As i embark on my second letter to you, i have to mention that the sunshine is brilliant, making the hillsides surrounding this valley perfectly clear.  Such a day reminds me of the description* made by John Anderson, Special Magistrate to St. Vincent for the Apprenticeship Period in about 1839.  He wrote that the Buccament Valley is one of the most beautiful sights he has seen, comparable to the Swiss Alps.  Quite a difference when he rode through, compared to how it is today – houses, of course, have sprouted throughout!

A couple days ago, Malcolm, eldest of the great uncles, talked about the wonderful times he had with another great uncle, Roger , in the United States , saying that whenever the two of them got together, pure joy resulted.  Last night, great uncle John spoke of an incident he remembers well.  He was about 9 or 10 years old and Malcolm in his early 20’s.  One day at 20 Hill, home of Chris and Ruth, John was near the pig pen, when Malcolm joined him and they had a conversation which made him feel so good that this much older brother took the time and interest to be alone with him.  John went on to mention that many years later, when Malcolm relinquished house, car etc. to begin living in a shack in the hills without running water and electricity, he visited him at Mount William to spend the day as he did not know when he might see him again.

That’s it for this week.

brenda

 *'The principal river on this side of the island is Buccamont. It is of considerable size. About three miles from the sea it divides into two branches which have their source at the base of the Bonhomme where their division takes place. The valley is the most beautiful and extensive in the island, well cultivated and containing 8 sugar estates ... The Bonhomme, which terminates the valley, is a grand and romantic object from every part of it. At the bottom is a fine bay where ships of a large burden may anchor.'