From: JOHN W.T. GARDINER

To: FREDERIC GARDINER , JODI BROWN

Date: July 13th 1854

Context: Writing from Oklands in response to congrats on his marriage and to discuss the shipwreck.

My dear Frederic,

Many thanks for your letter of congratulations which I ought to have answered before, but you know that my epistolaryreputation was never very good, and latterly my letters have all gone in one direction.

I was married a week ago yesterday, and can scarcely realize as yet the change in my condition . I only know that I am supremely happy. I am sitting writing in what used to be my room but is now Annie's . She allows me the use of her table, but I do not feel certain that her presence is very conducive to letter writing. We have been married so short a time, that we have still an immense deal to say to each other, and find the days quite short, though Carrie and Nellie are most considerate in leaving us a good deal alone. Father and Mother went over to Bangor on Monday and do not return'til tomorrow, and Hal and Fenwick have not yet come, though we expect them somewhat tomorrow.

How much has happened since we separated! and how every disappointment has been ordered for my good. My preservation at the time of the wreck was marvelous. Out of nearly two hundred persons in the after part ofthe upper cabin, I was the only person who did not go overboard. You remember the position of my stateroom. The whole of the cabin abaft the wheels was carried off, and the deck for some sixty or seventy feet partially crushed down. I was stunned and when I recovered was lying among the fragments un injured, the only one·of the persons in the cabin le ft. I can truly say "thou hast saved my life fromdestruction and crowned me with mercy and loving kindness". I trust that I shall be ever mindful of the mercies I have received.

Carrie showed me the description of spy glasses you sent. The one you have brought seems to me exactly what I want, a greater power and range than I had hoped to find, combined with the same lightness and cheapness. You have succeeded better than I had hoped. If you have an opportunity please send it to me within the next two months, as I expect to go to California in September or October.

I wanted to have written you a respectable letter but if you will look back eight years, I fancy you will rememberthat you had little spare time in the first fortnight of your marriage. Carrie and Emma are here and both well. Annie will add a 1ine, and if you enjoy it half as much as I did seeing her handwriting, you will consider the postage on this letter well bestowed.

Affectionately your brother Tudor

I am sorry not to see my dear brother Frederic, amongst my new brothers and sisters at Oaklands, but hope the next visit we make to this beautiful place, he may be here to greet us.

Carrie and I have just been having a little talk about you, and she has been showing me your daguerreotype, andtelling me that it does not do you justice. judge for myself . I only wish it were in my power to

Hoping you may have a pleasant visit, and a safe return to your family, believe me,

Affectionately yours, Annie E. Gardiner

I forgot to tell you i.n my last letter that my funds have not failed yet though I am not entirely certain they will hold out. I shall not much exceed them at any rate but livingis very expensive now a days.

Carrie