WCP1640

[1]

Ap 4^th Mon

Dear Fanny¹

I wrote a letter to Thomas^2,3 on Wednesday that snowy day — as we could not get out. I gave it to a Policeman passing by, whom I hailed — and asked him to put that letter into the post ^{(or give it Miss Phillips4)} (He was going to the Statⁿ)

The subject of it was to ask Thomas whether it was worth while to buy up the back n^os of the "Family Herald" from 1850 to 1857 — at a farthing a number some of the year are imperfect but I could I shd suppose [2] easily get them the odd weeks that are wanting at the Publishers — It is in consequence of Alfred's⁵ setting such a value on this publication that induces me to purchase these backnumbers — after a time I will get the last two years '58 and 59 —- then take them regularly — so that if he shd ever come Home there will be a nice series of them[.] I shd have them cheaply bound up — in small volumes — so that when a Box went he might have one or two sent out to him — having not had any reply to other questions I [3] asked I fear the Policeman never delivered it to Miss Phillips as she does not remember ^having rec^d such a letter, but possibly he dropped it in the letter Box – If so all's right — I have been expecting to see "Finey"⁶ — not that I want him till he is quite well — I know you are very busy — and do not wish to take up your time only just write one line to tell me whether Thomas received my letter & what he thinks best to do — to take these & back years from 50 — to 57 or not — the cost is but little and I have kept them now nearly a week to sort them over which took me half a day[.]

[4] with love to both | believe me | I am affectionately yours | M A Wallace⁷ [signature]

I have had a nice letter from Mr Wilson⁸ of Adelaide all well. Algernon⁹ not yet moored — but near upon so I have sent it to Miss Draper¹⁰ with a request to have it returned as soon as read —what lovely weather we have now again[.]