CUNARD-ROYAL-STEAMSHIP-“ETRURIA”
Off Queenstown
24th June/88
My dearest Wife.
I sent you a post card from L.pool – it is doubtful if it will reach you before this, as there is no delivery in London on Sunday.
We have 300 cabin passengers on board – nearly all Americans, & not of the best class. I asked for a seat at the Pursers table, which the 1st steward got for me, but when dinner time came I was shown to one of the center tables, the Pursers, but the poor man I expected to see was not there, he made his last trip with us in Decr took ill, & died in a few days. I have seen the queer little Stewardess – evidently the right sort of fellow has not yet turned up. My cabin is in excellent position, & good enough – but the funnel destroys the comfort of the sofa & curtails the room. The weather is lovely – last night I remained on deck till 11-30 the moon was bright, the sea smooth & we were going at half speed – because we shall have so much time to wait here. How I missed you all – & how you would have enjoyed being on deck last night. I was very lonely having left all my dear behind. I was indeed very much grieved to part with you all, I could not bear to think of it in advance — It is a great disappointment more so than I can express, that something was not settled for Frank before I left, but I cant help thinking that something will come of the present outlook through the Admirals exertions. I have written to him to thank him for the interest he takes in Frank.
I have commenced my first letter No. 1 & will number them as heretofore – I hope you will do likewise – I also want you to keep
a diary otherwise I shall never know half what you do. Get a diary at once & commence from Saturday 23rd inst: what you spend – this for your own satisfaction more than mine.
There wont of course be time to answer your letter (I expect one) today after the mail arrives I will write from N York. I shall be anxious to know what you intend to do & to hear that you have left your present quarters. Don’t leave my letters about. Send off the Camp basket without delay – perhaps you could send in it some present for Hick if a portfolio or anything of that sort – let it be a good one & have his name stamped or printed on it. –
You asked me to give you a list of what you should do, that it would be a help to you. I will enclose one. The first & best will be to take care of yourself & not worry about trifles. The next to teach dear Puss to go to bed in proper time, get up early do something useful every day & be punctual, this would tend much to her happiness. If you & she think well to take a few more riding lessons, take them & let her ride at other times when she can do so with a proper escort. I should much have liked to have gone out with her, but everything was against me.
Now dont mope, when there is anything worth seeing – go to it, it wont come to you – and if you dont look out in time, you will only learn when too late to avail yourselves of the opportunity.
Try to make a list of what you wish to get for the house, & find out from Beeton or from the H.B.C. when there will be an opportunity of sending & dont leave all till the last.
It is now 10-30. I can hear you telling Puss you will be late for Canon Fleming – I wish I could go with you.
I must write to Jack – Mr. Hughes & Mrs Ellis & to Grace if I can not tell her with my love that I had not time to answer her letter.
[written vertically over page]… I hope Frank will tell me all that takes place at Kinapple’s office and should he go to Spain or elsewhere he should write to Sir Michael.
[faint]
A nice letter from Jack & telegram from Mr. Hughes; nothing from the dear wife, Puss or Frank I suppose you were late for the mail.
I have just learned that a second mail bag has been received on board – it may contain the letters from you.
The service has just passed bound for Liverpool.
Have you called on Lady Tupper. Has Frank left my card on Mr Ness at his office?
Good bye my dearest Carry
My fond love to dear Frank & Puss and may God bless & keep you all in health & happiness
Always your affect loving husband
P. O’Reilly
Back to list of 1888-89 lettersThis collection of letters has been digitized from an earlier transcription project and is for informational purposes only. This transcription has not been verified against the originals. Researchers interested in these letters should consult the original documents housed at the BC Archives.