Belfast
4^th Sept 1839

My dear Lucy,

I have received your letter without any date but I suppose you are at Killough by your allusion to Billy Macgrievy, who I am sorry to hear is in bad health, and is enduring the worst of all evils - poverty. We have returned from our tour of the County of Antrim. Last from Glenarm and would have found it very pleasant had it not been for the misrule weather that has prevailed throughout the Summer and now feel we much now give up the thought of Newcastle from the unceasing rain and the advanced period of the season. We were fortunate on coming here to get into good lodgings at Mrs Brownrigg No 11 College Square East, corner of Wellington place as Mrs Hodder is with us and we were glad to get accommodation even for a few weeks. Mr Wallace’s answers Mrs Lascelles and myself when we are by ourselves, it does not suit us when we have a friend staying with us. We expected Mr Hodder when we were staying at Glenarm but press of custom-house business prevented his coming over. Should he not arrive here in a few days Mrs Hodder will return to England as she cannot bear the thought of leaving so long alone. As we are only to have this lodging for only a limited time we will be glad to see you here this day week Wedensday the 11^th instant to spend a fortnight - you can come by the Downpatrick car and if you inform me when it comes into town we can have a servant to meet you. On your return I hope I shall e able to send some assistance y you to Billy Macgreavy. Mrs Hodder went to London to see Mr and Mrs Jardine and Sophy and bid them farewell before they embark to Australia. Sophy wrote to me on board the ship off … Point. she had been sick - had recovered, and was in tolerably good spirits. I believe that I told you that a Mr Coburn, a Scotsman, son of Lord Coburn or Cockburn, a relation of Mr Jardine’s has gone out with them to remain. It is in fact surprising the numbers that are daily emigrating to that fascinating climate, we can hardly hope to hear from our friends there sooner than next spring. Most people will join Miss Auchinleck in her opinion of the match between Miss Tammy Echlin and Mr John Ward which I hear is to be solemnised in the 17^th instant. I am glad to hear that Mrs Johnston is well and also the Parkinson’s and so is Mrs Lascelles and we beg to join in sending our best regards to their circle and to yourself. Let us know if the day I have fixed for you to come here will be agreeable to you.

I am my dear Lucy,

affectly yours

F. E. Lascelles.