12 Jun 1922: James Hall to Blanche, Countess St. Germans

Written on the death of John, 6th Earl St. Germans. The writer was probably the James Hall living at Quethiock and then Tideford who had always been a Gamekeeper (possibly at the Port Eliot Estate).

Tideford
St. Germans
June 12th 1922

My Lady,
I hope I am not out of place in sending the few lines which I composed of our dear Lord St. Germans. Hoping you and the young ladies are in good health.

I beg to remain,
My Lady,
yours, humble and obedient,
James Hall

Earl St. Germans

The days are long and dreary,
I am getting old and grey.
It's all so melancholy,
Since his Lordship passed away.
We shall never hear his charming voice
Or see his pleasant smile.
It's all so sad and lonely,
Since his Lordship passed away.
To think he left his dear loved home,
Health sake for to gain.
In a foreign land he went away,
Never more to see again.
No one never asked of him
A favour for to do.
He was always proud and happy,
His kindness for to show.
He was a fine young nobleman,
Beloved by all he knew.
God bless his loved mother,
His wife and daughters two.
There's laid to rest one of England's best.
Ever kind and true.

James Hall

*Original letter is in the collection of Mousie's grandson – David Herbert, 19th Baron Herbert.

Some punctuation has been added for ease of reading.