| Description | Mary Taylor begins her letter referring to a list which Elizabeth had sent home with details of things to be included in her Christmas parcel. The list also featured a number of requests from Elizabeth's schoolfriends. Mary Taylor writes that she would be unable to send 'boxes of figs' adding 'nail scissors are needless things'. Written shortly before Christmas this letter reflects Mary Taylor's frustration with shopping difficulties, particularly where she writes 'I scarcely know yet if we shall send a parcel at all so no one need ask to have anything enclosed'. Mary Taylor also comments on the ill-health of the Taylor family's cook and her 'incompetence' at making Christmas food, adding that she wished Elizabeth's father had decided to send her money instead of a parcel. Mary Taylor also refers to the death of Elizabeth's cousin Nelly and the sinking of a steamer called The Lochearn. |