Newcastle on Tyne No Northumberland Street
5^th September 1840

My dear Lucy,

I received your letter yesterday containing much interesting news, and as I have little gossip to give you in return, take this opportunity of sending you a view of one of our principal streets, Grey Street, which you will perceive at the top of this paper. The houses, both public and private, in the new town are all built of cut stone and according to the rules of architecture. The whole side of the street composed of various houses has often at appearance of one magnificent building, with wings and projecting centre, having columns of cut stone, and so far have the advantage of Regent St, London, where the fronts of the houses are only covered with Roman cement in imitation of stone. I am glad, and so are you all, that you found our valued friend Miss Auckinleck in good health. We expect Francis daily. He has not, however, fixed the commencement of his visit. We intend, please God, to be in October the first week of October, and shall proceed immediately to the lodgings, after which I shall write to you and form you of all our plans. I have made a great mistake by writing on the back of the picture but it cannot now be helped, the ink is not thick, nor the writing strong so as to be seen through to the other side. We are both extremely sorry to hear of the misfortunes that have befallen the Echlin family, and feel particularly for poor John on whom the weight will principally rest. I hope his father will allow him to make such arrangements as may be advantageous. As you are now in the way of having the most correct intelligence, let me know everything you hear on the subject. We are looking out for letters from Australia every day. It was our intention, if we live, to spend next summer between your Newcastle and Ballynahinch - the latter place we have heard great accounts of being so much improved. We were all at a large party at Mr Edgcumbs, the Collector of this port, on Tuesday last - they are particular friends of Mrs Hodder. She has formed many respectable acquaintances since she came here. I, as usual, go around all the churches. I believe I formerly mentioned the vast numbers of Methodists that are here, and, indeed all over England. There were four hundred Methodist clergymen at the Conference which lasted three weeks and is now ended. Many persons of wealth and respectability opened their houses for their reception and voluntarily assisted in billeting them on their friends where they were entertained free of expense. Among others, the Rev Mr Clayton Vicar of one of the parishes had three or four of them. Then Next English Conference will be in Birmingham or Manchester, I forget which. The Irish Conference is to be at Cork and the English President goes there. Well done Rev Charles Hamilton. Nearly 80 years of age and about to have a third wife. You give a melancholy account of Mr Smyth of St John’s Point. Remember us affecty to Mrs Auckinleck. All join in love to yourself.

Affectly yours

F.E. Lascelles.