Downpatrick,
30th December 1850

Dear James,

For some time past I have been uneasy on your account, for I happened incidentally to learn you were not making any considerable progress in the studies so indispensable to your creditable entrance into Trinity College, and I began to fear that some of the blame rested on my shoulders from not sooner procuring rents in Grangecam to pay the fees. My present object is to appraise you that I expect Mrs Johnston tomorrow, to receive £80, out of which from her affection for you I know she will willingly contribute what may be required for this important and indispensable purpose even should it require the utmost frugality on her part.

The great depressing change in every thing connected with agriculture, pressing events clearly show, is now deemed? to become permanent , without any prospect of improvement. The effect will be most important to almost all classes in the country, high then, indeed to many, most disastrous. To meet this new and unfortunate state of things energetic exertion becomes absolutely necessary for almost every individual to maintain his position.

I think it a duty I have to you, from the friendship I have so long experienced from your family, to call your attention sincerely and solemnly, to this all important matter, now that you have attained that period of your life, which requires you, to get rid of all idle and frivolous habits and pursuits and with manly and virtuous resolution, to commence and strictly pursue such studies as are calculated to qualify you in afterlife with … and with ease to discharge the duties of the profession or business which you are trust, with the opinion of your friends, may induce you to fix in, and be assured it will require such an exertion on your part, to maintain you in the position of your ancestors, for your portion of Grangacam alone, will not afford to do so.

I feel it unnecessary for me to say more at present. You are still inexperienced, but you have the precept?? and example of your amiable and excellent father, which I trust you will probably appreciate, and in following his footsteps and taking him as your guide, you will qualify yourself throughout life to discharge all your important duties, religious, moral, and social. That this may be the case is the sincere wish and hope of,

Your friend,

J. Gracey

I have written to your father about entering college.

James Parkinson Esq.

Mrs Johnston on envelope