2 Jan 1885
Dear Brother & Sister,
    I know you will have expected me writing you long before this.  The fact is, it is the hardest work I have to do is to write a letter. I seem to have got into such a way of putting things off until I am ashamed to write at all.  Yet I hope you are no worse for my long delay & I must throw off that indolent spirit if I may use the words.
    Well, Walter, that great man Mr. Parkin called at my house to see me but not before he found I would not go to see him at his brothers, who resides within 200 yds. of me and Mr. Parkin was staying with his brother.  They sent or me to go but I said if he wished to see me I would be at home any time he should choose.  He came & I heard what he wanted.  I told him some things, others I did not.  There was one point I made special, inquires at our works about.
     As he suggested a second interview, which was arranged for, but he failed to put in an appearance, in fact he is a man I should not trust at all.  I don't like the man.  I believe from what I have just heard, he did not behave so well to his brother, whom I have known for several years.  He seemed a little surprised when I told him he would not be allowed to go inside our works, tho afterward he admitted he had been to the firm he once worked for but they would not admit him.  I can assure you that the English Masters nor those who are not, go into their works now.  If there is anything to be picked up, the English have been too foolish in times past, but they see their errors.
     How are you getting along in church?  Are you drawing people that way which will do them good?  Yes, I hope you are.  I cannot say how the people are getting along here now.  They added a few short time ago.
     I see trade is very bad with you.  It does not pick up so fast now the presidental election is over. It will take a long time to get on the full swing again.  Trade is very bad in England but we think the tide has turned for the better.   We have been very short of work at our place but we are improving.
     You will see by your papers that we have not done with Egypt yet or with the fighting in Soudan, yet I have a firm belief that Mr. Gladstone will work the problem to their good.  But at the same time there is such a jealousy with the continental nations especially with France that makes it almost impossible for human statesmanship to overcome.  An English Stateman has no idle time on his hands.  There is such a vast empire to govern & so many interests to look after.
     You will be aware that we have got household sufferage past by parliment.  That every man who is an householder shall give a vote to return members of parliment, and the south west riding will return 8 members to parliment instead of two Sheffield has returned.  Now we shall have 5.  It makes no difference to such as me as I have been a voter since I left Cawthorne.
     I have no good news about Mary.  She has got cancer of the umbilic (naval) which there is no cure.  She suffers greatly and I can do nothing for her to alleviate her pain.  The doctors say there is no cure, that is may be some years before the termination or not so long.  We are all well except for Mary.
     Hoping yourself, Vina & family are enjoying the best of health.  We all join in wishing you all both great & small, a happy new year.
     I am dear Walter your affectionate brother, William Kidd
     P.S. We are having very little winter this year so far.  How is it with your 60 degreees below zero?
(Letter written to Veroqua, Wisc.)