Gambier Knox Co. Ohio
Nov 27th 1899

My dear Kate,

This long time I have been thinking of you all and of you especially as you are the only one that writes to me. I have not changed in my regard of affection for any of you. Past days are printed on my mind never to be effaced.

This note I trust will find you all well and Bessie quite rid of her liver trouble. I know how depressing to the spirits such an affliction is. Is Frances still with the lady in London and how is she. My thoughts are often in Killough and how I should love to go over the old haunts increased by many a dream of early youth. The Castle Park and Scordon's well, the fishing boats. Do you ever hear or see Fannie Hughes. For years I know nothing of her belongings. I have written her many times but failed to elicit an answer. So if you will take the trouble to give me some information about them I will be grateful. Be sure and tell me everything about you own family, sisters and brothers, the least thing will interest me. I hope you still like being in Augher Castle. We have a phenomenal Fall and Indian summer. The sun shines as warm and bright as early spring. Have you friends or relatives in South Africa. The British and Boers are having hot times. It is terrible in this enlightened century. War should cease! I am a friend, as the song says "let those that make the quarrels be the only ones to fight" My nephew Ralph Rogan is engaged to Mr Proctor's daughter in Cincinnati. He has been in love with her for 6 years. He is 24 and she is 22. The alliance is joy to both her family and his. Proctor and Gamble is an old and very much respected firm in Cincinnati. They are wealthy and give largely to all charities. I never saw Ralph's lady love. She sent me a Pho. and a sweet little note. Mr Proctor's son is a fine and able man. His daughters are married to able men, ministers in the Protestant Episcopal church. I am an advocate of early marriages so that our dear Ralph and "Bessie" as she is called have my hearty good wishes. There is nothing settled about the marriage, but I know it will not be postponed indefinitely. Ralph and Roger are to spend the Xmas holidays at "The Oaks", Mr Proctor's home near Cincinnati.

How is Willy Aiken and his family. He was quite young when I left home for America. I hope that I have not tired you with this long letter. I did not intend to trespass on you time and patience when I begun but forgot myself when writing to one I love.

Do you or any of you go to Bright Church. I would like to know if the stone has fallen that marks the spot where Sally rests? We "are scattered far and wide". I wish you all a merry Xmas and a happy new year and many of them and with much love to Bessie and Sam I am my dear Kate your attached old friend

C.K. Trimble