WOOLWICH,
10th JULY, 1864

Mr dear Father and Mother
We have had a Field day at WOOLWICH today for the Celebration of Her Majesty's Birthday and Ben has been enjoying the grand sight as all the Arsenal workmen have a holiday on these occasions.
We have failed in getting him to his trade or in the Carriage Department as a carpenter, and Ben in despair was determined to enter a Man of War but I must confess I did not like the idea, as I think almost any work as aboe could be better, consequently i got him taken on in the Laboratory Department Royal Arsenal as labourer and handy man and I think he has succeeded very well so far after a weeks trial. his wages is settled 126/4d at starting, several other men he tells me, who were taken on the same time with him are only getting 14/- a week, by dint of steady perseverance and a slice of good luck he may get on to be as well off as any tradesmen. When you next write, I wish you to say whether you approve all that has been done.
With reagrds to ourselves, we are getting on in the old stile, we have had a visit from MALSTER and Mrs MALSTER they are doing very well, their two eldest daughters are in good services eldest one in France and the other in ENGLAND>
We have had a couple of visits from Bob and one from his eldest brother in law and wife.
Bob sent us word the other day that the long expected heiress had come to hand and that mother and baby were doing well. Bob will no doubt be a proud father.
Elisabeth and the children are, thank goodness, in excellent health and we hope this will find you all at home the same. Ben joins us in kindest love to you and all our brothers and sisters and I remain your affectionate son.

T.MITCHELL

(NOT AN ACCURATE TRANSCRIPTION)