Letters to/from Andrew Geddes' children and others

Children of Andrew David Geddes and Emily Jane Eckford

These letters were written by:

Emily Ethel Geddes
Diana Catherine Geddes
Marion Margaret Geddes
Ernest David Eckford Geddes
Violet Alice Geddes
Lilian Maud Geddes
Malcolm Henry Burdett Geddes
Gwendoline Olivia Geddes
George Hessing Geddes
Haworth boys
Unknown

See also:
Birthdays of descendents of Andrew and Emily Geddes

These letters were all together in the family papers. The writers are all the children of Andrew David Geddes and Emily Jane Eckford, apart from George Hessing Geddes, who is a cousin. He addresses his letter to Mrs Eckford, and most others are addressed to to Grandmama. This is Catherine Eckford (nee Haldane), the wife of George Henry Eckford. One letter was dated 1885, another 1886, but they all must be around this period.

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Emily Ethel Geddes

She seems to be known as Ethey, presumably because her mother was also Emily.

This letter is to her grandmother, Catherine Eckford (nee Haldane), the wife of George Henry Eckford. Emily Ethel was born in 1865. I'm not sure when the letter was written, but she is presumably too young to write a letter for herself.

Dictated by Ethy herself!

To Daumama

Edinburgh, OctDarling darling Daumama

Thanks Daumama for the letter. Didey is wake up, Daumama. And Papa is running to the room, and Mama is writing my letter, and Papa says that it is a clever Mama to write my letter. Pilot is run up stairs Daumama and is wagging his tail and wants to do out to do into the water, and paddle about. Dodbye. Love and Kisses to Dqaupapa and Daumama, and Di sends love to Daupapa and Daumama.

Your own baby Ethy

This letter is from Emily Ethel to her grandmother, Catherine Eckford (nee Haldane), the wife of George Henry Eckford. A few lines at the end are cross-written on the first page.

(note on top) Ball given for Prince Edward of Wales, afterwards Edward VIIth
Antrim House
Cliftonville
April 25th

My dear Gmama
The famous Ball came off yesterday. We started to it about nine, and did not arrive til half-past ten. The lines of carriages were immense, and to add to the general confusion, it was a very wet night. The decorations of the rooms were lovely, and the cloakrooms were capitally managed.
All the officers were in full dress, tunics, swords and busbies, which they carried under their arms. Papa looks so handsome in his cocked hat and plumes, and we had a great number of the "Flannel Shirt."
Di made great friends with one of them (Staff comds of the Achilles) and the two had great fun together.
The Prince and Princess arrived about eleven o'clock, and walked straight up the rooms to the dias at the end, whereupon every one formed a ring and stared at them with all their eyes. I feel proud to state that we were of the few who abstained.
There was no presentation of any kind. The Royal Party confined thei dancing quite to their own end of the room, surrounded by a throng of spectators. There was a lovely smoking room for the Prince, and a Boudoir for the Princess, fitted up with satin hangings. Their particular supper room was very grand, and they had the most lovely arangements of fountains, with ferns, rockeries etc on the staircases, lighted up by electric light, both around and inside the water.
At an end of the rooms was such a pretty erection of looking glass, great blocks of tinted ice, arum lilies, flowing water and delicate ferns, all lighted by electric light, shining through the ice.
The whole place was lighted by electric light, so prettily shaded with muslin hangings, that it lighted the whole rooms, without in the least injuring the complexions, dresses etc. The whole cost of the hall must have been enormous. The flowers alone, which came from Covent Garden, cost 500 pounds.
We came home in the daylight at about half past four. Papa had to start off again by nine, to see the Prince to the train. They go to Derry from here, and on Monday return to London by Carrickfergus, so this is the last we will see of them, thank goodness.
Prince Albert Victor was there in his middies uniform. People see to think that he has become rather conceited and spoilt.
Today is fine again. Gwennie and Mab. are out for a walk. Malcie is busy on a miniature flagstaff he is making.
How are you getting on. Best love to everyone. Love from all.
Yr loving G.child, E Ethie Geddes

From the Times, Saturdau, April 25th 1885 - click here for the article

The Royal visit to Ireland, belfast 24
Unfortunately the weather in belfast to-day was unfavourable for the Royal visit, but there was no lack of enthusiasm on the part of the inhabitants of belfast and the hundreds of excursionists who had flocked into town to give the Prince and Princess of Wales a more than cordial welcome. ... The next place visited was the Botanic Gardens, in which 20,000 children were ranged in line on the side of the pathway to receive the Royal visitos.... In the evening, their Royal Highnesses attended a ball given by the Mayor and citizens of Belfast in honour of the Royal visit. the gathering was a large and brilliant one. T-morrow their Royal Highnesses leave for Derry.

Diana Catherine Geddes

This letter is to Diana from her grandmother, Catherine Eckford (nee Haldane), the wife of George Henry Eckford. Diana was born in 1866.

Addressed to Miss D.C.Geddes, Malta
10th April 1877
My darling Didey,
Thanks for your nice letter. Will you tell Ethey yr Aunt Henrietta liked her letter very much and sends her love and thanks for it. A good many people have gone out of Town, for a week or two but will return soon. Your Mama gave me such a nice account of the doings in Malta at Lent. What is the Olive bird like? Can it sing? Are there good toy shops at Malta and are the things dearer than at home? I have very little space this time and not much news. Tell May she must write some day to Grandmama. Now Duckey Goodbye, and God bless and keep you.
Love and kisses to all from your fond Grandmama.

This letter is to Diana from her grandfather George Henry Eckford. Diana was born in 1866.

London, July 12th 1877
My darling Didy,
I think it's your turn to hear from Grandpapa. G.Mama received Ethey's of the 20th of last month, or rather to me it was written. I am still confined to the house owing to the bad leg, and as we have such fine days I don't like it at all. So you get lots of fruit, your Papa writes, but no Gogalate as in London eh? We are so glad to hear that Mamma is all right again. Can you see all the ships from your house? That is what I am so fond of. Mr and Mrs Collins came back a day or two since. How do you like boating? You all go out, your papa says. I never cared for it myself. Lots of fine strawberries now to buy, and cheap at 4 pence a basket. Write to me soon, pet.
Love and kisses to Mamma and your brothers and sisters. Believe me, Your very loving Grandpapa.

This letter is to Diana from her grandfather George Henry Eckford. Diana was born in 1866.

9 Bedford Place, Sept 18th 1877
My darling Didy,
As G.mama is writing to Ethey, I must send you a line. We are going back to London on the 21st, I believe. No bathing is going on here, it has become too cold. How would you like to come and sit on the Parade benches with Grandpapa, and eat sweeties they sell here. Give Ethey on her birthday (today) and a kiss.
Love to all, Your fond and loving Grandpapa.

This letter is from Diana to her grandmother, Catherine Eckford (nee Haldane), the wife of George Henry Eckford. A few lines at the end are cross-written on the first page.

(note on top) About Prince Edward of Wales, afterwards Edward VIIth
Antrim House
Cliftonville
April

Dear Grummery
I daresay everyone has written about the Prince but you won't mind hearing twice.
We all went to High Street to see him come in, and got streets seats in a shop window. First came the town councillors, next the Mayor and Mayoress, then the Prince's carriage with a guard of honour and an escort of Dragoons, and then Papa with two other officers. They were tremendously cheered, and the carriage was almost blocked by the crowd. The town is beautifully decorated with thousands of flags and wreaths etc, and the illuminations were very good. Next day, Ethey and some of the children went down to the Botanic Gardens to see them pass, and Papa was out with the procession nearly all day. They all came back drenched with the rain.
That evening the Ball came off, it was jolly. It was to begin at ten but we had to start at nine o'clock, and were kept waiting for half an hour in the ruck of carriages before we got to the Hall. In the meanwhile we had a crowd staring into the window at us, and making remarks, and being sent off by the police. The ballroom looked lovely. After we had waited some time, the band struck up "God Save the Queen" and the Royal pair marched in, proceeded by Mr and Mrs Harland, and followed by Prince Albert, with Mrs Harland's neice. They are all exactly like their photos. The Princess is rather pretty, and has a very nice smile. She was dressed a dark green velvet dress, trimmed with lace, and wore a diamond tiara and necklace. The Prince looks jolly, and Prince Albert very conceited.They had half the room to dance in. They all went round at such a pace. They stayed till 1/2 past one, and I saw them quite close when they were saying goodbye, as my partner and I happened to be in the lobby. There was a lovely boudoir for the Princess, all decorated with lilies etc, and the Prince's smoking room was like a pretty little summer house, with coloured lights among the leaves.
It was such a pity Ethey's low body did not come home, but she had luckily a square body made for a dinner party and wore that. It looked very nice. Mama's dress is a great success. I wore my white.
I think I have told you almost everything so must close.
Ever your loving Didy.

Marion Margaret Geddes

I assume that this letter is from Marion. It's "signed M.Geddes".

Ernest David Eckford Geddes

The following is about Ernest Geddes while at school. The envelope is marked "E.D.E.Geddes' first school report". It is addressed to Emily Jane Eckford, who was Ernest's grandmother. Presumably she looked after Ernest's education while his parents were abroad.

4 St Stephen's Road, Westbourne Park, Jan 31st /82
Dear Mrs Eckford
You asked me to give you some little account in writing, of the progress of your grandson Ernest Geddes - which I now do with much pleasure.
First of all, let me say that I have every reason to be satisfied with his conduct. He is honourable, truthful and industrious, and, except now and then for a little forgetfulness of his books - leaving them at home, or at school, as the case may be - I have never had occasion to find fault.
I am pleased with the careful way that he prepares his lessons. He learns his grammar well and prepares his exercises thoroughly - not of course always without mistakes (which all boys make, more or less) but with great painstaking.
History and Divinity lessons are always done well - and his answers show good memory and intelligence.
His Latin shows considerable progress. He writes Ellis' and William' exercises and translates Jacob's Latin Reader. This term, he will enter upon a more difficult reading book. He has, this term, the second place in his class (of nine or ten boys, some older) and will have the 2nd prize tomorrow.
He has begun Greek and has made progress.
In French he always does very well and is moved this term into a higher class.
In Arithmetic he is rather slow. He generally understands the principle of the sums when explained, but cannot as yet work at once with speed and accuracy. This places him at some disadvantage with quicker boys - but he is improving. He will begin Algebra this term and I expect will exhibit ability in this, which depends more on intelligence than mechanical calculation.
Altogether my opinion is, that he excels most boys of his own age, and I have had a pretty long and ample experience of what boys are.
The work that he is pursuing forms the fitting preparation for any of the higher professions, and the foundation.
With best regards, Believe me, Truly yours, Charles Shakespeare.
Copied February 2nd 1883 - EEG

Below is confirmation that Ernest has passed for Royal Marine Artillery

ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE, GREENWICH, S.E.
12th July 89
Dear Sir,
I am directed to inform you that at the recent examination you succeeded in passing for the Marine Artillery, obtaining 5th place with 2148 marks.
Yours faithfully, F.E.Rawle
E.D.E.Geddes Esquire

Violet Alice Geddes

I don't know which order these are in.

First letter:

Second letter:

Third letter - could be 1884 from the date given (and a reference to PaPa who died in 1888):

Fourrth letter:

Malcolm Henry Burdett Geddes

Lilian Maud Geddes

Gwendoline Olivia Geddes

The back says "G O Geddes 1893" and "? first sketch". I think this is Gwendoline Olivia Geddes, born in 1883. That means she was about 10 when the sketch was made.

This is a letter from Gwendoline to "Di" (probably Diana Catherine Geddes, her much older sister). Feb 26, 1893, was a Sunday, so Gwendoline would be 10 years old.

Another letter from Gwendoline to "Di", when Gwendoline was obviously younger.

George Hessing Geddes

From "Georg H. Geddes" to Mrs Eckford. This is George Hessing Geddes, son of John Geddes (V). Mrs Eckford is Emily Jane Eckford's mother, and I think, his great aunt.

Haworth boys

These two letters are in an envelope marked "Cyril haworth aged 13 1/2 1917 - first letter from Harrow. Also Rad from Farnborough." Lt. Col. Sir Lionel Berkley Holt Haworth married two of the Geddes daughters (not at the sxame time!) Lilian Maud Geddes (married 1901) had two children, and Gwendoline Olivia Geddes (married 1912) had one child. So since one letter is by Cyril, and the other mentions Cyril, I am assuming that these are Lily's children. Gwendoline's child would be too young, anyway. The letters are to Auntie Di (Diana Catherine Geddes) and one to Grandma as well Emily Jane Geddes.
See Birthdays of descendents of Andrew and Emily Geddes

Unknown

This is a scap of paper with various things written on it (including some French, and mirror writing!) One bit says "June 13th 1889. Ashes and Lava from Mount Vesuvious." The paper is folded to make a small packet, and inside are these small black bits - obviously the ashes and lava described. This can't be Andrew Geddes as he died in 1888. There is the name Carry Geddes on the paper. She died in 1893. I don't know whether she went to Italy, or if someone sent this to her, or whether someone used her scap of paper to store it! She had two older brothers who were in the army, but also plenty of military cousins. Or it might be a different "Carry Geddes".