Cross-written letter and envelope from John Wesley Hackworth, Soho Works, Shildon to Jane Young (nee Hackworth), Albion house, Penrith

Darlington May 8th 1851
My very dear Sister,

Allow me to return you my heartfelt thanks for beautiful purse, the love and well wishes this morning recd. but not without damage on their way through the hands of this ruthless world which seem too harsh to convey tokens of love and affection (one of the purse rings has been broken into 4 pieces). We too on our passage through this vale of tears get many austere and relentless touches, hard to flesh and blood it may be. We like this purse have recieved in one part an irreparable injury (say the loss of this worlds wealth), thank God we shall not be the less acceptable to him on that a/c provided (like your purse) the part really appreciated remains unhurt. Your reflections on the pass’d are more vivid than mine but I am glad to hear of any little happyness (sic) you may have realised on the annual rounds of this my birthday. I think with you “we may be of great service to each other”. We are informed the prayers of the righteous avail much; and altho’ I would think it presumptious to designate myself righteous I do fervently hear you and every member of our dear family up in prayer before God and trust we shall all one day meet around his throne with those beloved that are gone before to spend an eternity in the presence of the Lord to go no more out forever.
Give my kind love to my dear little boy and say Papa has recieved and appreciated his wishes and congratulations and will write him when time will permit. With kind love to all the inmates of Albion House

I am
dear Jane
Your affectionate and loving brother
John W Hackworth

P.S Tell Pru she shall hear from me ere long J W H
Penrith