Bedford
England
3 September 1897
My dear Chris
We have your letters of 17 July, in which you intimate your intention of bringing home a wife. I fully expected when you left home that this would happen and became certain when I knew you were at Brisbane so long. We have no confirmation by cable of either the marriage or your sailing in the Massilia but take it that both events have happened as you outlined. You may depend on the wife and yourself meeting with a hearty welcome when you appear. Alec wrote a short letter to meet you by last week’s mail. I send this to Port Said in time to meet you there.
Alec has improved in strength and general health of late. Our three weeks trip to Scotland did him a power of good – the crisp air of the hills gave him a healthy appetite and enabled him to take a fair amount of walking exercise. We went and came by steamer – he could not have borne the long railway journey with safety. I considered our various trips will be best described by himself to you when you come.
Edie has gone away for a short time to Westgate – she has been better of late, but managed to tumble down a flight of stairs and damaged herself. Mary was with us in Scotland – so was May and her husband and baby – a large party – ten and the baby, who was more trouble than all the others.
We in Bedford are all well. As I am writing Charles Mackwood and his wife came in. They are looking for a house for the wife and children to settle in.
I am sorry you did not manage to visit Tasmania and pick up some of the good things that must exist in the western hills – Mount Lyell bids fair to be an exceptional mine. The shares have gone up to 15/-. The reports of its prospects are superb. You will remember that Knox of Melbourne – who came here to try and get it taken up in London in either 1893 or 1894, failed to do so. What a mine of wealth for those who had the courage to tackle it.
The cable last Monday from Croydon was discouraging. I hope better success will come to us soon. It must be vexatious to Archie, poor chap, not to be able to send better news – no Jubilee Consolidated crushing is named.
I suppose you will come by sea and not overland – let us know from Port Said. We will look out for you when the Massilia is reported.
Mater joins me in sincere congratulations to Mrs CT and yourself, and wish you joy and happiness with all our hearts.
Much love from your affectionate Father
Jas A Elmslie