Newcastle on Tyne, Northum Street,
23 december 1841

My dear Lucy,

We left Belfast at 8 o’clock on Friday morning after breakfast, with Mr Bristow and our servant Hugh for Donaghadee. On our arrival finding the weather tempestuous and squally, we were for some time in doubt whether to proceed or go forward, when Lord Londenderry’s family who were in waiting at the quay in the same state of suspense, having determined to embark, we were ashamed to stay behind. we had a very good passage to Portpatrick of less than three hours. All the passengers were sick except Mrs Lascelles, who most courageously landed before any of us, and took possession of the room in the inn where was a capital fire. The others had to get a fire kindled for themselves in another apartment. We got seats on the mail coach and went on without stopping at Newscastle on Tyne and arrived here at one o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday. Mr and Mrs Hodder are very well, and much better in health than when we left them. I got a letter from Mr Atkinson of Killough yesterday, in which he appears he has not got the credit foe al the money he has paid, and as he has been thirty years my tenant I ought to make some reductions in the rent. His letter was written on a quarter of a sheet of dirty paper and directed to me Victoria Place Belfast. The Post Office people, however, redirected it to me. I sent it to Mr Mayne next day as I did not thoroughly understand it. Write to me often and tell me all the news you hear, and should you be at a loss you can invent something entertaining. You, of course, received the epistle I sent you from Belfast after Mr Mayne’s visit. Remember us most kindly to Mrs Johnston of your town, who, I am sorry to hear has been complaining, and Mr and Mrs Parkinson and family. We are sorry for the painful and melancholy affliction Mrs Johnston of Down has met with in the mental derangement of her excellent good son William. I trust in the mercies of providence that he may yet be restored to her and her friends. The poor have a serious loss by his calamity. Mrs Bristow and Mrs Lascelles, with Mr and Mrs Hodder join me in affect regards,

I am dear Lucy,

yours affect,

F.E. Lascelles