TALBOT281

Dabton
Thornhill
Decr 31. 1873

My dear Papa,

We all wish you many happy New Years! And all sorts of good things besides All the children send love and kisses – to you and to Ela ¹ – Please wish her a happy New Year from me also – The grand party went off well yesterday – it was very bright and pretty – we had a magic lantern besides the lottery. The children were delighted – there were about 30 in all. Today nobody is the worse, but all a little tired – so I am going to make them go to bed early – The only thing we should have wished otherwise was that it happened to be a very stormy evening – and some of them had to go home in an open Carriage – today it has been bright, fair, and pleasant and we have been out in the morning and afternoon. Rosamond ² and I went to Morton Mill, a large flour mill near here, and examined into all the varieties of poultry food which interested us both. tomorrow New year’s day we are talking of going to Dumfries to a large Poultry show in the Mechanic’s hall ³ – that is to say if it is a nice day like this one –

It is just dinner time, so I must say goodbye – John sends you many messages – and Rosamond sends love –

Your most affec^te daughter
Tilly

Mary Maxwell wishes to be remembered also – I don’t think we shall sit up to see the old year out!

[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esq^r.
4. Circus
Bath.