informing her of
her mother Ellen’s death
Sunday 15 October,
1911 : Southsea
My dear Lilly,
Your dear gone Home 6
o’clock this morning, very quiet and peacefull. So the best wife and the best of mothers has left us. Edward was here for the weekend a fortnight
ago, and she just knew him, that’s all I can say. Ernest came Friday night so he was with us. I think she just recognised him. The dear one will be laid in her last
resting place on Wednesday.
We have had a nurse in for
nearly a fortnight since her dear back began to get sore. Tat got too nervous, fearfull of hurting
her, poor dear. She kissed me Friday
but scarcely on Saturday.
So we have lost three in
less than three months. Your Uncle
Jeffery, Aunt Gussey, and now your precious Mother. There was very little change in her, so you can just picture the
rest. I feel quite prostrate, while at
the same time thankfull that her sufferings are over, and thankfull to God for
the happy life we have had for 58 ½ years.
Well, I don’t feel able to
concentrate my thoughts and say more – only lots of love to you all. Kiss the dear ones for me and I hope they
will all grow up as good, usefull and happy as their dear Granny.
I have written on this paper
as it is thin. I was glad to get the
letter from Rose that you sent and to hear the news. We are here having lovely weather, and I hope you have it right
for the harvest. There will be
something to come for you a little later on, but you will hear again before
long. I don’t think of anything else to
say just now so, with lots of love to you and all the others, I remain
Your affectionate, loving
Father Birch.
Since I wrote the above I
find that you had clothes of the dear one.
I had forgotten that, but your Mother’s wish was that I should send you
five pounds. So you will have a Post
Order. I hope soon to hear that one or
both the girls are out. I feel sure
they want to be where there is more doing and earning some cash and thus
relieving you. They will all miss their
dear Granny’s letters just put
in the coffin, looks as she is so peacefull.
Monday 16th -
Rose came this afternoon. Such lots of
letters. All being well that will
occupy my time if spared. God bless you
all. That’s what Mother said when she
called me thinking she was going.
Your affec. Father