Josephine Park Cranston writes a newsy letter to her Scottish relation and pen pal wishing him good health and hopes that his visit to America will be forthcoming. She wishes him a “Happy New Year!” ~
This one closes the loop in a striking way—it’s signed by Josephine P.This one closes the loop in a striking way—it’s signed by Josephine P. Cranston herself, now an adult writing from Dansville, New York, in 1874. Here’s the transcription.
____________________________________
Dansville, N.Y., U.S.A.
Dec. 29th, 1874.
George Cranston,
My Dear Friend,
Your favor of the 3d ult. was welcomed on the 18th of Nov., with due commendation for your heeding of my admonition during the five months preceding; thus securing to yourself that much needed rest, or at least relief from taxation in my behalf; although it seemed a long time to me, and I much missed your friendly greetings.
Your friend Mr. McKay apprised me of your visit to —
— the Highlands, which I rejoiced in, thinking it must be highly conducive to your wellbeing to have relaxation from care, and freedom from routine of duty. Was it not delightfully bracing and recuperating to your worn nerves? But only a week seems a short time to spend in change and rest! Yet, I am glad you are so much improved, and hope your experience in declining health may not be repeated.
I shall be happy to see both you and Councillor Cranston in America whenever it may be most agreeable and convenient to yourselves, though I had hoped it would be sooner than the present prospect seems to warrant.
I spent the month of September with friends in Amda [Almond?], N.Y., a few miles from here. Mrs. Roberts was a Cranston, marrying Ray Cranston (distantly related) for her first husband, and has a son eleven years of age, named George Cranston. Her other little boy two years old is John Cranston Roberts. Amelia Cranston of Forestville, N.Y. was also visiting there part of the time. They, and Mrs. Esther Dwyer, another sister in the vicinity, were much interested in my trans-Atlantic correspondence, and photographs of Scotish [Scottish] Cranston friends. They promised me photographs sometime, which I shall be glad to send you —
— Have recently been copying some genealogical items for my uncle John Cranston of Woodstock, Ohio, who is past 77, and in feeble health. His daughter informed [me] that he had long had a desire to see some of my gleanings.
Am gratified that you are pleased with the “Laws,” and will continue this monthly to you, while I remain here at least, and anything else you may desire if you will inform me. From you I shall be pleased to receive anything that it would be a pleasure to you to send me, providing that I may not become in anyway burthensome to you. Please continue my former prescription, and accept for yourself and all my good friends my “Happy New Year” greeting.
Truly Your Friend,
Josephine P. Cranston
