“I am now (so to speak) in God's hands. Getting the four children fitted out for school and paying a quarter's tuition in advance has reduced me to a condition of financial weakness.”

A characteristically comic description of financial anxiety and family responsibility. · Letter to Mr. Cowen, 13 November 1889

• Family
• Humour
• Money

“God has always been good to me, and He has said yes to my prayer, I am sure.”

A simple expression of faith and gratitude following a friend's illness. · Letter to a clerical friend, 15 November 1893

• Faith
• Gratitude

“What I really did say was this; that Miss Stephens ought to take lessons in vocal music not less than three years longer, and at the end of that time, I did not hesitate to say, she would be one of the finest singers in the west.”

A generous critical judgement that combines high standards with encouragement. · Letter concerning Emma Abbott's opera company

• Encouragement
• Music
• Standards