Sarah Eleanor Matthews
(1779 - 1867)
Letter to her son
Henry Frederick Christopher Haselden (1807 - 1865)
Letter 17th November 1855
Notes by aunt Fanny
Additional information by Robin Pike
Letter
17th November 1855
17th November 1855
My dearest Henry,
The day is now approaching for me to have the happiness of again congratulating you on the return of your birthday, and I can only now Pray to the Almighty as I trust I have done for the last 47 years, that prospects and Blessings may improve, and that all your trials and struggles may be crowned with success in the end. I cannot attempt to deceive myself that you have many difficulties to encounter at present, but I trust they are only temporary ones and that you will soon overcome.
I am sorry to say that I think Mr. Sharpe and Jane are I fear badly off just at present and cannot afford to pay me what they are indebted, which keeps me short, and I should be glad if you could send me the three pounds, the balance of our last account.
I am much afraid by what I hear that poor Charles will be obliged to take another shop and bring his family from Notting Hill, but they hide all they can from me and your Father. Jane has got the youngest girl and as she does not seem likely to have any of her own the best thing she can do is adopt it.
I have sad poor accounts from Augustus and his Wife, they seem to say their business does not answer and he cannot get employment which is very strange. As their son is in a manner provided for they have no family to take care of, but that's like poor Edward with his one child.
I endeavour not to think but that is not my nature. However, now the weather is getting fine I ramble in the Garden and that amuses me and my health improves, but the complaint in my side and feet remains the same and I shall no doubt always be lame, but if it pleases God to spare me without getting worse I must be content.
You will begin to think it time I mentioned your dear Children - just Eugene is on the spot, he came in yesterday to remind me that today is the fair - likewise to tell me he has got a swelling on his right hand. He has got a poultice on it, he says it has been very little pain and does not disturb him of night. The Doctor said he ought to drink beer, therefore he has it. He looks uncommonly well and is in good spirits. He tells me the Seeds I have given him are looking very well, and he has plenty of Mustard and Cress. He is to drink with us this afternoon when he returns from the fair, and to dine with us on the 24th.
William's Wife and Children are in Yorkshire so he came and spent Sunday with us and treated us to a dinner. We very fortunately had some cakes left which were very acceptable to Eugene.
On Monday evening last your
Aunt Helen
and
Louisa
came in a fly to see us.
They told me your girls are quite well but are most anxious for letters from
Mamma
and
Helen Pappa(1).
They would be much pleased to hear from you
but think most likely your engagements prevent you writing.
Now my dear Henry I will conclude, as you can easily perceive my eyes are tired. Don't forget my kindest love to dear Margaret and Helen and the dear Twins, not forgetting the young ones, and I trust all are well.
Your Father most sincerely unites in every good wish, he is wonderfully well and working in the garden. Mary and her children are all well and at present have plenty of work, did she know I was writing she would send all their love to all. Jane is quite a comfort to me now Mary is gone.
God Bless you,
Your ever affectionate Mother,
Letter addressed to
Monsieur H. F. C. Haselden
2 Plaza de Avante,
Madrid,
Espanne
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Notes
by aunt Fanny
The Mrs. Sharpe ( Jane ) she speaks of was the youngest of her ten children.
Charles Haselden kept a booksellers shop in Wigmore Street, chiefly Bibles, prayer books and school books. Apparently it did not pay, for eventually he and his large family of nine children went to New Zealand and became rather important people there.
The above notes were supplied by my aunt Fanny.
At the time the above letter was written, my great grand mother was nearly 80.
(A Bishop Haselden wrote to my brother Willie from those parts.)
H. F. C. H. 16th August 1934
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Additional
information
Additional information added here by Robin Pike, September 2021.
(1) Was Helen a transcription typing error that should be Pappa?
The aunt 'Fanny' of the above note is assumed to be 'Fanny' Frances Margaret Haselden (1842 - 1935), daughter of Henry Frederick Christopher Haselden (1807 - 1865) and Margaret Kinnaird (1807 - 1884).
In which case, H. F. C. H. is one of her nephews, and his initials suggest his name may be Henry Frederick Christopher Haselden (about 1871 - after 1934), which also correlates, since Henry has a brother William (1872 - 1953).
In Wills and Probates of England and Wales 1853-1943, year 1916, page 77, there is this entry ...
Haselden, Charlotte Helena of 15 West Heath Drive, Hampstead, Middlesex (wife of Henry Frederick Christopher Haselden) died 30 October 1915 Administration London 13 January to the said Henry Frederick Christopher Haselden secretary. Effects £143 18s. 5d.
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