Graham Letter - Elizabeth Peart 1859

Two fragments probably from the same letter were written by one of the Pearts in Swinhope in 1859 to either Joseph and Hannah or Robert and Margaret. In a later letter Jacob wrote that John i.e. Mary's son, `writes the letters¿. Thus, John probably penned this letter which Watson and/or Betty Peart dictated. Durham Record Office Ref: D/X 1035/20 May 19th 1859 (Dear son) and daughter this is to inform (you that we) received your letter and we were (glad) that you were all well and we (would ha)ve written sooner but mary (was ju)st commencing with the fever (w)hen we got your letter. Now she has got A turn for mends and is coming about very well. My mother is very much reduced since you saw her but she is as well at present as one can look for. Watson is well and Adam and John and Eliz. She is stoping with uncle Jos. Watson is working in the foremost length of the Herzel level with Thomas Heslop you partner and Geo Charlton and Willi Waggot and Geo Curry and Hugh Bell and we have had to work and (missing words) money. We had nothing the ye(ar before?) and we had very low wages th(is) (missing words) you must think we find it very (missing words) getting along. Adam has had no (missing words) all wihiter (winter?) and all things has been v(ery) high. I will insure (assure) you I find it very hard to keep all things going on. I am neither Building houses nor buying land but I am glad to hear that you are prospering in the farming sistom we have been paying 1s 2d for a pound of Butter 8d for mutton and potates is 1s 2d per st. at present Flour is 2s 6d per st. and other kinds of grain accordingly so you must consider how we will be¿ The top of the next steet of the letter is missing. The bottom half of the page contunues¿. ¿Brothers and Sisters and I hope you have more plenty than we have but if I saw you I could tell you many things that I cannot write. We have to be very careful I think Mary got cold with going out to sew and being so much exsposed to the cold and night air. For she makes many a shilling and it does a vast of good so I must Conclude with saying I we would be very glad to see you all but I see no chance.. . The upper portion of the last page is missing. The close and signature are on the lower part of the page. ¿.we remain your Affectionate Mother and Brother Watson and Eliz Peart