Hodgson of Clopton House: Correspondence and diary notes

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Please note: this record contains archaic, offensive terms relating to people living with mental health issues.

From Eliza Hodgson, Montpellier, Brisbane, with a note from Arthur Hodgson to Frank Hodgson.

She thanks him for his letter and says that he does not mention Annie. She hopes that she is much better and thinks that she must have lost weight. She says (entre nous) that in his letters Lord Lifford seems very fond of sneering at James, his son, but seems to like Annie. Edward Hallett arrived, very rough in his manners. It is a pity that with all her fussing Aunt May has not been able to make her sons more gentlemanly. He and Emily have left for the Downs. The heat does not suit Emily, who has lost her appetite and does not sleep well. She likes the Downs. He must write to Lilly and Charlotte who have been expecting to hear for some time. She speaks of it being dull when everyone is away from the house. The weather has turned hot and they are plagued by mosquitoes. She has been copying sketches that she took on the Downs. She is hoping that they will leave for Europe in September. They may go to Sydney for Easter but the journey is so extremely disagreeable and the apartments so nasty. Papa is much harder worked this time than last. He has the [hospital for people experiencing mental health problems', Jail and Hospital under him. She is pleased that Frank got through his little 'go' and thinks that he has been more lazy than stupid hitherto. She speaks of other people in town and that Papa is rather crotchety. Many stations have had trouble with supplies during the last drought as the drays could not travel for want of water and grass. She thinks that Arthur may have annoyed Sir D. Cooper in some way. She found Percy much improved these holidays. Lilly is much grown and people think her very pretty.

From Arthur: He congratulates him on passing out first class in his little 'go' and has noticed his name with pride and pleasure in the Illustrated London News. He tells Frank of the intended route back to Rome in October. He only keeps his appointment as Colonial Secretary until the end of this session.