51 Bramwell St
Hendon Road
Sunderland

[October 1866?]

My dear Annie

John and I were at Mrs. Shinwell's to tea yesterday. I asked her daughter if they had room for you. she said they would have in a short time. The terms are a guinea for both Millinery & dress-making; she makes no difference between a half year or year. She says if you are expert you may learn both in half a year. The establishment consists of Mrs. Shinwell, her two daughters, a forewoman, and 8 or 9 apprentices. The hours in winter are from 9 to 12, and from 1 to 4, returning for an hour or two in the evening. They live nearly opposite to your cousins'. I think you will like them, and hope you will be quite happy while down here.

John is going to the Shotley Bridge Ct. to missionary meetings on the 20 of Oct. I thought of spending that time at home. Miss S. said the 29th. would be soon enough for them. Can you be here against then? Please write soon and say, so that I may secure the place for you.

Thomas is out of situation just now, and is with us at present. He came here last Friday. Monday night he spent at Uncle Harrison's Newcastle. He unites with John and me in kind love to you, Mother, sister, & brother and Aunt.

Cuthbert was well on Saturday when Tom saw him. Excuse haste please from

your affec.ate sister
Mary

[P.S.] Your cousins are removing to Seaham this week. M.

["Annie" is her sister-in-law]

51 Bramwell St
Sunderland

[December 1866?]

My dear Mother

The butter & sausages came about a week ago, for which we are very much obliged. The former is quite a boon to us, and the latter a great treat.

I would have written sooner, but had no paper in the house until to day.

Cuthbert has most likely told you that Tom was over last week end. I could not persuade him to take his sausage. he said it would not suit him, he is very careful about his diet. I gave him a pot of black-currant jam instead. I dont think he treats himself to any dainties.

John is going to Durham next Saturday to a course of Missionary meetings. As he will be away about a week, I think it a nice opportunity to go home a bit. Annie did talk of visiting Newcastle before she left; and our people at Gateshead would like her a day or two there. Now I think Annie & I may visit our friends at the same time It is not comfortable for her to come home now in the cold weather with no fire on or dinner ready. I shall enjoy myself much better if the house is shut up. She will not lose much for Shinwells are very slack and she can return to them and stay as long as she likes, when we come back. I wish we could have afforded two months ago to have sent her to some other place for the millinery – perhaps that would have been no better though, for every body is complaining of the dull times. folk run off to the slop[?]-shops where they can get things the cheapest.

I hope you will have good pays[?]. and nothing to fret about. People are dreading the winter here – there are so many out of work.

John & Annie unite with me in love to you & Phebe. John is much better than he was last week. Annie has a bad cold now.

I remain dear Mother

Your affecate.
Mary

["Mother" is her mother-in-law, Jane Watson]