Urker Aug 9^th 1893

[Answd 14 Sabb]

 

My dear Tom

            Though my writing days are over, I must try to scribble a line to your of the 6^th July. Long ere this you probably know whether you are to stay in Hong King or to leave it in May. I hope the Lord has ordered whatever is best for you. Minnie [1] did not particularly say which you were to do; but else wrote that she intended to [go] out to youtaking the two eldest girls and the three youngest children with her [2] ; and that she would come over here to bid us goodbye before she went; and I conclude from that that it is decided that you are to stay for the longer period.

 

            The “poor old cow” [3] is never forgotten in my prayers; nor ought she to be; for as the Apostle said “She has been a succourer of many and of myself also”. Like you, I have faith that all will come right in the end. And we should always bear in mind, that nothing is too hard for the Lord to do; and that “His hand is not shortened that it cannot save, nor His ear heavy that it cannot hear”.

 

            Your Kathleen [4] has been ill, but is getting better. Perhaps Minnie did not let you know; lest you should be uneasy.

 

            Louisa Wright [5] has been here on a visit; we all like her very much. She is to go out with Minnie, which will be a grand opportunity for her.

 

            Every thing about the old house at home continues to prosper, except the poor Prairie flower [6] ; though she is still living; and likely to live, she will never draw a car again. One of her feet is quite doubled under her. I have sent her abroad in hopes that she may have a foal; which is all the use she ever can be of.

 

            You have a fine harvest in Cavananore [7] and it is now being reaped. Eliezer’s [8] men and mine were up yesterday helping; and are then again today.

 

            I am glad that such splendour as is described in the extract you sent; did not fall to my lot. I would rather have “a green [hail?] yard, a cottage in a glen” as Allan Ramsay [9] sang than the whole of it.

 

            Mary Griffin [10] is over just now spending a few days in Legmoylin [11] , and we expect Peggy here tomorrow. Health is much as usual among your friends in Ireland, and intend to live (if God permits) to see you home again.

 

            With ten thousand loves & blessings ever your affectionate Mother,

                        Eliza Jackson