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] [next page] 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