Part 2
I can scarcely compose myself to write, for this very morning, at mid-day parade, a telegram was received by our commanding officer directing the regiment to hold itself under orders for immediate foreign service; so that of course I shall be prevented seeing you before our departure, as all leave is stopped for officers as well as for the non-commissioned officers and men. Where our future destination may be no one can at present conjecture, but we think it may be Canada. How blighted now are our hopes! where all seemed bright and joyous, nothing is left but separation and blank despair. Julia, you love me; you are mine, are you not, dear Julia? Although separated for a time, we shall love each other faithfully; no doubts must arise, no feelings of suspicion or fear between us; but firm in the knowledge that we are devotedly attached to each other, and that nothing can change the ardent feelings we entertain, we must wait and hope. I trust in a few short years, my darling Julia, to call you mine. Your Ronald will be true to his promise and his love, and in faith that his Julia will bear up bravely, as a soldier's destined wife should do, he obeys his country's call in anguish but not in despair. Accept the little present I send you (forwarded by registered letter by this evening's post), and with most affectionate and enduring love,
Believe me,
My dearest Julia,
Your ever devoted,
RONALD DUGAN.
----
_From a Gentleman to a Young Lady._
Snow Hill, January 1st, 187-
DEAR ROSY,
On returning from skating yesterday afternoon, and reflecting alone on the pleasant morning we had passed, I was more than ever impressed with my wretched solitary existence. Will you break for me this monotonous routine of life by saying, "It need not be, Charlie."
I have loved you fondly and long; your parents and mine are intimate friends; they know my private character. Will you accept me as your husband, dearest Rosy?
Believe me,
Your ever fondly attached,
CHARLIE BYERS.
----
_From a Husband to his Wife, on sailing from England._
H.M.S. Psyche, June 8th.
MY DEAREST WIFE,
I take the opportunity of the pilot's return to send you a hurried and last farewell. Oh, my dearest, what but duty could reconcile me to leaving you? What but the certainty that we are both protected by our Heavenly Father could support me through the weary days and nights which I am destined to spend far from you? Ah! the waves that are now washing the sides of our vessel will soon cease to beat upon that shore where my wife, where my friends are all thinking of me.
Farewell my dearest wife; be assured I am in good health and tolerable spirits.
Comfort yourself, my dearest! we shall all meet soon and happily again. I have not time to write to my mother, but pray tell her she is always in my thoughts. God bless you, dearest!--my heart is full of you.
Ever your devoted husband,
H. P.
----
_From a Husband absent on Business to his Wife._
The Fens, Lincolnshire, June 1st, 187-
DEAREST ISABELLA,
This is the first time, my darling, we have ever experienced the bitterness and misery of separation, and the few days I have already been absent from you appear like years. What my state of mind will be at the expiration of another two or three weeks I will let your little affectionate heart conjecture. But I must not be selfish, my dearest Isa. You share my trial, but do not be down-hearted, the time will soon pass away. You must go out and visit the nice friends near you. Your dear kind mother also is within an easy walk, I am glad to think.
Roger Hughes is going to stay with his family for some little while; I do not care much about him (you remember we met him at ----). He is certain to call upon you, but it will be just as well not to be at home to him always. Hoping to return in a fortnight, I remain, with very best love to your mother and yourself,
Your ever affectionate husband,
JOSIAH WEBB.
----
_From a Father to his Son beginning the World._
Hampstead, May 6th, 187-
MY DEAREST SON,
Separated as you will shortly be from your childhood's home--for many years, perhaps--and not having your poor old father to consult and obtain advice from, when any difficulties may arise, you will naturally be inclined to appeal to those among your acquaintances whom you may consider from intimate association as entitled to the name of friends.
Now this is a matter in which you must observe the very greatest caution and discrimination; a mistake made in selecting a friend and acting up to his advice, is a fatal one, and no one can for a moment form an idea of the consequences which may arise from it. In the first place, do not seek the friendship of the "fast young man" whose sole thought is to gratify himself in the enjoyment of this world's pleasures, without any regard to the misery or disgrace his conduct may be entailing on a happy, innocent family. Make friends of those who, by their actions, have raised themselves in the estimation of their superiors, and are regarded with eyes of jealous admiration by their equals. Remember the old proverb, "Tell who are your friends, and I will tell you what you are."
I hope, dear boy, your own good sense will lead you to avoid bad companions. Should you ever (which I trust may never be the case) be tempted to do anything contrary to the laws of honour or of duty, question yourself thus: "Should I do this in my father's house? should I act thus in my mother's presence?" The answer will be the best talisman to keep you from falling in your combat with the world.
We have great hopes in you, my dear son. Never omit to write to your dear mother and myself, when you possibly can; and with our best and fondest love,
Believe me,
Ever your affectionate father,
----
_From a Son who has misconducted himself towards his Employer, to his Father._
Eastcheap, November 18th, 187-
DEAR FATHER,
I am in such distress I scarcely know how to commence my letter. Without the least reason, without the least provocation, I left my master at the most busy season, just for a temporary, trifling amusement. He--the best of masters--for the moment was forgotten by me: self predominated. I ran away from my service, and here I find myself disgraced and miserable, and grieve to think how indescribably shocked you will be when Mr. Evans communicates with you relative to my absence. However, dear father, there is one consolation: I cannot be accused of dishonesty; so I hope my character is not irretrievably ruined. Will you see my master, and tell him how deeply I regret my fault, and entreat him to forgive me? It shall hereafter be my constant study to perform my duty in the most upright manner, and with the most assiduous attention. Let me hear also, dear father, in sending me Mr. Evans's reply, that you also forgive
Your erring, but heartbroken son,
H. H. H.
----
_The Father's Answer._
Bedhampton, November 21st, 187-
MY DEAR SON,
Words cannot express my grief at the receipt of your letter. How can you so soon have forgotten all the home lessons of duty you have learned? What society can you have mingled in to have caused you to be guilty of such folly? I have seen your master, and read him your letter; and he agrees with myself that from the manner you have acted in immediately informing me of your position, it is probable you may, in an untoward moment, have been induced to commit an act which you will never cease to regret. It is your first offence, and he bids me say he rejoices that you are sensible of your grievous error, and he will allow you to return, and never mention what has occurred to you. Never, dear son, forget yourself again, be grateful to your master, who is charity itself, and
Believe me,
Your affectionate father,
----
_A Father applying to a Principal of a School to ascertain Terms, &c._
Hopwood House, June 16th, 187-
SIR,
Being desirous of sending my son, aged thirteen, to school, my friends have strongly recommended me to apply to you on the subject.
I should be glad to learn your terms, and to be informed as to your plan of tuition.
Will you favour me with a prospectus of your School, and also inform me whether you have a vacancy?
I remain,
Yours faithfully,
----
_To a Child who has being guilty of telling a Falsehood._
Brecon, May 14th, 187-
MY DEAR SAMUEL,
I was much grieved to find after you had left us in the early part of the week, that the replies you gave me relative to your acquaintance with the L----s were utterly at variance with the truth. Little did I think you would ever deceive us, when such confidence has been always placed in you. Why did you try to deceive me by a falsehood?
Let me entreat of you never again to deviate from the truth; should you do so you will soon obtain a character as an untrustworthy person, and no one will believe you, even when you speak the truth. Every one will shun you, as they will always suspect that you are trying to deceive them; even when you are acting rightly they will look upon you with suspicion.
Have you forgotten that Truth is the point of honour in a gentleman, and that no one can tell a falsehood and retain the character of one?
I cannot tell you the shame I felt when I discovered your untruth; I felt degraded by it.
Strive to retrieve your character in the future, by perfect truthfulness and a high sense of what honour requires from you.
Till I believe that you feel the enormity of your fault I cannot sign myself other than
Your afflicted father,
----
_Urging a Son to relinquish the Naval Profession._
Upton, June 12th, 187-
DEAR FREDERICK,
Your letter of the 1st, informing me that you had determined to remain in your present profession, caused me great distress. If you wish to add some little portion of comfort to the last years of a father's life, which your headstrong passions have already greatly embittered, you will immediately relinquish it. Remember you are the only representative of our family. Why then persist in remaining in a profession wherein you are exposed to constant and imminent danger?
I wish you to marry, and hope to see you settle down and discharge the duties of your position in society as a country gentleman; you have ample means at your disposal now, as the whole of your late uncle's property is yours. Concede a little to your father, whose only desire is to see his name honourably upheld, his family perpetuated, in the county in which we are now so much respected. Age is creeping on me, Frederick, I am widowed and alone. I trust this appeal will not be made in vain. You know my deep and lasting affection for you; do not wound it by a refusal. Awaiting with great anxiety your determination,
Believe me,
Your affectionate father,
----
_Reply._
H.M.S. Psyche, June 19th.
MY DEAR FATHER,
Dearly as I love my noble profession, I am unable to resist your last earnest appeal, and agree therefore to give up my commission, and return to a life on land. The pang this resolution costs me is softened by the remembrance that I may thus hope to ensure the happiness of so good a father.
I shall shortly return to you, and will endeavour in all things to prove
Your most dutiful and affectionate son,
----
_A Letter from a Father to a Son at School, on the necessity of attention to his Studies._
Mudiford, January 28th, 187-
MY DEAR BOY,
Now you have returned to school it is my duty to point out to you how absolutely necessary it is for your future success that you should persevere in your studies, more especially if you wish to leave college (for which you are destined) with honour. Do not be carried away with the natural love of ease and pleasure, but accustom yourself at once to really hard work. If you cannot reconcile yourself to do so in your youth you will be unable to do so as you grow older, and you will become incapable of achieving anything great. Application may be difficult at first, but when once you have accustomed yourself to it you will find study pleasant, easy, and agreeable, and in years to come you will be well repaid for the toil and trouble you now undergo. What can be pleasanter than to find yourself at the head of your school, leaving all competitors behind? what more gratifying than to give pleasure to your father and mother, and to obtain the admiration and approval of your teachers? That, dear boy, will be your reward if you study constantly and patiently; but if you neglect the opportunities offered to you now, your future life will be nothing but disquietude, and you will grow up ignorant, and be despised. Pay attention to my advice, and work in the morning of your days. With your mother's best love and mine,
Believe me,
Your ever affectionate father,
R. R.
----
_Reply to a Letter from a young Man informing his Uncle he had contracted Debts._
Soltney, March 4th, 187-
MY DEAR NEPHEW,
I was indeed deeply grieved on the receipt of your letter to find you had forgotten, or at least not acted up to the advice I gave you--to pay for everything you purchased at once, and not to go into debt on any account. I must put things before you now in a plain unvarnished manner, and give you my opinion, formed after many years' experience. The man who contracts debts which he is unable to pay, more especially for articles of useless luxury, is much more culpable than the poor creature who, distracted by all the miseries of his starving family at home, rushes into the first shop he sees and steals something to relieve their necessities.
When men find themselves encumbered with debts which they are unable to pay, mean subterfuges are resorted to; applications for delay of payment are made--and granted, without any good result; the final crash comes at last: the patience and temper of the tradesmen become exhausted, they have recourse to their legal remedy, and wretchedness and beggary are the result.
It may be that you have been endeavouring to keep pace with some young man of greater fortune than your own. Be not led away by such absurd vanity. The largest income will be and has been squandered, unknown as it were to its possessor, solely from the crime (and a great one too it is) of running into debt. I regret that I cannot assist you at present with the loan you request, and remain
Your affectionate uncle,
T. H. P.
----
_Acknowledging a Letter of Congratulation on the Birth of a Child._
Duke Street, St. James's, Dec. 24th, 187-
DEAR ----,
Thanks for your kind letter and good wishes. I am happy to say that my wife and the baby are going on well. I have told Mrs. Compton about Mr. Denville; she is glad to hear so good an account of him. Wishing you all a merry Christmas and a happy New Year,
Believe me,
Yours sincerely,
D. W.
----
_From a Child, acknowledging the receipt of the Present of a Book._
Ramsden Hall, January 18th, 187-
MY DEAR MRS. ----,
Thank you very much for the beautiful book you have sent me. It is very pretty and nice, and I like it very much. I long to see you again. I have been out driving this morning in the pony carriage. There is a hard frost. With best love to Dr. G. and yourself
I remain,
Your most affectionate little friend,
R. D. A.
----
_From a Father to a Son, relative to his Expenditure._
Hackney, March 5th, 187-
MY DEAR SON,
Your last letter gave us pleasure not unmixed with pain: pleasure to learn that you were well, and held in esteem by your superiors, and on friendly terms with those of your own standing; and pain from the request which it contained. Your mother, like myself, feels grieved that you should ask for an additional allowance. You should consider that you have brothers and sisters for whom I have also to make a provision, and that if the allowance I now give you (which is considered large) be increased, it must deprive us all of some of our necessary comforts. You must reflect on this, dear boy, and then I am well assured that you will not urge your request. I will, however (for this once alone, understand me), make you a present of Thirty Pounds. Your own good sense, I am certain, will show you the necessity of retrenchment, so I shall not allude to the matter further. The presents you sent us each by last mail are much appreciated and treasured by us.
We are going to move from this neighbourhood, as we find it too expensive; when next you write, therefore, address to Durnford Street.
Your brother Fred is going to be married, but will live near us. His future wife is a daughter of Mr. Passmore, and at his death she will have about 2000_l_.; at present he will make her an allowance of 80_l_. per annum.
All your pets are well, and we guard them jealously for your sake. Trusting you will remain some time at Shopoo, as it agrees with you so well, and that we may constantly hear from you,
Believe me, with our united kindest love,
Your affectionate father,
H. V. ROSSITER.
----
_From one Brother to another, on having unexpectedly amassed a Fortune._
Natal, S. Africa, February 1st, 187--
DEAR WILLIAM,
You are well aware that when I sailed from England a few years ago, after paying my passage out I had but a very few pounds left; but I soon got good employment, and saved out of my wages all that I possibly could. I never was very fond of company, and have no expensive habits; so at the end of two years I found myself with 30_l._ to my credit in the bank. When the report came here of diamonds being found up the country, I started off, bag and baggage, and on my arrival got an allotment, and went to work with a hearty good will. For many a weary day I toiled, giving myself little time for rest. At last I was rewarded: among the washings I found a diamond, a small one, yet what a treasure I thought it! On and on I toiled--some weeks with success, and others with none; however, my labours have been successful: I have been fortunate enough to find diamonds, which, when valued, have realized the handsome sum of £----.
Tell my dearest mother that now she will never want. I am coming home, and shall invest for her sole use during her lifetime £----.
Will you, dear William, look out for a good school for my little sister? She must be nine years of age now. Ask the clergyman's wife to recommend you one. I wish her to be educated as a lady, and she shall have the £---- at my mother's death. How I wish our poor father had lived to derive some comfort from my fortune! You shall have 100_l._ paid to your credit to provide the things Jane will require on going to school, and to pay for the first half-year's expenses there. I hope to be home in six months, when I will take a suitable house for our dear mother. If you will accept it from me, I make you a present of £----; with the remainder of my earnings I shall purchase a nice property, so that I may be certain my money will be secure, for were I to speculate I might lose all.
With best love, and hoping shortly to see you happy and well,
Believe me,
Your affectionate brother,
ANGUS M'DONALD.
----
_From a Gentleman in India to a Relation in England._
Camp, Booltan, Feb. 1st, 187--
MY DEAR ----,
Many thanks for your last letter, which arrived some three weeks ago. We never received the letter to which you allude, containing the photographs; and I am very sorry it went astray, for we should have liked so much to have them. I hope, if you have other copies, that you will kindly send them to us when you next write.
We both desire to thank you for your kind and cordial reception of dear Richard. He wrote and told us how warmly you received him, and how pleased and gratified he was to see you. I trust he will come to see you again on his return from Devon, where he was when we last heard from him. We miss him terribly, and look forward anxiously to meeting him out here again next year, if, please God, we are all spared. James, his wife, and children are living down at Cheltenham. I wonder if there is any chance of your meeting? Sarah Maria is in Cornwall, but they took a house for a term of years near Watford, and will be back there, certainly before Christmas; she had no idea you were in London, and I must tell her of it when I next write to her. We are now in camp, marching about the district; of course I do my office as usual in tents every day--a happy, gipsy kind of life--and dearest Sophie and the little ones always enjoy it. Give my kindest love to Emma and Blanche. I have been intending to write to Emma, and I will really write soon; but in the hot weather one feels terribly indisposed for letter-writing, and I have quite quill-work enough to do every day. Our kindest love to yourself and Horace, and to Jane and Sophia; and many kisses from our little darling.
Always your very affectionate cousin,
HAROLD SOTHERN.
----
_A Father, who has lately lost his Wife, to his Daughter at School._
Woburn, July 20th.
MY DARLING CHILD,
I was very pleased and comforted by your last affectionate letter. Bitterly indeed do I miss you! Had I given way to my own selfish wishes, I think I should not have allowed you to return to school. Your dear aunt, however, who is now looking carefully after my domestic affairs, showed me so plainly that by keeping you at home I should be depriving you of the advantages of education, that I sacrificed my feelings for your sake. On reflection, also, I hoped that you would find some little consolation and comfort from association with young ladies of your own age, for here all is cheerless and dreary. The void caused by your dear mother's death can never be refilled; my home is truly desolate. It would have been wrong to keep you at home to share my grief, and thus uselessly add bitterness to your younger years. Do not grieve too long and bitterly, my child, for your dearly loved mother; imitate her in every action of her life; and when Time has slightly moderated your poor father's sorrow, and you are in charge of his home and your own, things may be brighter and more cheerful again.
Pray write to me soon, and
Believe me,
Your ever affectionate father,
----
_A Parent to his Daughter at Service._
Farndon, March 1st, 187--
MY DEAR DAUGHTER,
When you left home for service, you were so young and inexperienced that we were most anxious as to your welfare. We are truly thankful to find from your letter, received a few days ago, that you are in a place that is likely to prove comfortable. I need not give you much advice as to obedience, for you have always been, both to your mother and myself, a most obedient and dutiful child. Your mistress is very kind in showing you how to perform your duties. Be attentive, and grateful to her for such kindness.
Do not make acquaintances too hurriedly; never stay out later than the hour appointed for you to be at home; and on no account whatever admit any one into the house, without first obtaining leave from your mistress. Never miss an opportunity of attending Divine worship. Write to us as often as you can; and with the love of your mother and myself,
Believe me, your affectionate father,
JOSEPH HODGES.
----
_From a Father to his Son, who has been complaining of the severity of his Master._
Putney, March, 187--
MY DEAR FREDERICK,