Belfast,
19^th June 1839,

My dear Lucy,

Our friends the Bristows have asked us to spend a few weeks with them in Portrush, or some other place in the neighbourhood along the coast of Antrim, from whence I purpose to make excursions to the Giant’s Causeway, The City of Derry, Colraine etc. but we wish to go to Newcastle about the first of August. Now, will you be so obliging as to find out from Miss Auchinleck whether we would find it difficult to procure lodgings there at that time. I think it is probable they might be cheaper there than they are now. We will require three bed rooms, and accommodation for servants, and according to your report being favourable, or the contrary, we will be determined in our movements. Inquire also what company is there and likely to remain in August, as it would be very pleasant for us to meet some of our acquaintances and friends. We intend to remove from Belfast next week, and will write to you from whatever place we go to. You are to receive a newspaper from me this post. Our love and compliments to Mrs Johnston, Mr and Mrs Parkinson, with congratulations on the increase of the family, and happy recovery of the mother. If the Killough tenants do not pay you punctually I can speak to my agent Mr Mayne to write to them, and should it be necessary, threaten them with the law. The Jardines have been asked to spend a year in Scotland with their brother Sir William at Jardine Hall, but I fear they will not be put off their plan of emigrating to New South Wales for which part of the Globe they will set out at the latter end of July. I saw Mr Johnston of Ballywillwill in Belfast. He looks very well. The clergy here are indefatigable in their exertions to perform their sacred office to the fullest and most effective manner. I believe the Bishop’s visitation is fixed for this day fortnight which is remarkably early - my health not sufficiently established to attend, but hope to be quite stout before the summer is over. We had a letter yesterday from Francis dated 1^st St Sabastian, Spain June 3^rd. He is in good health, and spirits and much disappointed he has not had the opportunity of signalising himself in an engagement with the enemy. Ward is prospering in Demerara and has hitherto escaped the dangers of the climate. There is to be a grand fete at the Botanic Gardens here tomorrow for the benefit of the funds of the Institution. I for my own part do not consider it incorrect or improper to go there for a short time. However, as some of my brother clergymen do not approve of it I shall not appear on the premises. If you write soon you may venture to direct your letter to No 7 College Square East and should we be gone Mrs Wallace’s family have instructions to forward my letter as they will have my address,

Believe me dear Lucy,

yours affectly,

F.E. Lascelles