To John Tyndall, Snr   July 24th, 1843.

July 24th, 1843.

My dear Father

Am I never to get a letter from you? it is now four or five weeks since I heard from you – this I deem rather extraordinary – I have had some tossing about since last you heard from me I have been employed for the last five weeks at field duties. I found my health somewhat delicate – resulting from too much confinement during the winter and spring – and so applied to get out. My request was granted and after having been a week employed at the town of Preston – and thinking the country air would be more healthful – I started for a village called Goosnargh,¹ situated about seven miles from this. Here I spent a fortnight. I was not alone, I had a companion – a Dublin Gent² along with me, and being congenial spirits we contrived to spend our time most happily. We made ourselves quite at home, and were treated with the greatest kindness. We made an impression on our host’s family³ which will not be quickly effaced. Our sprightly Irish manners were strongly contrasted with the plain matter of fact English farmers who dwelt in the locality. There’s not an old woman within four miles of Goosnargh who does not know me. Many a gill⁴ of warm fresh milk have I quaffed as I returned from my work in the evening, this, combined with snap and rattle⁵ – a peculiar kind of oat bread – and the fresh country breezes has completely recruited me. I have returned to Preston with a constitution renovated and nerves restrung. I continue still at outside work and intend to do so as long as I can. Its preferable to breaking the chest over a drawing table from six in the morning to five in the evening. I hope you wont neglect writing to me on the receipt of this. I am very anxious to hear from you. Give my love to my mother and Emma

and believe me | Your affectionate son | John.

RI MS JT 1/10/3291

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