The Steam Brewery
Evesham
Dec 31 1878
My Darling Wife,
As I shall not be at home to-morrow morning I must write and wish you a happy new year, a very very happy new year, my own love, and notwithstanding some natural anxieties for the future I think we have every reason to be cheerful & happy, I know at least that I have, our little one will help to brighten the future very much won’t he, my darling? Please give him his father’s kiss and good wishes too. I do not at the moment think of anything to send my wife as a new year’s gift so I enclose £1 which I daresay will be acceptable.
I treated myself to a 10/6 umbrella to-day, a good one for the money, and it was fortunate for I walked to Badsey & back and on my return was caught in a smart shower, they have begun the whitewashing and will paper to-morrow, the painters following, so I am in hopes the work may not be behindhand. I hope you are feeling better to-day and that you will be able to get out for an airing. I am in hopes the lumbago is not going to trouble me as it seems better again.
Now I must conclude as I have some work to do before dinner. With best love
Believe me my dear Eugénie
Ever your affect husband
Julius Sladden
