Belfast,
December 9^th 1836

My dear Lucy,

We Left Kirkcubbin on this day last week, and have got very good lodgings at Miss Finley’s boarding school College Square - but when you write to me please to direct "Post Office Belfast" - I have the happiness to inform you that I have been extremely fortunate in the Curate that Providence has sent me The Rev James Gerahty, son of Counsellor Gerahty, Dublin. He appears to be a most amiable young man, and both a Christian and a gentleman - he is snugly ensconced in the Parsonage - furnished as when we were there ourselves, and with Hannah to take care of him, and everything in the house - Sophy has gone to Larne so we are here by ourselves. My health is tolerably good, and I keep a good deal in the house on account of the very severe winter we have had. I am happy to hear that you are so comfortably settled at Mrs doctor McKittrick’s in Down - tell me how I am to address you. It will be a more cheerful scene for you in winter than Killough would have been. Every person is of opinion that we shall have a very … season from the incessant stormy and wet weather that has continued so long a time, and prevented the farmers from bringing in their crops from the fields where they have been rotted in many places. The potatoes have partly failed, and in wet ground lost altogether - Our accounts from Limerick are as bad as can be - the Military parade the streets there from ten at night until seven in the morning to protect the provision stores - Mr and Mrs Hodder and Elizabeth are very well - I am glad to hear our friends in Killough are well and that Fanny Parkinson is recovering, remember us to them and to Miss Cumine whose health I am happy to hear has been re-established. There is to be a splendid conservation?? dinner in Belfast on Tuesday the 20^th instant, of which you may expect to have a wonderful history in the newspapers - I fear, however, the present Ministry will keep their places for some time longer their party are numerous, clever and persevering - and will not be easily removed - I propose to meet my tenant in Ballinahinch tomorrow and to send you this letter by Hugh Nanny. Mrs Lascelles joins me in love, and best wishes to you,

and believe me my dear Lucy,

Affect yours,

F. E. Lascelles