______________________________________________________________________________________________

28 Jun 78 Francis New Glasgow, Nova Scotia John ______________________________________________________________________________________________

HALIFAX AND CAPE BRETON RAILWAY

NEW GLASGOW, NOVA SCOTIA


28 June 1878

Dear John


Your letter just received - you are very hard on me - too hard.


I will agree to your proposition. I will undertake to pay my Mother back out of anything I get over the $600, but I think you had better make it £35. Let her hold the things in England and take what they fetch. I will try to make up difference directly I get over $600. The things she has are worth $200 or $300 & will fetch quite $100. I shall have to make up about $75. I will however undertake to make up that or more if the things do not realise the $100. I am much obliged for your taking so great an interest in me. Try & fix the matter for me, & I will never never (as the little boy says) do it again. I will live on realities & not on promises but I have been hardly driven not had the fair & square thing. I do not consider my Mother at all bound to lend me the money. It will be a great favor & kindness on her part to do anything for me.


You are right. I am old for being dependent on my Mother. I am hardly that, but I am asking a favor - 'I will be good boy Massa, & me will try not to do it again.'


In great haste. Excuse scrawl. Your affectate Brother


Frank Duke Laurie


Try & have matter arranged for me as soon as possible. I have named £35 because I think it best to get enough to pay all. It is a loan & I will repay so it is only a temporary accommodation. FDL



It seems that Francis (Frank) had run up debts in England, causing his family embarrassment and this was probably the reason why he had emigrated to Nova Scotia. John had quite possibly helped find him employment. The two appear to be on reasonably good terms. Francis later became a Superintendent of the Intercolonial Railway, Canada and Mayor of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. He married Joanna Archibald in 1881 and died, aged 76. There were no children. Significantly perhaps, he was omitted from his mother's will .