Scarlet Fever is very bad in Swansea

Overton

Feb 16^th/80

Dear Brother

We were glad to hear by Uncles letter which we received to day that you are all getting better and hope you will soon be able to resume your usual duties.  We have nearly all bad colds at home.  Sill has a swelled face with the toothache.  The scarlet fever is very bad in Swansea.  One of Margaret little boys has died in it.  He was buried in Port Eynon today.  Margaret was up here she inquired kindly after you and was sorry to hear you had been so ill. 

We heard from Frank yesterday he seems to be getting on pretty well.

I suppose you have heard that Jane has left us.  She is getting on very well but misses the noise and row at home.  Mary Gibbs has run away from home again her son has been brought up to Overton to save expense and Mary did not like it and so she went away.  Miss N. Beynon of hills has also started.  She has got a situation in London.  So we are two less in the village.

The weather has been very wet and stormy here.  Sill went away to day with two cattle to Parkmill he got a thorough wetting.  Hannah had a valentine on Saturday from Rowland.  We havent seen or heard of him for a long time.

Mr Ellis is the Editor of a circuit Magazine of which I enclose you a copy.  It may drive away a weary hour.  I must now conclude with love from all.

I remain Your affecte. Sister E. Bevan.

Wishing George was home

Ann squeezes in one more letter before Christmas, obviously thinking of her absent son.

Overton Monday morning

Dec 23^rd 1878

Dear George

Just a line to say we are all quite well your father has gone off the Club & seems in very good spirits but his legs swell a little now he does not feel the Cold weather so much now as when it first set in.  The children are quite delighted with the sleding on the Splol Pool & are wishing George was home.  

We are all sorry you cannot be with us perhaps you will be able to stay the longer when you do come.  I hope you will be able to injoy your Christmas at Llandudno as we are very busy to day & I must Finish with our kindest love & may God bless & keep you from all evil from your Ever affectionate Mother & Father

                             S & A Bevan

Jane wants you to send her the Christmas number of the [Methodist] Recorder if you can get it.

Believed to be one of the first mass produced Christmas cards published in 1843 for Henry Cole.