Urker July 13^th 1893

My dear Minnie [1]

 

            Though I am far past writing as you may see; I must struggle to pen a few lines to you. It is just what I expected, that when the Directors had again got hold of Tom; they would endeavour to keep him. But may not you be proud that your Husband is the only man that is thought fit to hold such an important post? and may not I be proud of my Son for the same reason? Peace has its triumphs as well as war; and if dear Tom succeeds in reviving the prosperity of the Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank; (as I have little doubt but that he will) will it not be a noble and more beneficial achievement than if he had captured a fortress? But alas! There must be a price paid in the one case as well as in the other; and a heavy price to both you & me. I know not what to advise you [2] , it is beyond my skill; but I would recommend you to be guided by the whatever Tom directs. On the one hand it is hard for you and Tom to be separated for so long a period; on the other it is just as hard for you to divide your family and leave three of them behind. Think what you would feel if death claimed any of them in your absence; think also of the pity it would be, to break up your beautiful home on which you have spent so much; I know not on what terms Tom took it; if he took a leave, they would probably make him pay for the rent, whether the place was occupied or not. Also the expense of the voyage would be very heavy for so many as you propose to bring out. Tom having no one but himself to support, his expenses ought not to be very great; and you have made some retrenchments already; and might perhaps make some more. My advice ends just where it began – be guided by Tom & may God Almighty guide you both.

 

            I am sorry to learn that the children are still suffering from whooping cough. Probably the sea air will do them good; and cold bathing should be good for your arm. It must be distressing to have to keep it in a sling.

 

            How glad we will all be to see you I need not say; and if you decide to go to Hong Kong; it would be a great comfort and advantage to Louisa [3] to be with you; as she is not accustomed to travelling.

 

            Please write in good time that we may know when to meet you. Will you not have some of the young people with you?