12 June 1866: S. Candlish to James Wood

Transcribed Letter:

St. George’s Square

Sheffield

June 12, 1866

Mr. Jas Wood

My Dear Sir,

Before you read this letter the enclosed funeral card will have conveyed to you the sad intelligence of the death of your Brother – He died from apoplexy- was only five hours ill- and was never conscious after being seized – Tho not being vey well for about two months, he attended to his business until the hour he was summoned above all earthly things.

It has passed from amongst us a deeply lamented and much missed man, passed however into an honored grave, we can sayhe served his God faithfully and like his Master “went about continually doing good”

He has for years been kind to the poor and needy alleviating distress where ever he found it.  Actually spending more than his income in acts of charity and benevolence.

He now rests from his labours” and is reaping the “rich” reward promised in the presence of his saviour he loved so well.

It may seem somewhat irregular that I (to you a perfect stranger) should communicate these mournful tidings but her is the explanation.  I am a nephew by marriage – my wife being Margaret Wood of Passford- I reside in Sheffield – know a good deal of the late Drs affairs and being the nearest relative on the spot – it devolved upon me to see after matters.

One of my first duties was to enquire as to a will.  No will exists so fare as we can ascertain.  We have made every enquiry likely to trail to anything of the sort, both in England and Scotland but I regret to say without avail 0 not even a scrap or note ? I have to being found. We are driven consequently to the conclusion there is none and hence have taken steps to administer to the estate.  It was the unanimous wish of the relatives (who talked matters over after the funeral) that I should undertake the matter. I agreed to do so and find I have set myself for any task.  He has lost a deal of money one time and another which, with his great liberality in doing good for which we honor his name makes the value of the estate less than probably it was some years ago.  I think however (tho of course much depends on  ? of book debts etc.) that when all things are wound up there will be somewhere near six thousand pounds £6000 – the whole of the property is personal and is consequently distributable in equal shares, amongst his borthers and sisters or they, or any of them being dead, then to their children.  This is of course after all outstanding debts are collected and all monies owed by the deceased are paid.

On examining his affairs, I spied an account standing against you for money lent and remitted to you in Texas.  The total amount exclusive of interest, sixteen hundred and fifty nine pounds 17/ – £1,659 – 17 – 0

The interest ? at 5 per Ct W amt in round numbers to £1-5-00 making all £2159-17-0

This sum appears to have been loaned to you in several sums and at various times extending over a period from 1850 to 1854.

As administrator, I have to apply to you for this amount and trust you will find it correct.  Please be kind enough to write me immediately and inform me as to any proposal you may have to making in furtherance of a settlement.

My wife and Mother-in-law (who is here from Passford on a visit) join in kind remembrances to Aunt and all our cousins.

Awaiting your reply, I am dear Sir, Yours Very truly,

S.B. Candlish