Letter #2 from my late great grandfather to his mother 1875

Barrington, N.S. Dec. 26th, 1875

Phobe Penney, My Dear Mother:

I have just this morning received a letter from you by Matthew. I learn that your health is not very good but I am glad to hear that you are able to be about. I have heard from you once before this winter through the correspondence of Obed Smith's family. I am always pleased to hear from you and though I do not write very often, I nevertheless think about you continually and I should be pleased beyond my power of expression if I could see you again. I don't suppose that you think ever again to visit Nova Scotia and it is quite uncertain if I ever shall look upon my Dear Mother again.

Well I suppose every and all such events of our lives are wisely ordered by Divine but I often think it strange that our particular lot should have been that severe as we are far apart and left behind.

I have enjoyed tolerable health since I last wrote you though this winter I have had some attack of old complaints, pain with back & side, with cough etc. Rebecca and the children are all as well as usual. You are aware that we have had a son this winter named HENRY ATWOOD for the two grandfathers. I am still living at "the River". I have not been very successful the past season and have not consequently made much progress. I however am very comfortable in my worldly affairs. Ernst is grown to quite a large boy and goes to school constantly. He is getting to be a fair scholar. Arthur, if he lives, will go to school next summer.

We are going to have the suit with Mr Coffin about our Mill privileges, next June in Barrington and if you have any papers in your possession of any kind whatever, relating to the concern, you will please forward to me immediately so that I may make use of it if necessary. I wish you could be here at the time for you might know something to our advantage.

Your friends often inquire after you and without naming them, wish to be remembered. Remember often us all with respect to Mr. Kenney. Rebecca sends her love to you and wishes you a HAPPY NEW YEAR. I hope that you may continue to enjoy your mental faculties and improved health for many years to come and that when those important and inevitable changes occur, that we are all destined sooner or later to experience, that we may each be prepared and equal for the solemn occasion. For this time good bye.

I am your loving son T. W. Watson