December 1901] Red Barns, Coatham, Redcar. 29 [27?] Dec. Dearest Mother. Many good wishes! I do hope you are prospering. I have spent the afternoon in Clarence and Middlesbrough, seen Mrs Smith and Mr Clark and made all the arrangements for the teas. My slides are announced, so all is well. Mrs (butter) Pybus has died quite suddenly. Isn't it sad! Fortunately it doesn't seem to affect our order for Thursday! Also, do you see Mr Swan had died of apoplexy? He was walking with his son to church and died from one minute to the other. I'm afraid they will be very badly off. I saw Mr Ruxton yesterday who enquired tenderly after Father.
What ought I to give Mr Clark of the Cooperative Hall? You didn't tell me that.

I must write a line to Florence, so good bye. Ever your very affectionate daughter Gertrude.

Hugo sends seasonable wishes. He has retired into Cicero - er liest im Kikero in fact.