[Written at top] James Thomson, Joe's cousin the manager of our church died to-day. He had been sent to Bermuda but left and consulted a New York doctor who told him he was free of tuberculosis & would last long, that is only ten days ago. We all thought so much of his wife & three little children

My dearest Calvin,

Tom's letter came on Saturday and will speak for itself. I was glad to hear from you some particulars about Mr. MacKay's death, as I suppose Maggie has been too busy and tired to write. This having to wait for their [sic] is another blow to the unfortunate MacKays, the Senklers will be wild. For Dr. Senkler I have no sympathy, he deserves nothing.

Sir Thomas Taylor ill of pneumonia, Dr. Caven was up yesterday, but understand it is not too severe yet. Wasn't it fine the way the Globe treated the Bishop question. He showed that little Macklen up well. There are such a lot of small potatoes among the Anglican clergy it always strikes me; they are jealous of Cody. Hilda met one of them at the Colquhouns and he opposed Cody, because he was not a gentleman by birth, (his father was a farmer) and he did not like his voice. But Emily enjoyed teasing him by telling him how she was at Mr. Cody's church the Sunday when $7000 was collected and she saw the Wardens having to take some of the money into their pockets, the plates were so heaped. This made the little man open his eyes. The Globe improved its opportunities much to my liking. Macklen in this morning's paper tries to put himself right, but we know what we know. Another letter there, I was sorry to see spoke of strange statements by Rev. Geo. Jackson and he is the one appointed to the professor of English Bible in Victoria. There was a very strong letter in last week's Presbyterian written by J.R. Sanderson. Do you know him? If it is true it is the time the missionary committees met together and arranged the fields, it is co-operation not union, must at least come first.

We received your card this morning, Mary James is with us for a day or two, and she will take down your grip, and she can leave it at parcels room in station. Will send you a card when she goes.

Just received another letter from Tom and Ruby. By-the-way you must let me know when you need money. Your exams will begin next month, and before you know it, you will be off again. Two Valentines were received here, very pretty one, the other rather indecent, Edna thanks you. Must close with much love to all.

Your loving Mother

M.B. McQuesten