William (& Mary) Moodie – Letter 36 - from Busby, Scotland, 1862

Letter to friend Alex in Australia (written by William's wife, Mary) from Busby, Scotland, 14^th May. 1862_4 pages

This envelope may have been from a letter written by Alex's father (I don't have a May letter for him); Mary Moodie's May letter (below) was returned as it had no stamps, so later enclosed with Wm's June letter

Dear friend

I am deputed to send you a short note by this mail. William’s time has been completely take up this week, or he would have written.

I have to thank you for your handsome present, it arrived all safe on William’s birthday precisely. It looks quite elegant on our little parlour table, you need entertain no fears of its having turned out a “duffer”.

We were a little disappointed that we had no letter last mail, but hope soon to hear from you. You will notice in the accompanying paper an account of the shooting match between Busby(?) and Pollokshaws, and John made the highest score. You may be sure it was a night of rejoicing in our little village.

I hope you are enjoying good health, you will have got rid of the intense heat, it is our turn now, I suppose you will laugh when we speak of hot weather.

D. Galbraith has resigned the foremanship of the engraving and my brother in law, A. Houston, has been fortunate enough to fall into the situation. They had too many hands and were discharging some but old Wakefield(?) said to keep the two Moodies by all means, they were very decent fellows and had been with them for a long time. The engravers presented David with a pretty little silver snuff box and pen case when he left.

Wm will write by next mail and it will make up for what this wants in interest and length. You must excuse me as I am very hurried for time.

We are very happy dear Alexander in our own house and often wish you similar joys and comforts in the land of your adoption. We join in sending kind love and prayers for your continued prosperity

I am your affectionate friend

Mary Moodie

William send compliments to your brothers.

Scans of the original letter (click on the image below for a larger version; note the order of the pages p.4-1, then p.2-3):

p.1,4

p.2,3