| Wednesday Feb. 8th 1871.

My dear Engels,

Your remittance arrived in due course, and I hope the Calico pleased those for whom it was got.—

I have just heard some news which I thought you would like to know—and perhaps if I did not inform you you may possibly remain in ignorance some time.—

Your late partners Mill at Eccles this morning was completely burnt to the ground a little before the proper time for its being started for work. | I don’t know if you will have heard or not—before this of our friend Durham having declared openly to his relatives and friends that he is married and has been some years.—I was spending some few days with him last week in his–Mansion– near Welshpool.—I was invited for a little cover shooting and very much I enjoyed myself—every thing is carried out in the just style and fashion. After shooting all day we returned home, and dressed full fig—for dinner at six and the Missus fills her post as hostess most admirably. | He keeps 9 horses and several carriages including one for four in hand—a pair of poneys for Madam and one riding horse for himself, which he bought last Septr and he informed me that he had been once upon its back.—

I gave Charles your Message and also your address—therefore you must not be surprised to see him drop in upon you any day.– Of course every thing in his establishment is carried on with the greatest order, and they also go to Church. –

I have not time to say much more to you at present, as I have to go home and dress to return | to smell dinner (with my wife) and I shall have to put on longtails and white chooker, and retire to Whabey Range at Mr Moos Sole(?)?—I am glad to say we are well at home, and shall be very glad, if whenever you come North you will pay us a visit and stay a few days in our humble way with us.—(we excuse full dress for dinner etc.)

Be kind enough to present my kindest regards to Missus and say I often think of her, when I read about her friend Garibaldi.–

Believe me
Yours very truly
A. Knowles.

| P. S. I have just read an Evening paper—which I forward to you–