Sobraon
14 September 1888
London
My Dear Chris
Your letter of 17 July came this morning after I had posted a short letter to you. Archie has also got his and will reply next mail. I am very busy but must send you a few lines in acknowledgement.
We are on the eve of sailing and plans cannot be altered now for this year whatever may be done the next. I need scarcely say how pleased I am to find that you write so cheerfully and give such good hope of your eventually making your venture in life a success. My sincere wish is that you may maintain your sound health in the trying climate, and succeed as you desire and deserve.
In my letters to you I have often expressed my wish that Alec should be with you, even if he could do better elsewhere. He has good sterling qualities and no small ability when developed, and would be loyal and true to your interests, as I hope all of you will be to each other – now and all through life. I quite see the necessity of your having someone that you can thoroughly trust with you – not only in case of ill health but also to enable you to go and ???? your business connection in other parts, and I hope will soon give you promise of ability to help, and in some measure to take your place.
Archie has good sterling qualities and fair ability and would not take a long time to shape in for me. There is but no encouragement to stick at sea either in steam or sail. So if all goes well with you and you still think after the completion of our present voyage that he should come out and join you I have no doubt he will do so and take his chance as you suggest.
My people were so desirous of my remaining on the ship they have offered me a very substantial addition to my income, there is no (engagement?) to continue over the voyage but as the ship is doing very well, it may ???? if I continue to assent.
I have but little time to write more now and again express my pleasure on hearing from you before I sail. I will send you a telegram on my arrival at Melbourne and will hope to hear from you in reply.
Your loving Father
Jas A Elmslie
Mr CT Elmslie
Croydon
Queensland North
Alec’s letters to May and Mary have come. Mary is much please.d