Correspondence from Wilson family to Jacob and Mary Mitchell
26 Aug 1871 From Elizabeth Wilson, Crindledyke [Newmains]
Dear Friends: No doubt you will be thinking us long in writing but we have been so busy this long time with the out work. We are expecting to commence harvest about the end of the week if it keeps dry. It has been very wet weather here this long time. We have not got all our hay in yet.Mother always expected to be up but as Janet was away at Glasgow it is only about three weeks since she came home and when she was down staying with Jeanie this two weeks she came home on Friday and we will be busy sewing till we commence our harvest.
Jeanie is getting on well. They have four cows. Maggie has been staying with her all summer nearly but she is home now. We had her wee boy up staying with us for a fortnight. He is not walking yet so that we have been busier this summer. Mary and I was always out in the fields and mother with left in the house herself. Jeannie is growing a big girl now. The school took up last Tuesday. We was very glad for we have had an awful time of it. Isabell is getting on well at the school, but JOHN is not away to it. He has to make bands in the harvest time.
I have little more to say at present. We are all well. Hoping when this reaches you it will find you all enjoying the same blessing. Mother sends her kind love to you all. Elizabeth Wilson.
(Undated) From Jas. Wilson, West Crindledyke, Newmains
Mr. Mitchell, Dear Sir: I received yours of the 13th. Glad to hear you are all well. As regards the Farms, you are better at home. They are up in the moors. You would see a sale warrant at Rowantree. They are nabour farms. They were let at £45 and are let to a Mr. Wilson at £80 but he will not do long.I gave Father a read of the letter. He is over at the farm daily. Mother is out at the harvest but I do not see her often. She is not much failed. Father is very laim and bad at walking. I have William's old (sowe) at the farm this summer. She drives my milk to the station. Jane is still in the farm. Janet lost her husband. She has three daughters to him. Liz is at Wishaw. They are looking after a farm, the Wishaw Iron Co. Mairy is living beside father. Maggie still at Newarthill. John is first ploughman at Nether Johnston. Isabella is at home.
I am half-ways with harvest. Corn is light in this place. Hay was heavy and cheap £3. I have a young mair and foal. I was bid £75 for her before she foaled. This leaves us all well. Hoping this finds you all the same. Yours truly, Jas Wilson
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