| Description | Letter written from Colne. John and William have quarrelled again; the latter turned John out of the shop, so John has started to drink again, with almost fatal consequences. After much arguing, Mrs Wilkinson persuaded John to return to the shop. Mrs Wilkinson cannot leave her present home as she dare not leave Sarah alone, and no one else will accept Sarah with her child. Thomas's baby has been seriously ill. Mr Wilkinson does not appear to have deteriorated since Elizabeth visited him. The cotton manufacturers are facing hard times; the employees are suffering. The banks are not to be trusted. James Airton is dying of liver trouble and dropsy; Saga died of a fit; most of the Southfield family are now deceased, and William's daughters and wife will not benefit from the Will. |