Carruchan
Dumfries –
Dec^r 24^th 1864.

My dear Papa,

This is to wish you a very merry Christmas & a Happy New year also, if you will take them both at once! – and also to wish the same to Mama, Mamie & my sisters, from everyone here, inclusive of Jack & Baby – We arrived here safely this afternoon, & I am quite delighted with this house, it is become so pretty – Jack is in a state of excitement with all the new things he sees, and Baby also after her own fashion – she is really beginning to talk now, and comes out now and then with small words unexpectedly – The other day I was astounded to hear her say suddenly, “Baby petty” (pretty)!! – isn’t that a shocking beginning –

Tell Mama, that her cook must have bad eyesight, or the birds been changed, for I sent her one Blackcock two Grey Hens & a Pheasant, thinking they might do for a pie – & not three Pheasants. Please thank her for her letter which I will answer another day. I am glad you are all together now to have a snug Christmas, minus Charles however – but I suppose he is enjoying himself in another way. I am so sorry to hear that Monie has such a bad cold, I hope it will soon be better, & then she must really take care & not catch another –

Good bye dear Papa

y^r affect^e daughter
Tilly