Portrush
11^th July 1839

My dear Lucy,

We have been here nearly three weeks, with most unfavourable weather for seeing the country so that I have not made many excursions as yet, and have a great deal to do in that way. We have, however, been at the Giant’s Causeway, and I have been rather disappointed at the appearance of that Irish wonder. There is nothing remarkable in the structure of it except the uniformity of the stones which are alternatively concave and convex, exactly fitting into each other, and forming a few small columns, and three pavements extend into the sea, which are the causeways. the stones have either five, six, seven of eight sides, but every column is formed of stones of the same dimensions, and I imagine the pavements or causeway are the tops of sunken columns. The coast about the Causeway is magnificently bold - notwithstanding the tout ensamble does not satisfy the expectations previously formed. The church is more than a mile from the town and the inhabitants much wait two years for a church of their own, from the manifold engagements of the Ecclesiastical Board, who are building, or about to build churches elsewhere as fast as they can. I trust we are going to enjoy some dry, warm weather, and that I shall not be disappointed in my hope of making some agreeable tours in this neighbourhood. We intend for that purpose to return by the coast. I think it is now nearly time you were to pay Miss Auchinleck a visit when you collect all the information possible at Newcastle relative to lodging as the number of rooms, and price etc., and an account and description of the company there at present. Write soon all the particulars, and direct to me at Portrush. Mrs Hodder has gone to London to meet Sophy, and Mr and Mrs Jardine before they set out on their long journey to New South Wales, which they propose to undertake at the beginning of next month. Afterwards we hope that Mr Hodder will take a trip to Ireland an see us. They are all well and so are our other friends Mr and Mrs Bristow with whom we are staying. there is much company at this place chiefly from Derry. Sir George Hill, his mother and sister, and children - the Bresfords, Colonel Chatham, Honourable Mr Stewart and family. Colraine is five miles distant, and is not an interesting place. Mr Bristow has an eel fishery near it which we intend to visit. How are all the Ardglass people - do you often hear the Rev Campbell. Mrs Lascelles joins one in love to you, Mrs Johnston, Mr and Mrs Parkinson and children. How many boys, and girls do they number in their lamb fold. I am my dear Lucy,

ever yours affect.

F.E. Lascelles.