| Description | ‘My dear Una and Minnie,
There are certain points in connection with the mother’s “will” or letter, upon which I think we should have a clear understanding, so that a definite ruling may be come to now and that the matters should not be left to a future date, when possible difficulties may arise. It is just possible that one of you may be able to throw some light on what was at the back of the mother’s mind when she made this will, as she may have discussed it with either or both of you. Certain things are mentioned by the mother which are to be “kept in the family”, but no indication is given of how this is to be done in accordance with her wishes. The Lauderdale opal set, in connection with this. is there not a tradition that it descends from eldest daughter to eldest daughter. In this case if tradition is to be followed it would eventually go to Robell, and if she dies without leaving a daughter, revert back to the eldest surviving female Macqueen. I do not think that there is any tradition in connection with the pearl necklace, so presumably Minnie is at liberty to leave it to whom she likes in the family. The next things are the Lauderdale epergne and pepper pots, which were specifically left to Robert and consequentially go to Mary. The family portraits were also left to Robert, without any mention of their being kept in the family. Had John lived these portraits would have gone to him, and from him to Elizabeth. As they have been left to Robert, presumably the mother’s wish was that they should go to the eldest surviving son and failing his having a male issue, they would then revert to the next surviving son or his male issue. Failing any son having any male issue, the portraits would then revert to Elizabeth as being the only surviving child of the eldest son. The furniture as selected by the unmarried daughters is to be their property absolutely and the survivor of them shall have the ultimate disposal of it. In this I think Robert is in agreement with me. In this connection I see no reason why Rhoda should not select what furniture she may require to furnish her own establishment. She would not require very much and certainly none of the large things. As an unmarried daughter she is entitled to a share of the things, she should also be entitled to a certain amount of linen, bedding, china, ornaments, books etc. Further I see no reason why she should not have the life rent of some of the silver plate such as forks, spoons etc. I would suggest that you two decide upon and make up a list of what furniture you want and how you are going to fit it in the house, and Rhoda should independently do the same. You could then compare your lists and see if there is any overlapping. Personally, I feel sure that if one or two things do overlap, you two and Rhoda will have no difficulty in settling the matter. After the furniture selected for the respective homes has been listed along with other things which may be of use to you, the remainder of the furniture etc., is to be disposed of by the family, as is thought fit. It is possible that some of the family may want to buy certain articles and in this connection I consider that it is important that the valuation which was decided upon at Faemewell in May, should be taken in hand at an early date, because the proceeds of the sale go to defray the cost of your removal, the purchase of any supplementary furniture or household linen and your installation in your new house. I the unmarried daughters remain unmarried the survivor of them has the ultimate disposal of the furniture. It is possible that any of the present unmarried daughters might marry, in which case, she would no longer be an unmarried daughter and would automatically come in to the same category as the daughters who are at present married, who have been provided for by their husbands. I think both the father and the mother concentrated their thought upon the unmarried daughters in this connection, which seems fair and reasonable. I wonder what you have to decide to do about your mother’s personal things, I fancy you will be going to divide them with Rhoda and your two selves, as should be. I am strongly of the view that these various points should be discussed and settled now, so that various difficulties which might arise in the distant future, may be obviated, as far as possible. Yours ever.”
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