Letter from Robert Stephenson to his stepmother

A letter from Robert Stephenson, St Ana Silver Mines near Mariquita, dated 20th June 1826 addressed to his stepmother, Mrs George Stephenson, Forth Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, England. The letter is written in response to several that he has received from home, for which he seems extremely grateful. He expresses a desire to return in order to help out his father. He also says how glad he was to hear about the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway from his father but he felt he was being left behind by progress being made in England. He goes on to comment on the improved conditions he was living in and the natural beauty of the region. There is also an account of an earthquake which had occurred in the area. The letter is holograph signed.