1894-1895
Ireland
January 12th, 1895
Dublin
My Beloved Angee,
We have had what the evening papers call a blizzard here today and I have never seen or had to face many such storms in my life. There seemed every indication last night that it was clearing up and I quite hoped for a fine day to follow and arranged for an early breakfast so that I might visit Port Arlington about 40 miles distant today which clears up my work in this part. Well I got down to my breakfast at 8 and at 8.30 a cab was at the door but the wind seemed strong enough to blow it away and with it the most blinding snow – for a few moments I hesitated about facing it but was anxious to get it done and so made the start. The Kingsbridge station is about 2 miles from my hotel and the poor cabman had hard work to get through it. The scene at the station was most interesting to see the people coming in who had been riding in cars with a regular coat of snow upon them. Well we got through the tempest to Port Arlington and I then found the town was a mile from the station and it was fortunate for me that there was room in a close carriage as I should not have attempted it. On reaching the hotel which was very comfortable I told the waiter to get me a nice warm meal at 12 as I intended returning by the 12.40 train and I then had no alternative but to face the weather and the snow to call upon our two customers, so off I started with my black bag, very very thankful that I had my splendid overcoat which alas! I had for a moment despised. The furthest customer was about the distance from our house to the junction and I was a real snow man when I reached the shop and my bag a snow bag – the young people inside smiled when I came in – however I gave my coat a good shaking and soon got to business and then made for the other customer and finished with him, returning to the hotel by 12. As I had taken an early breakfast I was quite ready for the dish the waiter brought me – a beautiful steak and a pot of good hot coffee which I thoroughly enjoyed I assure you. The man would not bring out the close carriage again so I had to ride to the station in a car – well I returned here in safety about 3 and at once took off my boots which had done me good service as my stockings were dry as a bone – had a nice wash and felt very comfortable. Rested during the afternoon and at 5 young Hennessy came in and remained to tea. If the roads are passable tomorrow I go back and dine with them after the morning meeting.
All business is at a complete standstill in Dublin today – hundreds are employed shovelling and carting away the snow from the streets and now at 7 this evening there is no abatement in the gale – all communication by wire is stopped so that we do not know if you are having a taste of the same weather in England or not. Sorry you are so put out again by Harriett leaving – all these girls seem to like a change and there never seems to be anything like love in their hearts toward a family as we have been in olden time finding it a pleasure to serve them – all that is gone as the fruit of education in a great measure,
I expect you find out what a help the dear children are now but hope you may soon hear of a good servant. Was cheered in the midst of the storm to get your letter handed to me on my return this afternoon with one from dear Mildred. Shall finish this tomorrow D.V.
Lord's day
Have had a good night thro' mercy and none the worse for the exposure yesterday – I hear the mail is in but the letters are not yet delivered (near 12) and I want to post this before going to the meeting – it is a terrible morning outside with melting snow and rain. Expect you must have had a taste of the storm yesterday.
God Bless and preserve you my beloved Angee and all our dear ones and with much love to you all believe me.
Your very affectionate Husband