Limerick,
November 9^th 1838

My dear Lucy,

I have received two letters from Mrs Johnston, one of which arrived this morning, on the subject of Miss Irwin’s visit to you in Killough. When first informed of it I was, certainly, very much astonished not having been consulted, or my opinion taken as to the propriety of it. I should think Killough one of the last places where a respectable situation could be obtained for a young Lady as Governess. Where Miss Irwin is known, and among the friends and relations with whom she has lived from her youth it is the natural quarter for her to look for a desirable situation. Should she not succeed in the application Mr Knox has made for her at Brighton, of which there is not, I fear much probability, and even if it does - I apprehend that an Irish teacher would have little chance of approval of in England, though the English are much sought after in that department in this Country. Whenever you inform me that Miss Irwin has made up her mind to return home I will remit you the sum of five pounds to present to her to defray her travelling expenses which is all I can now afford. I need not enter into the particulars of my loss of income and other losses, some of which you are acquainted with but hope in the course of another year to get matters more arranged to my satisfaction. I cannot give Miss Irwin the information she wishes respecting Mr Rowley Lascelles’ address in London. For some years back his residence is unknown for particular reasons. The assistance I am enabled to afford them is lodged in the Bank from whence it is conveyed to them by some of heir friends. My health is rather better, and I feel stronger than when I came here, but am obliged to move about a good deal as exercise is recommended, which, of course, cannot be done without expense. Mrs Lascelles unites with me in best regards to yourself, Mrs Johnston and family and Miss Irwin,

I am, my dear Lucy,

affect yours

F.E. Lascelles.