This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

LETTER FIVE.


December 31st, 1838.

My Dear Sister,

I have just received your parcel. Am sorry my mother is so ill, and hope she will be much better by when you get this. Am extremely glad my father is well. Shall be very glad of the seeds. Thought of writing to him before we went away for some, but there is plenty of time yet.

We are both in the enjoyment of health at present, but we have fared but badly since the date of my last, having been two or three days without anything to eat, including Christmas day, except that on that day we were made to taste Miss Irvine's plum-pudding and wine, which we were by no means

34