I write these few lines to you hoping to find you well as it leaves us at present. We received your letter dated 12th January and was glad to receive it. ... .I don't doubt but that you wrote many letters that I never heard tell of. I once was three years and had not a letter ... Your relations said that you was dead. I went to Rotherham Town Hall and asked whether you was dead or not. One of the police said he heard you was dead.

I put the children and myself in black for you. My little Thirza went to the first place in deep black. Then I heard your sister Elizabeth had got a letter from you. My daughter Ann went to see if they had told her that you was all right and they told her that the letter had gone to sheffield and she could not see it.

Husband, can't express myself to you but I hope to see you once more seated in the corner. I will be best for you if it comes to pass. Some days I feel pretty cheerful and others very sad, but I think it is owing to my age. Well, I must tell you that Ann getting for another and am sorry to tell you that he is not one of the best of Husbands. But Ann she would be cross with me if she knew I sent you word. I don' t think he is very fond of work - he is a unculted [uncultured?] man.

Dear Husband, I must tell you, my Alfred I believe is taller than you. People are surprised with him. Thirza, I believe she not far off eleven stone. William nice boy ...