Carrington Park

N.E. London

June 6, 1863 

Dear Sir, 

In consequence of Mr Boddingtons sight being worse, I now answer your letter of March last which I should have done sooner but have been prevented by illness. We were very sorry to hear of the death of Mr Woods which accounts for our not receiving any answer to our letters. We were also grieved to learn that Covell had entered the Army which must be repugnant to the feelings of a serious young man and likewise so derogatory to our family that we cannot mention it. As you said, you intended to send our letter to Covell we thought we perhaps might have heard from him which we should be most happy to do at all times and hope he will write to us so soon as he can after you receive this. Covell's dear Mother in all her letters to us expressed her desire as well as his father's to give him a good education. We should like to be informed upon that subject as considering his Grandfathers age (nearly seventy eight) he is at a loss what encouragement to give him until he has ascertained this point and his own feelings upon it. Mr Boddington although so old and nearly blind is (I am thankful to say) able to preach as well as ever he did in his life, though has not been able to read for many years. I mention this because it appears from the direction of your letter that you was not aware that he is a Clergyman of the Church of England. Mr. B joins me in best love to our dear grandson and kind regards to all your family believe me. 

Yours truly,

F Boddington 

P.S. We feel anxious to get all the information we can respecting the American War which appears most unnatural and cruel and hope it will soon terminate.

I suppose Covell does not know anything of his Great Uncle the Rev. William Hapwood who went once to America more than thirty years since we do not know his address. Covell's Mother was only a fortnight old when his Grandmother died and left an only Brother (W. H.) as alone. 

Letters of Alfred Covell Woods. 

Contributed by J. Tierney