LETTERS TO ADDIS AND LADY ADDIS FROM THEIR FAMILIES

During his early years in London and his time abroad Addis corresponded regularly with his parents, brothers and sisters and occasionally with his brothers and sister-in-law, aunts and cousins. Although all these writers were interested in Addis's career it is only the letters from his father and brother George that show any knowledge of business affairs. George, a fellow banker, followed his progress closely and was ready with help and advice while the Reverend Addis had a natural anxiety for the future of both his banking sons and also for his own investments. Letters from Addis's mother mainly concern his welfare, those from his sisters are often long, detailed and lively, describing everyday events, their education, friendships, working lives, engagements, marriages, families and domestic lives. Outside the immediate family circle the principal letter writer is Addis's aunt, Mansfield Thorburn, his mother's youngest sister, a single lady who took great delight in the family. After Addis's marriage in 1894 letters are also addressed to his wife and there are some here too for his children, but apart from Aunt Mansfield's, there are not many letters written after Addis settled in London in 1905.

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