Images of the family

Here are images of the addressees of the letters:

Helen (Nellie) Ker, sister of John

 The original Ambrotype, dated 1850's on Rootschat, "The epitome of the fashionable young lady.The Bishop's sleeve with Vandyking & bold contrasting pattern finished with a lace Bertha & buttoned bodice mid - late 1850's." Commentary from Jim on Rootschat.

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,488400.0.html

 and this is a restoration by Saddles (Carolyn) on Rootschat, which shows the beautiful details of the dress.

 This is an image from a Carte de Visite, also of Helen (possibly the picture John refers to in his letters as being a stiff pose)

and, in addition, a further restoration showing the possible coloration of dress by Saddles (Carolyn) of Rootschat.