07/02/2023
This letter is one of a large batch relating to the Colville family, that an acquaintance found in the loft of one of their old addresses. I of course was intrigued.. who were these people? What were their lives like? Are there still descendances out there of this family?! I borrowed all the letters and scanned the lot, transcribed them all and researched the family.
While I was not able to find any living family (although there may be some!) I have put the family tree, along with some of the letters to Ancestry. Interested parties can contact me.
Here is the transcription of this letter. If you have any old documents such as Wills, Birth, Death or Marriage certificates that you are having trouble transcribing, let me do it for you.
Archibald Colville
Marleborough House
Peckham
London
PM 18 Jan 1845
Mr Andrew Oswald
10 Stirling Street
Glasgow
Scotland
18 Jan 1845
Uncle Archibald
I find that I am so entirely ignorant of you, that, to be sincere, I am constrained to address you in this way, and which I hope you well imagine. Your sister Nancy, My Aunt, yesterday showed me a letter from you to Rob. Colville my cousin, enquiring as to letters sent to my mother. With regard to this all the letters to her to my care were of course sent to her, and I was not aware whether she had replied or not. My mother has very comfort but not of her own that abundance you speak of. From my father she has only £20 a year, and depends upon her sons for the remainder of her supplies.
I regret to see uncle that you mention as being in a dishevelled situation.
when I first read your letter I said I would send you 10 shillings, but on consideration, thought I should like to know your circumstances better. I don't mean to say that you would make improper use of the money, but I should be glad to know whether in the house you are in, you are really in want of necessities, or whether it is only little comforts a man of your age would require or like to hand.
Please to tell me something of your usual fare and don’t think I shall be too Scrupulous. Will you forgive me asking this?
Nancy says she will add 5/- to my 10/- and so will R. Colville making one pound in all. I shall expect to hear from you in few days and address me as above.
I am your faithful Nephew
Andi Oswald
