History of the Johnstones, 1191-1909, with ... - Electric Scotland

THOMAS JOHNSTONE 261
. . . lanced by Mr Wheeler, by which he was much relieved, and, though
low and weak, did not think him in much danger. He went again early
yesterday morning so that Lockhart would meet him at Aston Botterell. This
event does indeed throw a most serious care and duty upon us. and you may be
sure I shall not shrink from taking my portion of it. I promised the poor
fellow some years ago 1
that if anything happened to him I would take care of
his son, and I mean most religiously to perform that promise. Whether he
should come here immediately or remain at his present school till Christmas
we will concert together as well as the destination of the other parts of the
family when we have had more time for calm consideration. ... I have
myself had a very bad cold and slight sore throat but am now well, and
Catherine had so severe a cough that I had some fear of croup, but thank-
God, it is entirely gone. Mrs J. is as well as can be expected. I sincerely
hope you and my mother will be supported under this very severe affliction,
and that the comfort you will receive from the surviving branches of your family
will compensate the heavy losses you have sustained. I am, with the truest
sympathy, your dutiful son. E. J."
Worcester, Oct. 1799.
" Dear Edward,—The remains of my dear son were yesterday committed
to the earth in the Chancel of Botterells Aston. He has left all his brothers a
legacy of his fair fame, and the care of his children with sufficient documents to
secure £90 a year in the funds for his wife's maintenance, and after her death a
provision for the surviving children, of whom I intend to take care of two of the
younger ones without neglecting any of them.
" I enclose his Will for your consideration and after administration. It
must be recorded in Doctor's Commons some time. Though cut off in the
midst of his days Thomas had the satisfaction to find himself possessed of
means for the enjoyment of life, had it been continued. God's Will be done on
Earth as it is in Heaven. The thread is a measure for a ring for Mr Davenport.
Inscription ob. 29 Sept. 1799 et. 44. I dare say the family will net be hurried
out of their present residence.
"We are well. I mention this lest you should hear a strange report
which alarmed the people here this morning,— that I was drowned near
Pershore. I was uncommonly sound asleep in my bed when your mother came
to tell me that the Mayor and Corporation had sent a message of inquiry on the
subject, and I went to the Cathedral to dissipate the anxiety which had
possessed the public mind. In fact two horses of the Star and Garter were
drowned.
" I beg you and all my family will guard against the mischief of quick
walking up an ascent, especially after a meal. I know nothing so likely to force
the blood to the lungs to that degree as to produce a violent inflammation of
1 Thomas proposed in early life to a lady, who accepted him, but her letter never arrived.
He thought she had treated his offer contemptuously, and after a time married Miss Hale.
Later, he met the other at a dance, and an explanation followed. He was never cheerful
afterwards.