Letter written by Henry Ebenezer MacDonald - Harris County Texas John Hendry 13 May 2001 ************************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. ************************************************************************** Transcript of a letter from Henry E. MacDonald of Houston, Texas, to his brother Roderick in Melbourne, Australia. Houston, Texas Nov 18th 1895 My Dear Roderick I suppose you are wondering why I do not write. The reason was that was waiting to hear from Alick as a letter was due about the time I received yours. (untill received last week). His letter dated Oct 21st, wrote in pencil and in a hurry, are only a few lines. He writes that he is well. He says that he received a letter from you. Maggy was getting worse and the Doctors would not take in hand to cure her leg at home and ordered her at once to the Western Infirmary, Partick. He says that he does not know how she will come through but that she was cheery enough going. I really feel sorry for Maggy but I am sure it is better for her. Page 2 I know from experience that a person will have more care taken and better treatment in an Infirmary than sometimes at home, especially when there is no money consideration. As you know Doctors will not take time or trouble unless the see the money there. I know it is here & I suppose it is the same everywhere. I really feel sorry for Maggy and if I could only help her I would gladly do so. I am glad to hear that you were all well when you wrote. As for myself I am laid up again with the rheumatism. I hardly can move about I think it is cold weather. My shoulders and my knees [are so stiff] that I can hardly walk but I feel all right every other way. I am glad to hear of Roberts safe arrival. It is strange that Findly did not answer my letters. I never heard a word from him since the first time I wrote. Page 3 and that was March 18th when I answered. I am sure it will do Robert good to go to Canada and I am glad to hear of him getting along so well. Bussiness here is very dull for this time of year. The Cotton crop being a very short one it is nearly all in and the many RailRoads built now gives each one less to do. They have all ready reduced forces here and at the end of the month more crews will be laid of last year it was away in Feby when they laid the Switch Engines off. So you see what a short crop will do. I received the photos that you sent. I thought I wrote in my last letter may be I forgot. They are very fine photos. I never got a chance to get mine yet but I will get them sure and send them. There is a great time here just now and that is -- Horse Racing -- Page 4 and Rev. Sam Jones. I believe there are more going to hear the great preacher than to the Races. The people here do not like his preaching but they will go to hear him. There is a strange way about his way of preaching. It seems to me he uses to much slang language, though they all say he is in ernest. Annie is keeping in about the same health as usual, sometimes well, and sometimes sick. The Doctors say that it will take some time yet. It has, they say, to wear off itself . I will now draw to a close. Wishing you well and a long and happy life And to ll of you a Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year. Hoping it will be more prosperous to each and all of us than the one we leave behind us. Note : - I suspect there must have been a final valedictory page to this letter