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Thursday [24 October 1861]

1, Cumberland Place, N.W.

Dear William Here we are, all alive after Elijah, & Mamma strange to say without a headache. I came up on Monday & Mamma Tuesday, not to let her headache have time to gather. I had rather an adventurous journey, 1st the train very late,

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& then a cabman who drove me all about London. We found Captain John & Godfrey & Aunt Eliz. (the 2 last for Elijah) By the way I have got a great piece of new. Jenny is engaged to Harry Rawson. The only objection is that he is 45 & she only 20, which is rather a difference.

Uncle Harry is rather low about

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it, & looks forward to 25 years of widowhood for her. They have already began to shower jewels upon her.

We both got through Elijah very well & enjoyed it most thoroughly. Jenny finds singing was so infinitely superior to anything I ever heard.

Fechter has just began to act in Othello I am

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sorry to say, but I hope someone will go explore & see whether we may go.

The Joses are up here now, & all coming for a long day, which will be rather long I expect. I shall escape some of it by dentisting.

Poor Uncle Ras had a very bad attack of ague yesterday, worse than he has ever had before I believe.

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The poor rifle match had a horrid rainy day. Parslow won 3d prize & Town 1st

The boys came home very wet, papa said. What are odd chance it is the Stirlings coming to Southampton.

Shall you get acquainted with them, & play croquet with the lovely green gowns.

Now Goodbye dear William

I hope you will let us know how much yr rooms cost. yr affect. H.E.D.