10 June 1848 ?MP J B Smith [obviously close friend] at Eccles [Dear Longsdon truly yours] making preparations for move to London. House all sixes and sevens and seeing tiresome job before him wished they were simply settled at Westbourne Terrace. Mrs S brought Minna from Southport on Thursday - not looking so well as expected from her long stay there - thinks probable suffered from heat. Mrs S thinks a bracing atmosphere would suit her better - pleasant and beneficial change to spend a few weeks at Edensor where children would have run of Duke's park. Could the get a couple of bedrooms or a double bedded room or a sitting room for 2 or 3. Present plan - children go to Nottinghamshire for fortnight next week, then they would go to Edensor or spend a week with him first or afterwards as most convenient then go to Leamington to see writer's aunt for a fortnight. Then go to London. When children pay him a visit writer should like to come over, but of this writer cannot at present be certain. They are removing their pictures - there is a Magdalen which he has frequently admired of which writer has acceptance as token of "auld acquaintance" and friendship - will leave it for him either at Mrs Addisons or Gardams'. News of children. 1848