My Dear Son,

I received your kind and welcome letter about the latter end of July last. I was highly delighted to hear that you and your family were in good health, a blessing which I hope you and they still share in. I and your brothers and your sisters are still in good health as also their families thanks be to God. I never heard from my son Michael, Since altho I expected day after day to write to him, since I got his address from you and yet I have not written up to the present, I am to write to him by this day's post and hope that I shall soon hear from him.

I am very glad to hear that you are getting on so well after all the reverses of fortune that you mentioned. I cannot the pleasure felt at the idea of mentioning that you come to see me before I die. Nothing on earth would possibly give me more pleasure, but I fear that our parting then would more than Counterbalance my great joy at meeting you, I thought when about to write I should send you a long letter. Well I cannot say that I have not any news to send except trifling things, every day affairs that are not worthy of your notice. I know you will be surprised perhaps to think that although I am now advanced to a considerable age, I am almost as sound, healthy and supple as when you first saw me, now I suppose about 25 years ago or nearly, (if not more). I visited with your friend and well wisher P. McNamara a few nights ago; nothing gives more delight than speaking of by gone days when both you and he used to be together.

Our family circle were doing pretty well but this year has turned out very hard. I need not say any more about it, as you must have seen very many startling accounts of this distress of Ireland particularly in the West.

My Dear Son,

I will expect to hear from you when opportunity offers. Letting me know how you your mistress and every member of your family are getting along and letting me know whether you visited your brother Michael as you mentioned in your letter last July. I send yourself and mistress and children my blessing and Kind Compliments and your brothers and sisters and families send you same. P. McNamara and family are exceedingly thankful for your kind inquires they are well, and send you and family circle their Kind Compliments.

I remain my dear John

your loving father

Bryan Hunt

Next Letter - 1st April 1880