Killough,
April 7th 46

Dear James,

Your letter on Sunday surprised me not a little and when I think Mr Darley has been so kind as to violate his own rule on your behalf (which I thought too much for me to suggest) it should cause you to increase your study to please him not only in your general conduct but especially in your lessons. It may perhaps be too much to ask you to get into another class this half year - that I should leave to Mr D to determine, but I think it is not too much to ask that you get to the top of your class. I shall be looking out for this.

As to the money you will require. I suppose Mr Darley will be kind enough to supply you with the fare to and from Armagh and be sure to secure your seat and to be in it in time. If you expect any indulgence again you will I hope be particular to return at the time appointed unless something very particular shuld renders delay necessary.

I hope it is not necessary to say anything about your conduct in Armagh. Remember they have not there all the conveniences that you are accustomed to at home, but as I have a favourable account of you before when in Armagh. I shall not add anything further only to say to muffle well as the weather is very sharp.

You never mentioned what books you are reading or whether you got any books from the library.

I am thinking sometimes whether you are in a class in which making of verses is practised. It would be a pity if you should forget what you know of them as they are a great advantage to a person in college, which you may understand when I tell you that they once decided a premium in my favour.

I suppose that you have told Edward not only what day but also what time he may expect you. Perhaps it might be well to mention to the driver that you will be returning on Tuesday lest, as it is market day, there be no seat for you and it might displease Mr D. if you should drop astern without sufficient cause. We feel much obliged to Campbell for his continued kindness to you

Your affectionate father,

Parkinson

P.S. I intended to write yesterday but _ late.