Hi Folks,
Wanted to share with you all a letter my Father had carried with him for 50 years.I Just recently rediscovered it.
It was postmarked Jan.6"39, Monaghan, Ireland. It was from his father, whom he had not seen for 12 years. Dad came to the US & stayed for a couple of years in NYC. Eventually moving the suburbs, marrying & fathering 2 children.


This letter was a touching piece of writing explaining how things were going and telling in detail, how his remaining children were doing, and wondering how those in America were faring..
I was touched by the eloquence of this country gentleman that I printed copies for my cousins. They All spoke of the feelings the letter elicited and their admiration for his eloquence. We are all sure his formal education was limited, and attribute his use of the language to the fact that people talked with descriptive narrative and true feelings.


I was not alone in shedding a few tears as he described his wife's illness & the worry they had for two children who had not written. I hope you will indulge me with the printing of this letter.


I'd love comments. There is a song-of which this letter reminds me. About a Father asking his sons to come home--Anyone know it? I heard it a long time ago-think it mentions the potatoe crop failure.
___________________________________________________
                            Drumbrain, Aghabog
                            Newbliss, Monaghan
My Dear Son,
In answer to your long watched for letter, which we were all overjoyed to receive. And to know you are all in good health-as health is the greatest blessing we receive.
The year "38 is past and gone, and we have entered on a new one. God grant it to be a happy and prosperous one for all our loving children at home and abroad as there do be a lot of changes in twelve months. It has been the first Christmas since your mother and I joined together that we were not at mass together. You will understand my feelings to leave her lying in bed. But God's will be done. I may say here she is no better. For myself-I am fine Thank God.( __He speaks now of his children. There were nine__) James, Pat, And Bridget are fine.


James is building laboring cottages.
He is doing very well. Jim is a very wise fellow-he neither drinks nor smokes. Pat is in the workshop at home-and we had a word from MJ at Christmas-of course he is a man now and doing very well. No word from Minnie or Hugh - some of them might have sent a card that we might know they are living.


We had word from Tom and John. John was saying he might be coming home. I'm sure he was lonely at Christmas time.
This has been the worst season ever I remember. Nothing but rain. Alot of the spuds yet to be dug. There was a very nice Christmas frost. Dick if your poor Mother was fit I would not have to write this note. I do not like writing and I believe it is a family failure- but I have got no peace since your letter came. She said we might not expect a letter if I would not write one. Now as it is a great consolation to your Mother and I you will for the future drop us a few lines regularly.


To conclude we wish to offer you and your dear wife our most sincere thanks for your very kind Christmas present-also our dear little grandchildren for the Christmas cards.


All here join with me in sending you and your family this New Years greeting. Our earnest prayers are that God pour down His abundant blessings-both spiritual and temporal.


From your loving Father and Mother.
Write soon and let me know is there anything wrong with Minnie and Hugh.