Margaret C. Osgood to Mary Alden Childers and Erskine Childers, 5th March [between approximately 1912-1918]. IE TCD MS 7867/60

Digitised version of IE TCD MS 7867/60, a letter written by Margaret C. Osgood, Tahanto Farm, Harvard, Massachusetts, United States to her daughter Mary Alden Childers and son-in-law Erskine Childers 5th March (year not identified, but between approximately 1912-1918): "Darlings: we are in a state of bewilderment over the cable from Rachel. What does it mean? Only lately Grete asked her if she had a single doubt and she replied that she hadn't a doubt, not one. It is puzzling of course it is a terrible thing, for his mother, for him, all coming at the last moment. You know what we all thought of Nan Sedgwick's behaviour to Harry. It is really frightful. If I could only see Rogers, and love him and tell him how sorry & unhappy I am, I can think of nothing else. It is a very sad thing. I hope Rachel will not break down completely, but she will, I fear. Today Grete received a letter from Rachel written Feb 24th with no trace of anything but pure joy in Rogers, no sign of anything. Isn't it all unbelievable? Molly, darling you have sent me an envelope full of bills. What does Grete owe you for? For the Sainte Esprit £4.10.0 (that I know) and for Bon marche bill (now she owes you Erskine's trip with Rachel to Liverpool for carriages I am sure. Please tell us Molly. Are these laundry bills still owing? Please make out a proper list & send to me, putting down every penny you have spent for Rachel... Rogers telegraphs that he is hurrying back from Portland to be here when Rachel arrives. Isn't it too bad that poor little Grete never can have a time of rest & peace..." Concludes with what looks like a postscript or addition on different paper: "we are in a state of amazement, wondering what has happened to change her point of view. It came so suddenly, God is overruling it all and we all need sorrow & suffering to develop us. I have a great faith in trial, it may lead her to God & spiritual things poor child. Hug her for me. Molly you are a strong character, & we can all go to you in trouble." Margaret Cushing Pearmain Osgood (1847-1941), was an American writer and poet, mother to writer and nationalist Mary ('Molly') Alden Childers who was married to Erskine Childers, and the maternal grandmother of Erskine Hamilton Childers (1905-1974) who became the fourth President of Ireland 1973-1974.