[copy] George Richmond, 11 Via della Quatre Fontani, Rome, to his parents
Moans about not receiving a letter from them, then apologises for not writing to Tom;
Julia is still in good spirits;
Tom is very popular; has been to mass in the Sistine Chapel with the
Pope; he has been studying the Vatican daily; life classes in the evening, primarily for the English; says that where science and railroads hold primacy in England, in Italy the Arts sweep all before them; talks of the trials of copying fresco; enthuses over the work of
Raphael; he hopes Tom will be able to join them; he has not seen any of the modern works but hopes to be introduced to
Overbeck; cholera in Rome, Julia's aunt, Mrs. Tatham, saved hundreds of lives in Naples making and distributing medicine; they hope to see
Mr. Collins; is thankful for the English church services in the face of such strong Catholicism.
Postscript from Julia Richmond , provides details of their domestic situation; she expects her confinement and speaks of the kindness of her aunt and of Mrs. Severn.