Eniskerry

April 30th 1850

My dear Bessie,

Although some weeks have elapsed since the beginning of the new year allow me to wish you and all your dear brothers and sisters, Mama and Papa. Many very many happy returns of it. I had intended writing to you immediately on receipt of your very welcome little note which gave me great pleasure and in this case I hope you "will take the will for the deed" as want of time is a great hindrance to my correspondence. You were with your Mama at Ravensdale. I am sure you are a great help to her and comfort also. Where did you spend Xmas. I trust, dear whether you feel it was profitably spent as it is a time calculated to awaken much serious reflection in commemorating the birth of our saviour. As you give me years mercy you increase in grace and kindness. Willy told me James had called on him in Dundalk and that he is greatly grown. I cannot tell you how much I long to see you all. Nannie is now in Belfast. She is looking out for another place. How has Grandmamma spent the winter. I have been thinking of her very often. The frost here has been most intense and the snow in some places very deep. I have got very little exercise this winter in comparison to he previous ones I spent in Enniskerry. You would be quite charmed with the village and the surrounding country. In summer and spring all the walks are pretty some through richly wooded valleys and over heath covered mountains. The views from Powerscourt demesne are truly enchanting even during the winter. They are not totally devoid of attraction. When did you hear from or see Miss Lascelles. I hope she is well. Will you give her my love and ask her did she receive two letters from me. Do you read a great deal or practice or show. For though you are not actually at school you can go on very well at home where your Mamma and Pappa are both so well informed and so competent to give you instruction (Many little girls have not these advantages at home) My eldest pupil is going to Cliften on a visit to her grandmother. She is very anxious to have her books etc. in good order going to England. You would like her I think if you knew her. She is a nice good ladylike little girl. She encloses this to brother Willy. As I do not know your present address write to me soon and do not visit my remissness on me. Catherine and any of the other children that are old enough to write I should be glad to hear from. My love to your dear Mamma and Pappa and all the rest and if you will not think me burdensome send a large share of my love to your Grandmamma and reserve a portion for yourself then my dear Bessie.

Kate Rogan