Letters from Edward to Annie

While Edward was serving his church mission in England (1902-1904), he became aware that his father, Edward Thomson, of Australia, would be visiting relatives in Scotland. Edward was able to travel to Scotland in anticipation of meeting his father. He met his Uncle Robert Thomson (younger brother of his father) and his large family.

Chapel, North Berwick, Scotland, July 2^nd, 1903. Mrs. Annie Thompson, Bluff, Utah, US My Dear Wife and Babies It will be a surprise to notice my sudden change in locality. Immediately after writing you last time, I received word from Uncle Robert’s daughter, Jeanie, in Airdrie, that my father had arrived from Australia totally unexpected to anyone, and that I had better come up at once as she didn’t know how long he would remain here. Of course, I got ready at once and came on to see him. He is not aware of me being anywhere in the British Isles. He was only here a few days when he had to leave and go to London on business, or rather some shooting match between England and Australia, he apparently being an expert shot from what I can learn As he has only visited one sister yet, the news is rather meager and indirect. Uncle Robert expects him back in Scotland in a few days but don’t know at which place he will come to. So while I am staying here to get the first intimation where he will land. Uncle Robert sent a telegram yesterday afternoon to him to come and stop off at his place as it is on one of the several railings to Glasgow. As yet he hasn’t received any answer and I am waiting here until such time as I can find out. As yet he is not aware of me being here in this country so our meeting will be a total surprise to him in every way. My Aunt that he stayed with didn’t know either, so this accounts for the somewhat unconnected movements of us. However, we will meet somewhere in the next few days after I hear where he arrives from London or he learns of my presence here. When I arrived in Glasgow, I went to Airdrie where my cousin Jeanie T. Stewart, Uncle Robert’s daughter, lives and met her for the first time. I was well received and treated to the best. After staying with her a day, I went up to the place where I was raised and was there two days and spent a jolly time meeting lots of old time friends and acquaintances, everywhere being treated to the best as I have been every place. Jeanie left Airdrie and went to Edinburgh with me and there came to here, Uncle Robert’s farm, where I have been treated royal in every respect. He takes me somewhere every day and pays all expenses; won’t let me pay any. This is the well-to-do uncle you have heard me speak abut at home. His family consists of five daughters and three sons and they are a nice lot of boys and girls. The oldest living is about 26 years of age (Jeanie); the next, Agnes , 22; Martha, 19; Dundas, boy, 17; Robert, 15; Cassie 14; and one girl about 24, married, I haven’t seen yet. Have just had a splendid time in every way. They can’t do too much for me all the time. Today the girls are going to take me out on a drive to the North Berwick town and other places. Uncle Robert has to have me with him everywhere he goes. He took me to Edinburgh the first day, showed me the sights and payed all expenses as usual. He is a good living man; so is his family. He is well fixed. Don’t know how much he is worth, but an idea can be gained from the amount of rent he pays and help he hires. In rent and wages he pays from $10,000 to $12,000 a year. Sixteen hands steadily employed the year round. He does nothing but buy and sell sheep and cattle, feeding them, of course, for the market. I met three other cousins in Glasgow, but was only a short time with them, but am well pleased with their appearance. Two of the girls, 21 and 24, are extra good looking and nice from what I could judge. I have plenty of relations here and it will take sometime to see them all and visit them, which I can’t do at present as I have only a two week lay off from President Lyman. Then I shall have to return to North Walsham. This is the 9^th day since I left there, but I must see my father before I go back and do any visiting amongst my relatives when I come back next time. While in Edinburgh, Uncle Robert took me to a lady who knew my mother well and told me all about–more than I have learned from my Uncles on the Fleming side. It was all good news to which was the best of it I must tell you before I forget that I learned from everybody that I met in New Mains, the place where we lived for many years before going to America, that my Grandfather died two years ago, someone having put it in the paper in Scotland. You know I wrote to him twice about 2 years ago and never got any answer, something unusual, so now I can see how it was. I thought sure John’s wife would have written me as she had my address It is 7 days since I got any word from you. Don’t change the address. I must hurry to catch the mail. With love and kisses to you and my sweet little babies. I am as ever, your husband, Edward F. Thompson