Essilmont
Bedford
12 July 1882
Dear Chris
I have been staying with the Baxendales for the last week, and have had a very jolly time of it. I am going up to the ship next
week as Mr Young is going to leave. I shall most likely be there until you get home, when I shall try and get another short holiday. I am going away 3rd of the old ship next voyage, certainly I am very lucky, more so as so many fellows are trying for it, I do not know yet who we shall have yet as chief Mr Baker will go as 2nd.
I had a letter from Waymouth the other day and wrote back to him addressing the letter to Trieste. I do not know if it will ever reach
him.
Alex is looking much better, and will most likely go back to school next term.
We had some very jolly ????
home, although there were so few. I spent a couple of days with a colonial family named Kennedy. The girls of course are the attraction. They are living at Balham at present, but are thinking of coming here for the schools. Chris is still working for nothing at Colonel Taylor’s office. He says he wants to go to Melbourne with us if Uncle will let him, I shouldn’t say he would do much
Mr Hoare has left our firm and is working as 4th at the docks on one of the Orient boats.
I had a splendid time at the Bazaar with ??? Samuels and Alice
Johnson. I suppose you know Roberts has gone to Sydney in one of the P.O. Boats where I hope to be this time next year, or soon
after.
Remember me to anyone I know on board
Believe me
Your affectionate Brother