Mount Edgcumbe ^<1>
Devonport.

Christmas Day – 1876

My dear Henry

I hope you are all now returned to the dear old Abbey – & that you found it comfortably warmed for your reception this bitter weather.

I have heard nothing of, or from you, since your last letter in answer to mine – but I will not let Christmas Day pass without writing to wish you all a very happy Christmas, & New Year.

We are all here at present, having just returned from a pleasant visit at Saltram.

I hope you are not feeling rheumatic? I have been very much so lately – but I suppose that is to be expected in England at this season.

I have been reading with much interest, the account of D^r Schliemann’s discoveries at Mycenæ ^<2> – but I want to know if it is all true? because, if not, the interest would be considerably diminished! – Please also, when you write, tell me the meaning of two words: obsidian, & archaic? Tell me also your opinion of the Eastern question. ^<3>

With love to all,

Y^r aff^te Sister

Caroline

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Notes:

1. Mt Edgecumbe, near Plymouth: seat of the Earl of Mt Edgcumbe.

2. Heinrich Schliemann (1822–1890), German archaeologist, excavator of Troy, and Mycenae in 1876.

3. Britain had long supported the Ottoman Empire as it acted as a buffer against Russian ambitions towards India. However in 1876 Gladstone denounced Turkey for the Bulgarian massacres.