Pièce 124 - Letter from Mary Lightfoot to C. E. R. Robinson

1 single sheet

This letter and MSPB 125 are in an envelope pasted inside the back cover of a copy of Thomas Robinson’s Last Days of Bishop Heber (D.8.157). The envelope is marked: ‘Letters from my Aunt Mary Lightfoot (Mrs Colonel Lightfoot) (née Robinson) re her father’s demise Archdeacon Robinson Master of the Temple a Canon of Rochester at Rochester, written to my father Canon Charles E R Robinson & to my grandmother Wood—sent me by my sister in law Jane Robinson—J T Theodore Robinson’.

Transcript

Precincts. May 12th.

My dear Charlie

I received a summons early this morning & reached this at 1.30. we found a great change had set in; & I believe the end draws very near. Our dear Father appears to be in a sort of trance, perfectly unconscious of all surroundings & has neither opened his eyes nor attempted to speak since Saturday night. I gently hold his lips open while Mrs R. puts beef jelly or wine in, but half returns again. The Dr says he may rally from this stupor but I feel he will gently sleep away. his face is very beautiful, so that I feel fain to write life not death has set in. but it wears a settled calm look, & the eye shows no sign of vision. I am thankful dear Mrs R. realizes that this is the “beginning of the end” to day, & is able to fix her mind thro’ her great sorrow on the joy awaiting him.

You will understand I write for her. Yrs very lovingly
Mary

In an envelope pasted to a flyleaf in D.8.157.