<on mourning paper, with engraved address>
Merthyr Mawr,
Bridgend.
Oct 18. 1871
Dear Cousin Henry
My Mother says you will incur her lasting gratitude if you will be so kind as to send her the name of the small tree of which she sends a specimen by this days post. She is sorry she has delayed doing so until the leaves are beginning to turn color. It is usually a full green. The tree is about 20 feet high & totally without spines She sowed it herself 30 years ago & has now no idea what it is. – She would have written to you herself but that one of the sight of one her eyes <sic> has been affected lately in a way which prevents her writing comfortably – She says why dont you come & see us? Is there any chance of your coming this way this autumn – Where are my cousins? With love to them
Yrs affly
Christiana Nicholl