My dear Wills,
Being stationed here for an hour, on my way from Leamington to Cheltenham, I write to you.
Firstly, to reciprocate all your cordial and affectionate wishes for the New Year, and to express my earnest hope that we may go on through many years to come, as we have gone on through many years that are gone. And I think we can say that we doubt whether any two men can have gone on more happily and smoothly, or with greater trust and confidence in one another.
A little packet will come to you from Hunt and Roskell's, almost at the same time, I think, as this note.
The packet will contain a claret-jug. I hope it is a pretty thing in itself for your table, and I know that you and Mrs. Wills will like it none the worse because it comes from me.
It is not made of a perishable material, and is so far expressive of our friendship. I have had your name and mine set upon it, in token of our many years of mutual reliance and trustfulness. It will never be so full of wine as it is to-day of affectionate regard.
Ever faithfully yours.
Miss Hogarth.
Cheltenham, Friday, Jan. 3rd, 1862.
My dearest Georgy,