November 1861 - Letter to Richard Terry senior in Tasmania from his sister and brother-in-law Hannah and Thomas Benbow in Gawcott

Transcription kindly contributed by Gwennith May Smith (1929-2010), great-granddaughter of Richard Terry, through her daughter Virginia Ling

Gawcott Nov 18th 1861

Dear Brother & Sister.

It is some time now since I heard from you but hope you are both enjoying good health as that is one of the great- est of Blessing we can enjoy in this world Dear Brother my health is about as usual only getting older every day, but I am very sorry to inform you that my Husband has not been able to do any work since last May on account of his Eyes failing, so much that he had quite lost the sight of one and the other is nearly gone he will be quite dark in a very short time, it is a very serious thing be blind, to be deprived of the beautiful scenery around us which God has placed there for our use, and also to remind of his goodness to us, it is much worse than illness, when one comes to consider the reality of being blind not able to see the beautiful sun, which both you in your country and we in ours can see one object in the course of 12 Hours if we have our eyes we can then form some idea of the serious loss it must be to have that blessing look from us. Nor does it rest here we have not the privelage of reading our Bible to advise us in preparing for another and better world where we hope to meet each other, we are also at every ones mercy we can- not help ourselves to anything, one cannot work to earn a single Penny he in that instance is deprived of that privelage or independence which every one that has eyes does enjoy, it is a blessing which the very poorest chap can enjoy as well as the richest then the load must be greater and more serious, I do assure you Dear Brother and Sister that the Parrish only alow us 3/6 and 3 loaves this together amounts about five shillings pr week to keep us on, if you consider what this sum will purchase in Housekeeping look at house rent, fireing, candle, taxes and rates all which must be paid, what will be left for us to live on, you will at once see how we must live, Dear Brother and Sister I sincerely hope and wish that neither of you or any beloving to you ever will have your eyesight took from you, we are here to day and gone to morrow when we rise in the morning we cannot tell what may happen to any of us. We did not think of being so soon situated as we are merely as we might say in a beging position asking or begging a charity where God has been pleased to place those in a better position and able to bestow it. If ever so small the gift I do assure you it will be most thankfully received, the reason I ask of you is because you are my own Brother the same flesh and blood as myself it is not Dear Brother to claim anything but to lay myself at your mercy asking a charity for a poor Blind and destitute Brother one who would considered it the last thing he would do if necessity did not compell him to ask you, I hope I shall not by any means give either of you the least affence I wish also to inform you that both your daughters are quite well Elizabeth is married and doing well they have one child a Son, Ann is single and has a good place at service, Your Brother Joseph is very poorly all the rest are about as usual

I must also inform you we have lost our Son Joshua now nearly 2 year the remainder of my family are quite well and join in love to you both with us.

Dear Brother and Sister I hope you will answer this as soon as convenient beging to be forgiven if we have done wrong.

We remain your affectionate

Brother & Sister,
Thomas & Hannah Benbow
Gawcott
Nr Buckingham
Bucks

With love to all.