From your dear father

Bryan Hunt

To John

My Dear Son,

I have received your kind letter accompanied with a money order for the sum of $2, which I know I can get cashed when I send it to Kilkelly. I may inform you that altho you say the sum is small I do not consider it so, I may tell you that it is your many remittances since you went to America that has now left me independent to others, were it not for which I might be thought less so. I cannot really say whether it might be so but I can partly guess from how little some old people in my neighbourhood are thought of, I have again to thank you for saving me from being in anyone's power. I may tell you that I have no occasion to refer to matters in this way for myself and all my friends are on very best of terms, I am very proud to learn that you, Mrs and children are well, also Michl. and children and that he has built a new house and is settled down, from what you mention it has cost him a considerable sum. Next time I chance to come to is my friend where I am just now. I may write to Michl. whereas I ought from this address.

I am very glad the you have done so well although I ought my great age be weaker than when I last wrote. I may tell you that I feel myself much improved and much stouter, and my friend P. McNamara will I hope before closing his letter give you his opinion of how he thinks I look compared with how I was last spring.

My dear Friend, now that your father wishes me to say what I think of his health and appearance. I declare to you that I believe him (as far as appearances goes) to be as good looking and as stout looking also as I saw him at any time for the last 20 years. We cannot expect that it is really so. The only thing is that he is deaf and can hear best only speaking fairly loud for by shouting, I think he does not hear so well, your father and I are great mates (if I may express it) I can assure you I feel proud whenever any of the children may run in and say Bryan is coming. Our children here dote on him; I see by your letter that the idea of visiting your native place has not left your mind as yet. I should very much like to see you once more in Orlaur, indeed we would spend a few days together as we did in times gone by - I really reciprocate every kind of sentiment of yours. You say if ever you come across you will come to visit me. Certainly I suppose were you to come next day I am certain you would not be standing on ceremonies and waiting to be asked for you may be sure none would be more welcome than you, together with that it is not more than 10 minutes walk from your former house to here.

I still live on the old spot I threw down the old house and built on the same track a two story high house. I may tell you it cost me a good round sum. I have digressed rather much from your father's subject, he wishes to let you know that all the sons are well. James wife and family - Domk. wife and family - P.O'Donnell and Mrs. Mrs. Phillips and family Patsy is quite well. Tommy and family are well; Tommy does not go to England now. It is unnecessary to say anything about the prospect of a bad year for you'll see plenty on the papers - The potatoes are almost gone, the weather at present is more like Winter that harvest time. I hardly know how I have this written, as I am trying to be conversing with your father at the same time.

With fond regards, I remain faithfully yours Patck. McNamara

Excuse this scribbling.

Next Letter - 13th Mar 1891