17 September 1881
My dear Chris
I shall only give you a few lines as Archie, Edie and your father have all given you a letter this time and have left me very little to say.
The old ship sails in two days now but I shall still have a day or two’s grace as I am going down as far as Plymouth and take Myra with me for a little change.
The officers being changed this time have given your father a great deal of extra work. I am sorry he has had it now as this might perhaps be his last voyage he will make before retiring from the sea. The 1st mate is a very young fellow but may do well. The ship has filled up wonderfully with passengers. Cecil Higgins is going from here, he will be rather as addition to the musical part as he sings so well and is very nice.
The four girls went to school for the first time on Friday. I think they will like it and also they will get on well. All the children are well, they will miss Archie dreadfully. We had Essil christened on Friday. She was very good.
Your father has some hope at last of getting your Uncle Walter onto a steamer. I am sure I shall be glad for he seems so lost for want of something and I am sure your Aunt Bessie is worrying herself to death. Did we tell you that Charlotte and May with the four little ones went to Scarboro’ for a fortnight?
We are having a plant house built so in future I hope to have the garden nicely laid out in the summer. The man we have seems to be one of the right sort.
I hope you are having a pleasant voyage and that you are keeping well. Now I must say good-bye.
With much love dear Chris from
Your affectionate Mater
Cecilia Elmslie