Limerick George’s Street
February 17^th 1837

My Dear Lucy,

I received your letter, and as I had sent you a newspaper lately directed by myself, I thought that would be a sufficient indication that I, and all the family were well it is the method several of my friends agree with me in using as a means of correspondence, which saves trouble, and expense of postage, and answers as well as writing - I am not so fond of gaiety as to neglect sending you a letter when I have any subject worth communicating - at present I have no news but what is of the same melancholy nature of that contained in yours this morning. The universal prevalence of the influenza, but rather I should suppose of a milder nature than it has been in your neighbourhood and Belfast, when four of my friends died in the course of three weeks, since I left. Mrs Lascelles was very ill for some time, and I was confined for ten days - most of the rest of the family had a slight attack, but were are all now, thank providence, tolerably well. The death of Mrs Johnston’s grandchild was to be expected from the long illness, and weak state. She has made a happy change. Miss Neill was and old friend of yours, and you will naturally feel much for her death. I have observed this malady has been most fatal to persons advanced in life, among which number she undoubtedly was. I am glad to find that you have recovered so well and hope you may be preserved from another attack. The Medical gentleman who attended me said it was fortunate I had removed to this place before my illness came on as I have not heard of any deaths though so few have escaped the disorder - the symptoms have not been dangerous. Sometimes they are tedious, and the patients confined for weeks. In London, Dublin and Belfast it has been little less than a plague, particularly in London. Mrs Lascelles and all the family here join in best regards, and good wishes to Miss Auchinleck, and yourself. I have been much mortified that my health did not allow my going to hear the Honourable Mr Johnson preach a charity sermon at the Cathedral, he is a most eminently talented, and pious divine nor have I heard any of the lent controversial sermons but one. We cannot complain of the weather. It has been remarkable fine for this season of the year in this quarter,

I am my dear Lucy

Affectly yours

F.E. Parkinson.