[written to her grandmother Jane Watson]

[Aliwal North]

November 12. 1881

My Dear Grandma,

Ma has made me a pretty dress, trimmed with pink, and she is going to make me another trimmed with red. Ma has been making a lot of dresses for annie, and John a lot of suits. Annie is better now, she goes out for a walk every day in her perambulator. Ma is putting a flounce on my dress now, and Da is reading. Annie plays so much with me, every evening ma sets her down on the carpet, and there she plays away, and if we sing a sesuto hymn to her she laughs and dances, and if we talk to her she crows. she is such a merry little thing. John has got such a pretty oatmeal cloth coat trimmed with pink, and trousers, and Annie has got an oatmeal dress trimmed with pink. Our fruit will soon be ripe, the apples are getting red already. I am in the choir now and am begining to learn to sing nicely. I am getting on nicely at school, for the last two days I have not been at school, because I was a little sick, but I am better now. Last night I was at the choir practice. I send you a lot of kisses from your affectionate Grandaughter

Kate Watson
aged 9

xxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

[written to her grandmother Jane Watson]

Young Street,
Parkside,

June 13th. 1885.

My Dear Grandma,

I was very pleased to receive your letter in reply to those which Nellie and I sent you. She was often enquiring if I had received one, and when I did she was very glad you liked her letter. I was sorry to hear that you had not been able to get out for several months, but hope that you are better now. My Auntie's children have not been very well, they have had a kind of low fever, but they are better now. You asked me if Nellie was the only girl, she was when she wrote to you but now she has a little sister, her name is Winniefred and she is a very good baby. Annie and I were not very well for a few days and were under the doctor's care, but we soon got all right again.

The new minister from England (Rev. T. Weatherill) arrived here about 3 months ago and he and his family stayed with us for a week until they furnished their own house at Glenelg. There were seven of them, four children, the servant, and Mr. and Mrs. Weatherill, and we were very busy, Ma had to make beds on the floor, and the servant slept on the sofa. A little while after they went to their house at Glenelg the little baby aged 11 months took ill, and after a short and painful illness it died. Ma went down on the Sunday afternoon and while she was there the poor little thing died. It seemed very sad that almost as soon as they came, they should lose her. Her name was Edna.

We had our chapel anniversary on Sunday and Monday May 24th. and 25th. On Sunday morning and afternoon Mr. Weatherill preached, and in the evening Da preached. On Monday at 2.30. p.m. a sale of goods was held in the school room. I had a stall, and everything on it was sold at a penny, so it was called the "penny stall". A friend of mine (Stella Howchin) helped me and we got £1—5—0½ which showed we sold over 300 articles. In the evening at 5.30. a tea meeting was held when a number sat down. It was followed by a public meeting, which was addressed by several minsters and some sweet music was rendered by the choir. Ma gave a tray, which was looked after by Mrs. Pearson, while Ma attended to the ladies stall. £50 debt was paid off. Uncle and Auntie came up on Monday and bought several things; auntie brought Winnie with her and they stayed overnight.

We intended to go down to auntie's at Queenstown this afternoon (which is Saturday) but it is a dreary, wet, day so that we could not go. Da has been translating some German into English, but now he is reading "Romola" by George Eliot to ma, Annie is playing with her dolls, and I am writing to you over a nice coal fire.

With love to you and auntie, I remain

Your loving granddaughter
Kate.

P.S. I have enclosed a letter from Annie which she wrote while I held her hand.

[written to her grandmother Jane Watson]

Young Street
Parkside

July 1st /86.

Dear Grandma,

As I have a fortnight's holiday I take the opportunity of writing to you; as I have not time while I am at school. I told you in my last letter that we were going to have our Sunday school picnic on Easter Monday. It was a very fine day, and we went in the trams to Mitcham, where we all got out, some going for walks up the hills, and others resting underneath the trees. In the evening Annie and I did not go home with the others but went with Ma and Da to the Primitive Methodist Church at Mitcham where they were having a bazaar and tea-meeting.

This month we have been having our quarterly examination by the inspector. There are 26 girls in our class and I was at the top. This morning I received my report which the head-mistress writes, and Da says I had better tell you about it – she says:— "Kate is a very good attentive girl in class. she has made great progress in French during the quarter. she is third in quarter's marks and most of her work is done very well. If she continues as she has begun, she will make a most successful student in time. she shows intelligence and interest in her work." — I was first in French for the quarter. For the examination I got 362 marks out of 500. We have for our teacher Miss Dornwell who is a "bachelor of science". Her portrait was in the Pictoral Australian which I sent to you. You must not think that she is like the photograph. She is very pretty, whilst they have made her lips thick.

Last May we had a bazaar. Next November we intend having another and Stella and I will have the "bran pie"— 3d a dip. Annie is still going to school and knows a good many things. She has a week's holiday because cousin Nellie is here. Ma has had a very bad cold and a sore chest, but she is a little better now. We went for a walk to Mrs. Howchin's this afternoon, and found Stella with a gathered ear. If it is better she is coming to tea to-morrow. Last Monday we had a cantata in our chapel by Bible Christian choirs from various places, conducted by Mr. Wright. We had some very good music.

I must close now with love to Auntie and yourself in which all join.

I remain
your affectionate granddaughter
Kate

[in the margin there are 4 rows of X's]

[written to her grandmother Jane Watson]

Dear Grandma,

Da told you that I would write during my holidays, which last three weeks. To-day it is very wet, and there is not much to do, so I will try to write a few pages. We had a great deal of rain a week or two ago, & then it cleared up for the Jubilee celebrations. Now it is raining again. This is our second week of the holidays. We broke up on the Friday, when we had a splendid time. Miss George, the head-mistress, said a few words about the Queen, & we had singing & recitations.

On Monday there were thousands of people in Adelaide to see the children of the State Schools, private schools, & some Sunday schools march. There were about 13,000 children besides all their teachers. It was a pretty sight to see them with their flags & bands. They marched to Montifeore Hill, where the Governor, Mayor, & other gentlemen made speeches, & the schools sang, "The Song of Australia", The Old Hundredth, & the National Anthem. After that they had bags of food & some tea given to them & they played some games. We came home before the schools did. In the evening the town was illuminated.

On Tuesday, the Queen's Jubilee, the soldiers marched through the streets, & also sailors from the warships, Nelson, Opal, & Protector. They lined the sides of North Terrace, where the Exhibition is built, & the Governor with many other people in carriages passed between them. The Governor opened the Exhibition with a golden key, & a concert was held in honour of the occasion. We all went to hear the "Fisk Jubilee Singers", in the evening, & we enjoyed it very much.

Yesterday we went, for the first time to the Exhibition. It is a splendid building with a great many exhibit in it. I expect I shall go again before I go back to school, because I did not see half the things. Annie was greatly delighted & kept pulling Ma from one thing to another & asking if they were "truly" things. She said she wished that she had all the Exhibition for her play house. The band from the Nelson was playing music all the afternoon.

Before the breaking up we had our Quarterly Examination. I was sixth in English marks, second in French, third in German & fifth in Examination marks. I got my report last night, which is very good. I have begun to learn Euclid & Latin, but I like the last the best. Annie is at school. She did not go yesterday, because we went to the Exhibition. She had only one week's holiday, & thinks that she ought to have as long as I have. Nellie has not been very well lately & has to stay from school. All the rest are in good health.

Ma bought Annie & I some nice new ulsters for the winter. Mine is black, & has slings for sleeves, which are trimmed with black plush. Annie's is a lighter colour. We have also new dresses & hats. The dresses are navy blue serge, trimmed with plush to match. My hat is felt trimmed with blue plush & a dove-coloured feather. Annie has a tamashanter of blue plush, with a bow of ribbon at the side.

We have had all the house papered, which makes it look like a new place. Our bed-room has such a pretty paper, & Ma has put curtains in the window & other new things. Mr. Howchin has had a bad cold, but is better now. Stella still attends school & does very well.

Annie encloses a letter. With love to Auntie & yourself

I am your loving — Kate

Young Street
Parkside,

March 8th. 1889

My dear Grandma,

Da has told you when we will be sailing, and when to expect us. I am longing to see you and Auntie again. I expect you will see great changes in us after ten years. I will be 16 the day before we leave here & Annie is 8.

A fortnight ago I was at Port Elliot, a beautiful watering-place on the Southern Ocean. Mr. & Mrs. Howchin & Stella & Edith were going, so they asked me to go with them. I enjoyed myself immensely; bathing every day, & taking long walks & scrambling over the rocks.

On Wednesday we all had our portraits taken, but have not got them home yet. It is our Sunday School Anniversary on Sunday, and we are hoping it will be a success.

We have had a great deal of sewing to do in preparation for the voyage, and we shall be very glad when we are off, and away from all the work which is necessary when one goes on a long journey.

We are very sorry that we will miss seeing cousin Willie. I should like to have seen him, as I forget what my cousins are like. I suppose we shall soon see the rest of them.

With love to Aunt Phebe & yourself.

I remain your loving
grand-daughter
Kate

[P. S.] This will be the last letter from Australia, I expect.

[printed letterhead and black (mourning) border]
[to her sister Annie; their mother Eleanor died two days before]

The Poplars,
Lymm.

April 5th. 1901.

My dearest Annie,

I feel I should like you to have a few words from me, as I cannot come myself to see you. It is a great trial to me that I cannot be with Father and you at this time, but in the interest of everyone I think it is wiser for me to be here. At times I do not feel at all well and should only be an added care if I were at Openshaw.

I am so thankful to know from Wilson that Father and you are bearing up so well, and I do pray that you may have very powerful and blessed help throughout tomorrow, as I know it will be a trying day for you both. I feel confident, however, that the Saviour who has so wonderfully helped us all through the last weeks will be our all-sufficient comforter all through. I cannot tell you, dear Annie, how thankful I am for the days I had with Mother and the thought of them and of darling Mother's whole life supports me in a wonderful way.

I shall be so glad to see you both soon. I am sure you will be ready for a rest. You have been a great comfort to us all, and we are so glad you were able to be in such constant attendance on dear Mother, and that you made her last days here as bright as possible. I think now of her with her dear boys in the home above. We who are left must stick together and help one another on our way to join Mother.

Wilson will be with you soon after 11 tomorrow, and I, too, in spirit will be with you, and trust you will remember Mother's words as I shall strive to do, "Never think of me with any feelings of gloom, for I am going where I long to be."

With dearest love to Father and yourself and kind regards to Sissie and Nurse,

I am
your ever loving sister
Kate

[to future brother-in-law Richard Cowie]

"Sunrise,"
Rouge Rue,
Guernsey, C. I.

May 27 /10.

My dear Dick,

I expect you will be wondering how Nance is getting on in health. You will know that she has not been well for several weeks, and at last we insisted on her having the doctor. Last Sunday and Monday she seemed a little better, but since then has not been so well. The doctor came yesterday morning, and found that she was losing strength, so at once ordered her to bed, and there she has to remain for the present. She has got very thin, and is in a weak state. We are trying what perfect rest will do, and every two hours she has nourishment in some form. I told the doctor that the date for the wedding was fixed, and asked his opinion as to whether we should go on with the arrangements. He advised us to wait for a week before deciding, and then he can probably say whether she will be ready for July 6th. I am sorry to have to send this poor news to you, but I thought it wiser that you should know. Of course it has made us feel unsettled, but we hope that in a few days we shall see an improvement in Nance's condition. Today she is in less pain, but has no appetite. However, she makes a brave attempt to take food. She is very cheerful, so we expect better things. I will write again soon to let you know how she progresses.

Two of Wilson's sisters, Mrs. Cross and Mrs. Swinden, hope to come to the wedding. We are disappointed that none of your people can come.

We try to keep Nance's spirits up as much as possible. Miss Opie and Miss Wright come in to sit with her. When you write, send as cheery a letter as you can. I fully believe that the rest and nourishment will do her good. At any rate, I am doing all I can to get her strong.

All join me in love to you. I hope I shall have better news when next I write.

I am,
sincerely yours,
Kate.

[to her sister Annie]

"Sunrise",
Rouge Rue,
Guernsey, C. I.

July 8 /10

My dearest Nance,

When we arrived home this evening I found your interesting letter. I had not been expecting one today, so the pleasure was great.

I was glad to do all I could for you, and am so thankful that everything passed off so well. The people all say what a pretty wedding it was, and are unanimous in admiring your appearance. Didn't the reception pass off nicely?

Mesdames Chappel, Marquand, Body, Gartell and Miss Gartell have been here this evening to see the presents and taste the cake. I took some cake to the picnic yesterday for the teachers. They did enjoy it, and wished you all happiness. Mrs. Cumber and Mrs. Jordan have had cake here too, and sent their love to you.

Today we had a lovely drive to Plenimont[?]. We miss you very much, but Maud and Annie and Hattie are all very kind and keep me lively. I shall look forward to seeing you in September. Get your house into order, and then we can gad about when I come.

Clifford has said each morning, "Are we going to have another wedding today, Auntie". Winifred has not been to school since Tuesday, but is going tomorrow morning. Maud and Annie go to Sark on Monday for a week. They want me to spend a day with them if possible.

I hope you will both have a good time in Weymouth. Take great care of yourself, and get strong again. You and Dick must take care of one another; and both look flourishing when I come to see you.

It is time to get supper ready, so good-bye for the present, With love to you both in which all join, I am,
dear Nance,
Your ever loving Sister,
Kate.

[to her sister Annie]

"Sunrise",
Rouge Rue,
Guernsey, C. I.

July 17 /10

My dear Nance,

We were pleased to hear that you were feeling better and hope that you will have much better health in the future. Be sure not to overdo yourself. Don't try to do a tremendous lot in one day, but just do a little each day. I hope you will get a charwoman quickly, for if you try to do cleaning you will soon be prostrate. I do hope you will look after yourself, and that when I come in September I shall find you looking well.

We have been thinking and talking of you & Dick a great deal today, and wondering what your house & church are like, and how you are impressed with the people and your surroundings. Please give us full accounts when you write, as we are besieged with enquiries about you & your doings.

Mrs. Pyke has arrived home, and has seen the presents. I think she intends sending you a jam spoon & butter knife. Wilson & I had a busy time on Friday, packing the presents. We sent them away on Saturday morning; they leave in the cargo boat tomorrow, so we hope you will get them this week. I spared no pains in packing them, so hope they will arrive in good condition. There are three boxes, and when you unpack please look carefully through papers & packing, as there are little things wrapped up.

You will see I have sent some wedding cake. I have sent more than half what was left. We have posted some to Dick's people, to Mrs. Willett, & to Lillie Eccles. We have also given some to Mr. Hughes & Hattie, & I will give Annie & Maud some to take home. All visitors to the house have tasted it, & many have been the good wishes expressed on your behalf.

We have paid all bills except Le Noury's which we expect this week. I am afraid there will be nothing left out of the £25, but I am satisfied that you had a very nice wedding, and a good send-off.

We are well. I went to Church this morning, but am resting this evening, so as to be fresh when Annie & Maud arrive from Sark tomorrow. Father has gone with Wilson this evening. Mr. Hughes & Hattie left us on Friday, so we are alone for the week-end. We feel strange without company. The Endeavourers come next Friday; then when they go we shall be quite alone I expect.

We do miss you. I find myself looking for your return; then have to remind myself that I must wait a few weeks longer before I see you.

Mr. Larcombe & Miss Marrett were married on Thursday. It was a pretty wedding. The bride was in cream nun's veiling, with veil & orange blossom. The three bridesmaids were in cream also, with brown chip hats, trimmed with brown ribbon & wreaths of pink flowers. They carried bouquets of pink & white carnations. Everything passed off nicely; we went to the wedding breakfast. They have their house nicely furnished, & have the prospect of being very comfortable. The choir presented them with a silver & cut glass épergne.

Father had a letter from Mrs. Heslop, in which she wished you all happiness. He also had an interesting letter from Clement, in which he says that Bert has been bracketted first for his year for microscopical (histology) work. They are delighted with his success.

Winifred & Clifford talk a lot about you. I have had some struggles with Winifred's hair, but today have been quite proud of the result!!! I think now I have spun a long enough yarn. Take care of yourself. All join in love to you both. yours lovingly

Kate

[to her sister Annie; notelet, with coloured illustration of honeysuckle]

"Sunrise",
Rouge Rue,
Guernsey

Nov 20 /11

My dearest Nance,

So your great wish has been fulfilled, and you are the happy mother of a daughter! I cannot tell you how thankful we are to hear the good news. Now just you be obedient and good, and get strong as soon as possible.

We are all greatly excited. I flew over to tell Mrs. Pyke and Mrs. Opie, and they are delighted.

You should have seen Winifred's face when she heard the news. She exclaimed, "Oh, how lovely!"

Dollie was overjoyed, and wanted to know if you will be bringing it to Guernsey tomorrow!

Father is quite proud over having another grandchild. In fact we are all nearly off our heads!

I am looking forward to coming in January. I do hope I shall be able to come. Won't we have some chats?

I am glad the event is earlier than expected, as it will give you a chance to get about before Christmas.

Now God bless you all, and may the dear little one grow up to be a great comfort to you and Dick! I am afraid Dick will find it hard to keep sedate and fatherly-looking! With dear love from all -

I am your affectionate Sister
Kate

[to brother-in-law, Richard Cowie]

[address in blue rubber-stamp]
'Sunrise'.
Rouge Rue,
GUERNSEY.

Nov. 20 /11

My dear Dick,

First of all let me congratulate you on having attained to the dignity of "Father".

We were all so pleased to receive the telegram this morning, and to know that Nance's trial was over, and that you have a daughter. I pray that both Nance and the baby may get on well. Great care will be needed for a time, but I know she is in good hands and will be well cared for.

Thank you for letting us know so quickly. I am now eagerly awaiting particulars. I shall depend on you keeping me posted up during the next three or four weeks. Please tell me whom the girlie resembles, and anything else of interest.

There is great excitement here over the event. Father is highly pleased, and the children are longing to see their new cousin. I hope I shall be able to get over in January. If the weather is fine and we are all well, I expect to do so.

I hope you are well. I am sure you will be happy.

All join me in love and best wishes,

I am,
Affectionately yours,
Kate

[to Clement Gerard, friend of the family]

"Sunrise",
Rouge Rue,
Guernsey - C.I.

Sept. 6 /12

My dear Clement,

Father wishes me to thank you very much for your letter and the interesting book you have sent him. He has not seen the book before, and is anticipating much pleasure in reading it. He has been quite cheered up today; the news from the outside which you mentioned has given him something fresh to think about.

The doctor is most anxious that he should lead a quiet, contented life, "an armchair life", he calls it. He spends nearly all his time in bed, only getting up for a few minutes twice or thrice a day. This afternoon Dr. Bostock told me that if he will be satisfied to continue in this way, he may be spared to us for a long time, but if he begins to walk about or become restless, he cannot guarantee him from one day to another.

So far he is quite cheerful, and enjoys reading. We are doing all we can to keep his mind happily occupied. He has no pain, which is a great cause for thankfulness.

I have gone thus fully into Father's condition, as I know you take an interest in his welfare.

Please allow me to join my congratulations with those of others on your engagement. I am so glad to hear of your happiness, and from what I can gather, your interests, in essential matters, are the same. It was our wedding day anniversary yesterday. We have been married eighteen years, and we become more to each other as the years go by, so I am always delighted to hear of the same prospect for my friends. I trust you will both be long spared to be a help and joy to each other.

Clifford is much better now. He is as lively as ever, and full of quaint sayings. He begins a new epoch in his life in a fortnight's time, when he goes to school.

Winifred returns from Malmesbury by tonight's boat. Her father has gone to fetch her. I hope to see them about seven o'clock tomorrow morning.

With thanks from Father, and kindest regards to you all, I am

Yours Sincerely,
Kate W. Eccles

[to sister Annie]

[embossed letterhead]
Tilworth
1, Beechwood Avenue,
Plymouth.

May 23rd. 1915

My dear Nance,

I was delighted to have your interesting letter. Your District Meeting seems to have been a great success. I can add a little information which will not, I hope, make you vain, but will make Dick realise perhaps, more than ever, what a lucky fellow he is. Miss Hesta[?] Richards wrote to Wilson last week and at the end of her letter said; "Please tell Mrs. Eccles & Winifred that I heard glowing accounts of Mrs. Cowie's little girl from friends who went from here (Newbury) to the District Meeting - in fact they thought Mr. Cowie was singularly happy in his wife & little one" - I am sure I feel quite proud of you all.

Wilson had a good time in the north. It is nice to hear his descriptions of the nieces and nephews. Nellie seems to be a fine girl, and the Ripon youngsters are very lively.

Mr. & Mrs. Gerrard took Wilson in the motor to the College, and then to the Southern Cemetery, where he found everything in good order. He then went to Shetford[?] Cemetery to see Frank's grave, before going to Ellesmere Port.

If Gladys Gerrard is well enough for the journey, she and Dorothy may come here in September. She is improving nicely, but is not quite strong yet.

Now about the holidays. We had talked about going to Perranporth again, but nothing was settled. We shall be delighted to fall in with your suggestion, and we have been studying the atlas and Guide book. It seems to us that the coast of Somerset would be convenient for both of us. We wondered about Minehead, but it seems rather a fashionable, expensive place, and Weston-Super-Mare seems rather crowded. Then we saw an account of a small place called Burnham, and wondered if it would do. In the Guide Book it says "This favourite seaside resort is situated on the Bristol Channel & faces the broad Atlantic. It is breezy, bright & beautiful, & is considered to be one of the healthiest & most bracing parts of the famous Bristol Channel. The beach, which is firm, & composed of fine sand, extends for about seven miles."

How does it strike you & Dick? Of course we know nothing of it beyond what I have told you. We thought about Weymouth, but I think I would rather get away from a garrison town, and Weymouth is sure to be full of the signs of war just now.

Will you please let us know as soon as you can what you think about it, or if you have any other ideas? Wilson's time when he can be away is from August 12th. to 26th. This is a fortnight. We cannot leave here till the Thursday (the 12th.), as Mr. Thompson & Mr. Horton will be here from Saturday to Wednesday preceding.

What about taking rooms, and making arrangements? It will be lovely to have a good seaside holiday altogether, and Kathleen will afford us a lot of pleasure and fun I'm sure. I suppose it is getting about time to fix up apartments as August is usually a busy time.

Now it is time to get ready for Chapel, so I will said [sic] Good-bye at present.

We all join in dear love to Dick, Kathleen & yourself,

Your ever loving Kate.

[note, presumably by Wilson Eccles, in his own hand]

Many thanks for Birthday presents. I am wearing the tie and using one of the handkfs [sic] today.
-------------------------
Shall be glad to hear how the idea of Burnham strikes you
-------------------------

[to sister Annie Cowie; whose husband Richard has, apparently, applied for a missionary post in Africa.]

1, Beechwood Avenue,
Plymouth.

23-11-15

My dearest Nance,

I hardly know how to write to you. My heart has ached for you today, and I feel that the struggle you have passed through must have been tremendous. I did feel so thankful to know that eventually God's peace had come to you. As the days pass I do pray that you may realise the truth of the promise, "As thy day is, so shall thy strength be."

I have had the feeling all the time that this would have to be faced, and I dreaded it for you. I am anxious now to hear of the verdict in your case. I know you will let me know as soon as possible.

Of course little Kathleen must come to her "Auntie" if you and Dick go. Winifred says that is the only bright spot she can see. You know how we all love her, and will do all in our power for her.

There is a great deal I might say, but I will wait until I hear from you again. If you pass the doctor, your time will be fully occupied in preparations. I wish I could run in each day to see you and try to help you. Writing seems poor somehow when your heart is longing to pour itself out.

I am better than when I wrote last, but have not been outside yet. I do hope your arm is better.

We feel, that if you have to go, it will be nice for you to have Nurse Barlow's company. It must be very lonely to be the only white woman in the place. I must study up all I can about the South Central Mission. I have always taken an interest in it, but I feel I want to know more details now.

You will be pleased to hear that Winifred has started to teach in the Primary Department in the Sunday School. She enjoys the work, and I am thankful that she has of her own free will, taken up some definite work. She amuses us with her accounts of the little mites she has to deal with. Last Sunday she played the piano for them as well.

Clifford is improving so much. He very rarely frowns, and is so much easier to deal with. His health is better, and he is getting quite sunny. I am so glad to see this development in him.

Now I must wait for further news from you. All join me in dearest love to Dick, Kathleen & yourself,

your ever loving Kate.

[to her sister Annie]

1, Beechwood Avenue,
Plymouth.

Nov. 29th. 1915.

My dear Nance,

Thank you very much for the letter received on Saturday and today. I wanted to know the verdict of the Committee before I wrote again. I did not feel much doubt as to what it would be, as it would hardly be the thing to start a man in a new life's work in which his wife had no prospect of sharing. It would be better to send an unmarried man, if they could not get a man and his wife for the place.

I am sure it will be a trial to Dick to give up the thought of a missionary's life, but as his mind becomes settled to the thought, I feel sure he will see that there is fine work for him to do at home. You have both done nobly in offering, and I feel that the matter has been quite taken out of your hands now. I am sure it will be an intense relief to you both that you will not have to give up your little darling. I should have been very glad to have had her, but I kept feeling what an awful sacrifice it would be, not to be able to see her for six years.

I am very sorry that there is permanent injury in your case, but do hope that you will get great relief from the new treatment. Didn't you feel yourself that you were not fit for the work in Africa? I had grave misgivings about your physical fitness for it, and you will understand my feeling when I say that I feel thankful that you are likely to remain in the homeland. It must take a strong constitution and good nerve to face the trying experiences of missionary life. The last few weeks will have taken a lot out of you, but I hope you will try to rest now, and will soon feel quite settled and happy about everything.

Winifred is writing to you now. She says I look as though I am writing a "solemn" letter, and she doesn't feel at all solemn. I wonder what she is writing. She is very good company I can assure you.

I hope to get into town this week for Kathleen's present. We keep talking about seeing you at Easter. Will it be quite convenient for you to have us then?

Please let me know soon how you are feeling. You are constantly in my thoughts. We all join in love to Dick, Kathleen & yourself.

I am, your loving sister,
Kate

[to her sister Annie; plain postcard; frank "ALTRINCHAM, 6.30PM, 23 JAN 21"; message written on ruled paper and pasted on the back; addressed to:
Mrs. R. Cowie,
The Manse,
Wootton Bassett,
Wiltshire.

27 Albert Rd,
Hale
Ches.

23.1.21

My dear Nance,

Wilson and I were delighted to read your contribution to the "Leader" this week. It is very good indeed, and the reading of it brought back many memories. Mother often spoke of the happy time you all had in Scotland that year.

We are getting on nicely. At present we are busy preparing for the Dist. S. S. Convention to be held here on Feb. 3rd. We are hoping for a good day, and have to provide luncheon & tea for a large number.

I hope you are all keeping well.

With dear love,
Kate.

[to her sister Annie]

21 Station St,
Waterhouses,
Co. Durham.

11-2-31.

My dear Nance,

Many thanks for your interesting letter. I am pleased to hear of the success of your effort. I shall be glad to have a photo, and see how the dresses looked, bur please don't send me any postage. Accept that as a little gift from us towards your takings.

I am very sorry that I didn't send the parcel at once, but, either I am getting old, or else the pressure of other things, put the urgency of it out of my mind! I had that week, an unexpected invitation to a wedding at South Shields, and had to run off to Newcastle to see about a new dress! Then on the Wednesday Wilson became poorly and had to be in bed until Friday. He had a severe cold. I am sure you will forgive me my neglect, and I'll promise to do better in the future! I am very glad that the dresses were suitable. They have done good service before at old-fashioned parties. There is a lot of sickness here at present, but so far Wilson and I are keeping well.

Tell Dick not to lose heart about his Sunday School work. I am going to tell you of an experience I have just had, which will warm your heart and may encourage you in your labours. Last week we had our Women's Missionary meeting at Quebec, and the vicar was the speaker & I presided. When Wilson & I arrived at the meeting, Mr. Richardson introduced the vicar to us, and said, "This is the daughter of Dr. Watson". The vicar then said "I'm very pleased to meet you as your Father gave me my call to foreign missionary work". It seems he has been twenty-three years in India.

When he began his address he told us that, when a boy of nine, he and some other lads went into a field where a thrashing machine was at work. They caught several mice and put them in their pockets. When going down the street they saw a notice of a lecture on "Robert Moffatt" to be given by Rev. John Watson of North Shields. They agreed to go to the lecture, and when it got well started, to liberate the mice! However, they became interested, and Mr. Hewitson made a vow that night that he would become a minister and a missionary. He said "I went in bent on mischief, I came out with a resolve that never departed from me".

Father never knew of this, and Mr. Hewitson is sorry now that he didn't let him know, although twice when he was on furlough he tried to get into touch with Father, but didn't succeed. But he said "I am sure your Father knows all about it where he is now, and is reaping the harvest of the sowing he did on earth." Wasn't that a beautiful testimony, and doesn't it show that we never know how well we may be sowing? I can tell you I was deeply moved. The vicar asked me if I could possibly spare a photo of Father. I found one which was taken at North Shields, so I have given him that and also one that was taken in Guernsey.

We are having a missionary round this week. Rev. G. W. King is here and is staying with us. Do you remember him in Plymouth? He came to be best man at Mr. Yeoman's wedding - we are enjoying his company.

We are glad to hear that Kathleen is getting on so well, and that John likes his school. We hope they will both continue to do well. Winifred says that she has had a very happy letter from Kathleen. We have had several falls of snow. At present there are strong winds, and today it is raining. We get more sunshine here than at Oswaldtwistle, at least we have had a lot this winter. I think your curtains must look pretty. Take care of yourself.

With dear love to all of you from both of us,
Your loving Kate.