6 January 1885
My dear Chris
I am writing to Alex and must send you a few lines just to let you see we have not quite forgotten you. I believe though I did write to you a short time ago.
We had not quite such a large party this Christmas. Edie did not come home. Jessie and Jean are both here but Jessie leaves us on Wednesday next for Newcastle. She has a nice situation there with an aunt of our governess. I hope it will turn out all right.
I see by the last Anglo New Zealand papers that the Croydon gold fields are turning out very well. I hope this means good times for you and that you and Alex will make lots of money and come home again. It is a long time now since you left us.
The ship made a very good trip out this time – Archie will be quite proud of himself.
The children are all well except slight colds, they grow a good deal and this part seems to suit them better than Bedford.
I dare say you hear from May now and then – she gets on very well over in Germany.
With much love from self and all the children.
Believe me, Your affectionate Mater
Cecilia Elmslie