1890-1891
South Africa, Tasmania, Australia, New Zealand
November 14th, 1890
East London
My Beloved Angee,
Through the Lord's Mercy I had a good time in every way at Queenstown and the meetings at Mr. Hall's house were a cheer to my heart – also spent a nice time again with that dear sufferer (Mr Morgan) of whom I told you in my last. He had been anxiously waiting the second visit and before leaving him he said that my visit had been the greatest comfort he had ever had in his life – I was allowed of God through His mercy to carry His word to thirsty soul and this was real refreshment to the bearer and to the receiver so that they could rejoice together. I shall never forget that dear suffering face and yet expressing through the deformity the disease had occasioned a heavenly mind – patient and peaceful and abounding in hope earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven.
Dear Mr Hall and the young Ball from Liskeard came to the train to say good bye and on leaving a little after 7 pm I feel in my usual good health. During the night however I feel very poorly and was very sick and I fear it was some bad food I had taken at dinner. On reaching East London on Wednesday morning I got to the hotel as quickly as possible and was soon in bed where I kept all that day and Thursday. This morning thro' mercy I am well again though feeling weak and purpose moving on to Natal tomorrow. I need hardly say what a comfort dear Lazarus is at all times but in sickness especially so – he lay on the floor by my bedside each night and was quickly up when I wanted him. We had a terrible thunderstorm just before leaving Queenstown and some friends here have suggested that it may have upset me as it does so often some people – well you must excuse getting a short letter this week – D.V. the next will be from Durban which is I hear a semi-tropical place where my white clothing will be necessary.
We have a telegram here today of the terrible accident to a train near Taunton carrying a lot of passengers to London from a Castle steamer reaching Plymouth the previous evening[1] - how sad.
Once more with much love to you my dearly beloved Angee and all our dear children and friends believe me.
Being very affectionate Husband
The Lord preserve you from the evil of Raven's - it is a deep sorrow to my heart that Arundel has been caught in the snare of it and others too – I hope dear Arundel may soon be delivered from it.
Footnote
[1] The Norton Firtzwarren rail crash, 11th November 1980 – see further here.