examination
must take its usual course, and I cannot do anything," he would
say. Still I will take an opportunity of saying something, nor
would I hesitate at all about it, but that I really think that with
papa such a mention would do no good. I hope you will quite
understand that I have not said all this from any unwillingness to
do what you ask, but really because I don't see how to do so to any
purpose; otherwise it would give me particular pleasure to do it
for you at your request. I am very glad indeed you have succeeded
so well with ----. Every such practical proof of what a blind person
can do is a help more or less to the general cause. Thank you very
much for making the experiment with her.

I told you I had been long away from home. I felt I wanted a
complete change. I don't know when I ever felt this so much. Well,
I paid some visits, one at about twenty-three miles from
Birmingham, and from thence I went to the festival. I heard _St.
Paul_; and the day but one after the _Messiah_. I cannot tell you
what enjoyment this music was to me; never did I hear such
choruses. Each individual singer seemed to love the music. I shall
never forget the wondrous beauty of the singing. However, I was
completely knocked up afterwards for three or four days, but it was
well worth all the headache and exhaustion which I had after it.
The journey there and back was a very great additional fatigue.
Altogether I enjoyed my visits very much, and am all the better for
them, ready, I hope, please God, for plenty of work this winter.
Will you please send me the money in your hands before December. We
have deposited money towards the working capital, and I am most
anxious if possible to find money for current expenses without
touching this capital, and also if possible to add to the deposit.
Of course the more custom the better; I very much want regular
custom from wine merchants for baskets, that we may employ
basketmakers accordingly.

Can you get some such custom with my love to your Mother I am yours
ever affectionately Bessie Gilbert my sisters are well only Sarah
at home Papa very well good bye.

The last sentence is printed as it stands, and gives a specimen of the
occasional want of capitals and of punctuation almost inevitable when
the writer is hurrie