Belfast,
21^st May 1839

My dear Lucy,

I enclose you two pounds bank notes, which please to acknowledge the receipt of by return of post. We paid a visit to Newcastle about three weeks ago and were most hospitably received, and entertained by Miss Auchinleck for two days. We did not engage lodgings as we could not decide on which accommodation we may require until we ascertain how many, or if any of our friends will join us. The Hodders want us to go to the English Newcastle on Tyne, and the Bristows, who are at Plymouth with the Jardines, and Sophy, wish us to go to them. On the contrary we invite them all to come here. A short time will determine which plan we shall adopt, and when all is settled you shall hear again from me. I have some news to tell you which will astonish you. Mr Jardine has left the army, and he, and Elizabeth and Sophy, are going to settle in New South Wales in a couple of months. Mr Jardine had long determined to turn farmer - and locate himself either in Scotland, or Canada, and it was a strange resolution for him to form, with the command of money sufficient to raise him to the top of his profession, had he remained in the army. The following circumstances made him change his mind as to the place he should commence farming operations in. A Mr Cockburn, Son of Lord Cockburn of Scotland had taken his passage to Australia and was on his way out, when the captain of the vessel was taken ill of a bran fever and they put in to Plymouth until he should recover. Mr Cockburn is a relation of MR Jardines’ and easily persuaded him to seek his fortune in this new world, but Mrs Jardine would not consent, unless Sophy went with her. They wrote to us and laid all their particulars before us and Mr Hodder, and, on due deliberation we did not see any good reason to prevent them, though it was a great shock to our feelings, and a serious privation to loose them, most probably for ever. Accordingly, we most reluctantly agreed to their request, and Mr Cockburn has sailed for his destination, and to purchase an estate for himself and another in the neighbourhood for Jardine. You may suppose Sir William Jardine was very unwilling to give his brother permission to leave the army, and proceed to such a distant settlement. He, at last consented, and will only give him three thousand pounds to begin with. That sum may, however, lay the foundation of a large fortune and Sir William will retain the greatest part of his brother’s property in his hands - still hoping that they may become tired of that country and return home but that is not very likely, as everyone praises it, and considers it kind of terrestrial paradise. It is an extraordinary circumstance that led to their determination of going there, as Mr Cockburn’s eldest brother is in delicate health, and he has every chance of inheriting his fathers estate. Have you got your money from Mr Atkinson, and also from Macmullen, and Nelson. Mrs Lascelles accompanied me on Sunday to Kirkubbin. We had most delightful weather, and were highly gratified with my curate. MrAnderson’s management of the parish, the schools, and his care of the house and garden. there was a very large congregation and many young communicants. Mrs Lascelles joins me in love to you, Mrs Johnston and family and believe me affectly,

F.E. Lascelles