San Remo. January 1^st

1868.

My dear Henry

Although your letter of the 20^th Dec. from London (the last that we have had from you) said that up to New Year’s day we were to direct to Dabton, I almost expect that this will find you gone, unless your visit extended beyond your first idea. But we quite expected that either you or Charles would have written on <Xmas?> day – to report your safe arrival at Dabton, and we waited for this – before writing again. The last from us was Monie’s of the 24^th to you at Dabton, and yesterday she had Matilda’s letter of the 26^th for which she begs you to thank her – and one of us will write soon to herself. We knew how much they would grieve for the loss of Col. Kennedy – and lamented over it ourselves when we saw the announcement of the sad event by telegraph in Galignani. Few men would have been equally missed, both in private and public life: but these very active useful men are necessarily more constantly risquing risking their lives than others, and he has most certainly fallen a sacrifice to this unfortunate Abyssinian expedition. – We have been thinking a great deal of you all at Dabton – today – and I write to wish you & Matilda and John, and the children, as well as Charles as happy New Year from all of us – And you are especially requested to tell Matilda that we know she had the first claim to be written to today – especially after her letter to Monie yesterday – and that Mamie was intending to do so, but she spent so much time paying visits with me to the ladies of our acquaintance all through the house, and receiving visits, and interchanging the civilities of the New Year, that she came back to our own apartments quite fatigued with so much exertion; and was consequently obliged to put off her letter till tomorrow –

Matilda writes such kind things about Pussy – and pities her for having again to be uprooted, after making herself so happy at Dabton. – Fortunately Goodwin is fond of her and will be kind to her as long as he remains at Lacock Abbey – The journey is a difficulty – but I hope you will have arranged to spare Goodwin – and send him through without stopping. – This method has always succeeded – before: being less trouble to Goodwin, & far less distressing to the poor Cat: – and by the night train it is easy to manage. – I hope I am not too late in asking you to make this arrangement, but I did not think about it till last night after post time.

Pray let us hear immediately after you get home – and tell us how it fares with our poor Pussy. – The weather here is gray – cold & ugly since yesterday morning – and the surface of the garden fountain was iced over this morning – No doubt there is very bad weather in less favored places than San Remo. How did Matilda like your presents of wood carving? – I hope they were uninjured by travelling. –

M^elle Amélina had a nice letter from Caroline a few days ago – in which she speaks uncertainly of her winter places – At any rate she has not given up Cannes – though not decided either way – You do not give your opinion of the state of things in England. which the newspapers do not represent as very pleasant: And the English here shake their heads ominously. & ask each other every day what are the latest reports of Fienian enormities. – We are glad to notice that precautionary measures are being taken, by the swearing in of Special Constables &c &c. –

All join me in love and affectionate wishes to Matilda and her belongings which you must please not to forget, if this letter reaches you at Dabton. –

your affectionate

Constance