Letter and envelope from Prudence Nightingale (nee Hackworth), Albion House to Thomas Greener

Albion House, June 2nd/54
My dear Mr Greener

I was yesterday thrown into the deepest grief by the receipt of a note from dear Lizzy, the copy of which I shall [?...]. Will you be kind enough to go over to Shildon as soon as possible and ascertain exactly how our precious Brother is and suggest that a physician’s [word missing/paper damaged possibly advice] be taken immediately and that the family have proper domestic aid. I am afraid that dear Lizzy will be quite worn out with bodily & mental exertion. As I fear our darling Tim’s life is at stake, I trust no expense will be regarded or nothing omitted that might be conducive to his restoration.

It strikes me that the time has arrived that the property or part of it should be disposed of at whatever sum it may bring. I know the family cannot longer do without something from that source. I am too inclined to think George Edward is in straitened [sic] circumstances I cannot otherwise fully account for the lowness of spirits dear Jenny has been labouring under for the last three months. George Edward in a note I received three weeks ago, seems very anxious to have the affairs speedily settled and from the way in which he speaks I infer that they require that they should be. I shall enclose his letter, but would not like you to name that I have done. I have not yet replied to it. I shall be glad when you see Lizzie if you will conceal or not the fact of my hearing forwarded you a copy of her note. In haste

I remain dear Sir
Affectionately yours
P. Hackworth


Soho Cottage June 1st/54
My very dear Pru

I cannot tell you how intensely I long for you to be at home perhaps it is selfish of me, and perhaps it is not. Our darling Tim is in a very weak state and though we are doing all we can by attention to his regimien [sic] and administering astringents and corroborants yet he seems to me to get thinner every day. I am afraid it is a decided case of diabetes. When do your holidays commence & Do not stay from us a day longer than you can help.




My dear Jane Elizabeth is still very ill, this is the 13th day that she has been confined to her bed. We had six leeches applied to her temples yesterday. (and the class meeting was held in the vestry in the evening). This morning we put cat-collops to the soles of her feet and I do think they have done her good. I certainly could not have left her to write to you had she been as ill as she was yesterday.

The rest of us are pretty well & shall be glad to hear from you and know when we may expect you. With best love from all the members of the family.

I remain my dear Pru
Your ever affectionate sister
Eliz. Holmes

Pray let the best advice be obtained for dear Tim. P.H.