Bowdon Head April 2/49

Dear Son,

I take this opportunity of writing a few lines to you; hoping you
are in good health, as it leaves us at present, exept John + Harriett
who have the scarlet fever but are getting better.  Margeret came over
here on the 4th of March, she said she did not know, wether she was
coming or not, till she had received an answer from you, to her last
letter, owing to you saying; that if she left her place, you hope she
would not go to Monyash; if she did, you thought, you were soon,
forgot.  I should like you to say in your next, to us what you did
say.  I am very sorry she is not coming, for I thought you would be
very comfortable; I hope you will think no more about her, it is
perhaps all for the best.  Your master told me he had wrote you all
the particulars.  (more than I know) [in parens underlined]

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I should have sent your trousers, but I did not succeeed in getting
the money: you will find two pair of stockings, neckerchief, and a
handkerchief.  We are all glad to hear that you like the country, and
are doing so well.  I should like you to send particulars wether you
got all your things safe, and how you get your clothes mended.
Washing you do yourself, and make your own soap according to your
letter.  Your Chelmorton friends are all very well, and send
their respects.  Mark, as buried, his son Mark.  We all send our
respects to you + Henry.

I remain
Your affectionate + well wishing
Mother
Ann Nall

P.S. I wish to say a word in this letter.  Grace Nall will be married
on the 9th July [???] to John Bradbury.  I for my part have given up
all thoughts of ever being married.  I hope you will look at one of
the young ladies that come with the letter and then you will be much
better than if your old un had come.  You will perhaps say in your
letter how you will manage now that Margeret is not come as I expect
there will be a division of property likewise if you write to Margeret
again I should like to know what you say.  Richard think he is to old
for traveling you must give up all hope of ever seeing us in America.
Your grandpapa could very much liked to have come.  he said he could
make the fire cook the meals and take care of the cattle and pigs and
he thought that as Tobacco + provisions were so cheap he would be of
some profit to you but he is too old to venture so far.

N.B. My opinion of women was never very good  But since I heard that
yours wasn't going it is much worse  take notice of the old proverb
which says, Women + wine game + deceit makes the wealth small + the
want great.
So cheer up there is a good time coming never let one woman spoil your
comfort there are some English girls coming & rove amongst them with
all the spirit of a true English man

I remain
Your sincere + well wishing frend
Charles Lingard