1828 Builes [Beccles?], 8 [?] October 1828 My dearest Love’s very affectionate letter of the 28th ultimo was waiting for me on my arrival this morning from Cambridge. On my return to town from Woolwich as I mentioned to you in my last letter I saw Mrs Bainbridge on Thursday andascertained from her that Mr Pickwood had returned home. I therefor[e] went to him on Friday. I found the family all well and received a most hearty reception – one and all make many kind enquiries after you and our dear Babe. However, they expressed themselves but half gratified as they desired most earnestly to have had the pleasure of your company, which I assured them you would have had much gratification in realizing had circumstance admitted of it. Saturday was a most rainy day. However, Pickwood, Eliza and myself dined out at a Mrs Chures [?], a lady residing about 8 miles from Gramdon, where we fared sumptuously and remained all night. I returned home on Sunday. On Monday, we started early to visit Mr P[‘s] particular friend Mr Quinton, from whom he rents his farm,breakfasted with him, and afterwards went to visit some of the Lions of the Country – amongst which was a very and uncommon handsome country church and parsonage – after that, two or three other comfortable houses and grounds – then returned home and proceeded to Cambridge, where I was induced to dine with the Fellows and Professors of Emanuel College, being the Feast Day in honor of their Founder. We had a sumptuous dinner, and we rested during the night at Dr Bain’s [?], the Master of St Peter’s House. The old gentleman made many enquiries after you and desires his best respects. On the following day, Tuesday, there being no opportunity direct to this place, I availed myself of the morning to revisit some part of Cambridge, and particularly St John College, to which is building and addition in the most [2] elegant and Gothic. The designs are by a Quaker who has acquired much celebrity as a builder of church[e]s – an odd talent and pursuit you will say for one of that serious cast[e] of persons. However, he is prominent in his line, and bids fair to outstrip his brother artists in building. I travelled to Bury in the afternoon coach and slept at the Greyhound, and came on this morning by the Mail and reached Mrs Day’s 7 at ten o’clock. Mr and Mr D’s boy, and the Misses Fergusson appear in excellent health. My sister Turnbull is sadly reduced since last year, and I regret to say is not at all well today. Poor Charlotte 8 has had a bad night, but I hope will be better today. Her mother looks very old and thin, and Major William is alooks so, so. I have not seen any of our Builes acquaintances as I have availed myself of the time as soon as I could command it to write to my dearest Kate. I am truly happy to find that the salmon afforded you so much satisfaction. I will send some more along with Christopher. William requests you to direct the parcel to him here. You can contrive to put the letter into it. I have always omitted to acquaint you that your gown was sent to Johnson, and I fully intended to have forwarded to you by William, but it slipt my recollection. However, it is safe, and before I forget it again - ... mention to John to acquaint Mr Bastrum that Mr William [3] McMahon is in England, and that he may obtain a knowledge of his residence by directing some person to enquire of Messrs Manning & Co Bank Buildings. I fully intended to have apprized him of this some days ago but it escaped my memory. I have not heard from Claston – possibly there may be a letter from him in town. However, none had reached me prior to my leaving it. I will decide upon the eligibility of purchase horses on my return to town – where I hope to find Claston’s answer. I wrote to Col. Heyland the day after I reached town, and expect to hear of the arrival of the trunk on return to it. There is no truth in the report of the Pickwood’s returning to St. Christopher in the E. Liverpool. Mr P. talks of returning after Xmas – in time for the ... of the Courts. Mrs P. and family will remain – indeed the farm is taken for another year beginning on the 29th ultimo. I did not open the letter – the cause of my sealing it in the mode it presented itself to you was owning to having omitted to have space for the seal which I perceive I have done in this. However, I will endeavor to close it without much damage ... on opening it. I have [not] yet seen Christopher. However, I am told he [has] grown tall and stout. I intend to send him on directly from London,and will endeavor to acquaint you of the day of his departure. I sincerely hope you have been relieved from the pain in your back, and that your general health is improved. Believe me [4] my dearest Kate that I shall hail the moment of my return to your dear affectionate arms as one of the happiest of my life. Our separation could not be prevented, except at a considerable expense. The dearest kind Margaret has just been with me with tears in her eyes deploring not having the happiness of seeing you and our sweet infant. She particularly desires me to assure you that she looks forward to the period which may bring you both together, and to see your respective children embrace and love each other. Dear Margaret is a king hearted creature. She begs to assure you of affectionate regard and esteem. William begs to give his regards to you. Remember me affectionately well and return me – Your sincere and affectionate husband – Charles W. Maxwell [WE are indebted to Dr. Gwyn of Napier, who having seen the postmarks as a collector, purchased and subqsequently gifted to our National Libarary].