My dear sister

I am sure you think me very neglectful. I hope you will forgive me as I cannot plead any excuse except that I am always finding something to do to prevent me writing. Now I must tell you that our dear brother William is dead. He died early in February. I am sorry to tell you I did not see him. No one had ever written to me or any of us. Only by chance we heard of his death, and although my husband saw someone in Norwich who knew him, and that was the next day after the funeral, I think it very unkind of them. I wish I could have seen poor William. I hope he is at rest. Now I must tell you of a mating that has taken place since I wrote to you last, and of one that [is] about to take place now dear. Charlotte, my youngest daughter, was married on the 9^th of December last. Her husband has been a sailor since he was quite a boy. He is a few years older than Charlotte. She was 20 years last May. Her husband is 25 years. He has given up going to sea and has joined the police force. They are living at Halvergate near Acle. That’s not far from Yarmouth. I must not forget to tell you her name is Gibbs, and that she is expecting a little son or daughter in January. They are quite well, we heard from them yesterday. Mary Ann is well. I have her eldest child with me. She is always so much better in health at Lyng than at Yarmouth. The air is too strong for her there so she has been with me very much. I enclose a photo of Hannah and her eldest little girl. She has 2 boys older and 1 girl younger. They are quite well. I was just going to forget to tell you that William my youngest son is to be married, in about a months time, I have heard. He is quite well and such a fine young man. I will try to send you a photo of all some day. I thank you for your son Robert's photo. I think he is very like his father from what I remember of him. Please give my love to him and thank him for his kindness. Our little Hannah is well. She was very pleased to have your photograph. Our sister Charlotte is not very well, she is often ailing. Their son and daughter grow quite a man and woman. I have just thought to tell you that Robert Read is just married, that is poor Christains only son. He is a very nice young man. Now I think I must conclude for this time. I hope this will meet you all well. We are all well, I thank God. Please write to me again soon. From your ever affectionate sister, Mary Burton. PS: Please give my love to all your family.