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Parramatta Friday April 25th 1844

My Dearest Edward

I have written you so very lately by the "Gannet", that
I had almost to apologise for addressing you again
so soon – but observing in the Newspapers that the "Sultana"
is to sail for London on Sunday, I am induced to write
you a short letter to tell you that we are all
well – here & at Camden, as also at Ravensworth a
woman Servant belonging to Mary – and who has lived with
her many years – has appeared here to come to this part of
the Country to see her relatives – & is now just gone in to
Parramatta – after having given me some details as to how
your poor Sister employs herself, and how she maintains her
health – sober feeling upon the whole. – Anna goes to
Camden tomorrow to see Isabella & the Boys to return here
on Monday – & then proceed home by this excursion She
will be enabled to satisfy her Mistress – this person is
the Youngest Daughter of George Clarke – previously our Servant
and Anna was born on this Estate – This is an additional
reason for my mentioning – perhaps you may remember a
very little girl coming about the house called Nancy
Clark – Emmeline received a letter from Emily last
Evening – James was absent in Argyle – William at
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[Cross written – continued from page 200]

quiet – you mention Major Smyth – as connected with
your abode in Ireland – when you were both in the 39th. I
have not seen him for some length of time – he has
promised James & William to spend a week with them
at Camden – and pass opinion – upon their Wine –
he is a great sufferer amongst the many – in his
money concerns – Mr. Fane de Salis – left the Colony rather
unexpectedly in the Gen. Hewett – his brother Leopold, who soon
after he sailed, returned to his Station on the Murrumbidgee
staying day or two at Camden – by the way –
You will not thank me for this letter and I feel that
I write rather gloomily – therefore accept of Emmeline
and my Affectionate love, and health with every
other good – believe me to be
My beloved son

Your Affect. Mother
E. Macarthur