London 1847
Amongst the correspondance relating to our family genealogy was this fragment of a letter which had been sent by a relative in Canada. It is particularly interesting in that it provides a description of living conditions in London in the year 1847. The letter is transcribed exactly, with the original spelling and sentence construction.
Bermondsey Mar. 8, 1847
Dear Friends,
I have at last taken up my pen for the purpose of addressing you with these few lines hoping the same may find you and the family in good health as this leaves us at present likewise to inform you that Ann as made me a present of a very fine boy. She was taken bad on the Thursday and was not delivered until Saturday morning at 1/4 ten o'clock 30th. of January it cost her a very severe trial as he was a fine boy at his birth. We had the nurse and a medical man in attendance the boy as (been very poorly as wele as Ann as we must expect but thank God they are both doing nicely, I hope that your better half has got over her trials with little Iain. Ann longs to see Margaret again. Dear Tom I have to inform you that we have felt the result of the expenses attached to what I have before mentioned we can scarcely manage to make ends meet as the price of provision being so remarkably high and being away from all friends we have to pay for every little turn that is done. I have endeavoured to better my situation but trade being so lulled I have been quite unsuccessful, my present situation is one not to my mind as wages is low. I will give you a brief of my earnings and of my expenses, in the first place my standing wages is one room to live in and everything which we pay 3/- per week for where you cannot swing a cat round without killing it, 1/9 per cut for old bread, 1/6 the half loaf, potatoes 1½ per lb. and everything is very dear, but it is very long before next winter set in if I cannot suit myself better than the present to try for a country berth as things are more reasonable in the country. I should like to know how Trade is getting on in Abergavenny if there may be an opportunity there or anywhere else I would not care so long as it would suit me. Henry Hopkens that was at James and Harris with me is at a Cargo Tea Warehouse and I think he is doing very well he has his health but very indifferent. Chad Green I believe he is doing of nothing must be very expensive to Mr. Green to keep. How George Green is and how are you getting….
(the rest of the letter is missing)
Charles and Ann Powell.
Document found in a letter received by Elsie Byard from Judy Todhunter