmas dinner and if we had not been so busy, should have got up some play.
We have been very busy indeed the whole summer and only expect to go down at the end of the year. None of us will be sorry for a rest. We are all so fearfully tired when we leave off work. The fever had been very bad everywhere.
I am going to Uncle Robert’s for the New Year. I had two or three other invitations as well.
How are you both? I am so glad to hear how well you are getting on. Chris, Papa seems to think a lot of you and your business. Don’t work too hard old fellow – or you Alex. Take care of yourselves.
I am waiting for your photo Alex. When is it coming? I want to see what little Momsie has grown like.
I wonder what kind of Christmas you will spend.
Uncle Tom does not seem to get any better, poor fellow. He suffers great pain from his ribs. I should not think he will be able to go to sea again or not for a long while.
Mary is leaving home as soon as we can find her a suitable place. It is better she did, although she is young to leave home. She is not satisfied or happy there.
I am going over to see Jean and Ted Sunday week. They are living at Shortlands now. I suppose you know though Jessie is in Brighton with the Maces’.
May is not going to leave Germany as she first thought of doing.
I am getting on well here in the hospital. The matron is so kind in everyway to me – she gave me two tickets for the Garrick Theatre last night. Aunt Nell went with me.
Will write again soon to both of you.
Best love.
Your affectionate Sister
Edith Elmslie
My eyes are much better I am glad to say.
Christmas card with flowers and inscription presumably other side of Christmas card:
Chris, with Edie’s love.
6 December 1892.
Separate piece of paper:
My address for the present:
Miss Elmslie
London Fever Hospital
Islington
London. N.