Newcastle on Tyne, Northumberland Street
28^th August 1840

My dear Lucy,

We have returned from Tynesmouth where we have had lodgings for the last fortnight. It is much resorted to by the Newcastle people in the bathing season who also have the benefit of a weak mineral spring, the taste of which I think very agreeable. It is an interesting sight to observe the large numbers of merchantsmen and colliers towed in and out of the river by small steam boats, who make a tolerable living by that employment. We met with several of our Newcastle friends and some persons whom I had formerly known at Donaghadee. We had a letter from Francis dated Plymouth, having arrived from Spain with part of the Marine Forces a few days before and is very anxious to pay us a visit here. Accordingly Mrs Hodder has invited him and we expect him next week - it will give us great pleasure to see him once more and we hope he will accompany us back to Belfast. Your last letter was very welcome. We are always glad to hear from you and do not let the want of news prevent your writing - so sit down as soon as you can for that purpose and say "I am well, if you are well, pat the post and alls well" or any pennyworth that comes into your head. I am seeing as much of this part of England as possible. I may not have another opportunity Mr Hodder being a useful officer in the customs and likely to be promoted to a more valuable situation where his services will have a greater range. remember us most affectionately to Mrs Johnston and family - my young cousin Parkinsons are increasing charmingly - pray - is there but one boy. Tell Mrs Parkinson that will not do. I must have a son or two to keep up the Grangeacam inheritance, and if James Cumine continues to be a smart fellow he must be a Counsellor, or Barrister, as they say here. There are some noblemen’s seats in this country I wish to see, and to come home by Edinburgh or Glasgow, but Man proposed and God Disposes. The church building system is prospering famously in Down and Antrim. I was glad to read in the newspapers that Lady Newry had laid the foundation of a church in Annalong where I believe, there never had been a place of worship and a new church is now in progress of erection at Glynn near Larne close to Mr Bristow’s house. Then theres Holymount, Tyrella, and several new churches in the neighbourhood of Hillsborough. I hope my native town is at last favoured with an exemplary, and talented clergyman. Let me know what you think of him. Our good Bishop deserves great praise for his exertions to extend and improve the established church in his diocese. How are all the clergy at Ardglass, Ardquin, Ardkeen etc. Mrs Lascelles, Mr and Mrs Hodder join me in their affect love to you. Miss Auckinleck and all enquiring friends, I am my dear Lucy, affect yours,

F.E. Lascelles