Handwritten letter from J.R. Thompson of Sunderland, England

Description:
Handwritten letter from J.R. Thompson of Sunderland, England to David Birrell concerning the Queen's address at the opening of parliament, and her remarks regarding American Civil War and U.S.-British relations, as well as a question concerning the pricing of pharmaceuticals, dated February 6, 1861: 261 High St. Sunderland My dear Birrell, I received your letter of the 27th of Dec. some days ago, which was forwarded to me from Thirsk, where I no longer reside, having left home, and entered upon business on my own, etc. I also received yours of Oct. 15/ 59 [Oct. 15th, 1859?]. The port of Sunderland is one of the most important on the North Eastern coast of England. It is between 50 and 60 miles north of Thirsk. Yesterday Her Majesty the Queen opened Parliament in person and, as is usual on such occasions, she delivered a speech from the Throne to the members of both houses. In it she alluded to the rupture which has arisen among the states of the North American Union and in reference to which she said "It is impossible for me not to look with great concern upon any events which can effect the happiness and welfare of a people nearly allied to my subjects by descent- and closely connected with them by most intimate and friendly relations." "My heartfelt wish is that these differences may be susceptible of a satisfactory adjustment." Her Majesty also alluded to the "Kind and cordial" reception given to the Prince of Wales during his visit to America, and expresses her "warn appreciation of the loyalty and attachment to her person and Throne manifested by her Canadian and other North American subjects on the occasion of the residence of the Prince of Wales among them." The different states of Europe appear to be in a very unsettled state- as regards their political relationship with other. I believe war is looked upon as possible at any moment. Denmark and Germany don't appear to be on very friendly terms. Italian affairs are not settled, & Hungary looks for concessions from Austria. In your recent letter I should be glad if you would tell me on what principle you make your charges for drugs and medicines in America. Do the prices charged usually bear any definite proportions to the cost price? How do you charge to the public Oleum Jecoris Asilli of [...]? With Kind regards Believe me Yours truly Jno. R. Thompson Feb. 6th 1861
Date Issued:
1861-01-01T00:00:00Z
Data Provider:
Detroit Historical Society
Subject Topic:
Civil War and Pharmacists
Subject Name:
Birrell, David and Thompson, J.R.
Format:
Letter
Language:
English
Rights:
No Copyright - United States
URL:
http://detroithistorical.pastperfectonline.com/archive/8CCC6A2B-A59C-4736-A54B-104260538330