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FROM AN OLD FRIEND
Michael Blake, to Wit
Royal Hospital, Chelsea, London, Oct. 17, 1898
[People’s Press. 1 November 1898]
To Mr. J.J. Sidey, Welland, Ont.:
SIR: I beg most respectfully to address this letter to you, hoping that it may find you and respected family in as good health as this leaves me at present. I was living with my son in Liverpool. They used me well, but I found it lonely; he always at sea and his wife constantly employed every day. I thought I would come to Chelsea. I like it very well. We all have the liberty we desire; only one roll call, at 9.30 p.m. Hyde park, Kensington park, St. James Park, Green park, Battersea park, within easy reach. We have beautiful grounds of our own. There are such beautiful walks and promenades and recreation grounds. The Thames embankment is just at the foot of our grounds. Everything is delightful; the parliament house and Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s cathedral, Trafalgar square, National gallery, art gallery, museums, &c.-lots of things to see and to amuse you. We have a good library and reading-room, with two billiard tables and several games to occupy our time.
I was very proud of Canada. She has done well. Sir. W. Laurier is very energetic. The prohibition was a grand thing, although if I was there I would vote against it. I know much misery is caused through drink. I have a pint of beer daily, and that is all. The times are in a ferment everywhere in church and state. While I was at Liverpool we had some correspondence with Mr. Tom Ray. I was glad to hear that Brother James Foster was well and doing well.
We had a very dry season in London. They are short of water in parts of the city. I go to Hyde park on odd Sunday to hear the discussions on Socialism and Hebrewism-a curious crowd of fanatics- but the grand carriage drive and bike and motor car are worth seeing. I like this place very much; every man has a room to himself, a table, a chair, shelves, a large box; no man to bother you; go out a la militaire or in your own plain clothes. Your meals are brought to you hot-coffee mornings, tea evenings. We have fruit pies in season; extas, Yorkshire pudding, &c.
I conclude and beg to remain truly
Your sincere well-wisher, M. Blake.
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