Urker Oct 10^th 1888

My dear Tom

I have two letters of yours to answer those of the 18^th of August and of the 25^th. I was a week later than my usual time of writing; I was away at Blackrock [1] getting warm baths. They did me much good.. I had been annoyed with pain and stiffness in my knees; the pain is quite gone.; and the stiffness nearly so. My general health is as good as it ever was. Father also is well.

            What a mercy that the Bank is doing well! Business always prospered with you every place that you were in. As poor Johnny said, you had old Rose’s [2] blessing; and many a blessing.

            I shall be anxious about the Bank after you leave it. I can never forget “the old Cow” [3] and I pray that God may send a faithful an fortunate successor in your place. I am delighted to hear that David [4] is doing well. Indeed I have no cause for anxiety about any of my family [5] .

            Eliezer [6] and Sally [7] have just returned from a visit to Andy [8] ; and Eliezer says he is not poor Andy; but rich Andy; that he has 200 head of cattle. Eliezer himself is doing well, and always did so, and the American legacy [9] is coming duly in instalments. Thompson [10] and Bessy [11] are very industrious and careful; but with their large family they have enough to do. Jemmy [12] and his wife [13] are very happy and are doing well. So are Peggy [14] and her husband [15] .

            I know nothing about Mary [16] but I have heard that she boasts of being very happy. It is all well, if I would only believe it. Kate [17] and her family are well. She stayed here while I was at Blackrock. Minnie sent a likeness of dear little Dorothy [18] ; and said they were all well. As far as I can judge, Dorothy resembles Julius [19] more than the others. What a meeting you will have with them all please God.  Oh if you were only safe home I would have little in this world to wish and I daily entreat God to bring you safe. Your Father and I both entreat that you will not come by America, if you can avoid it. We both dread that route.

            Sally desires to thank you for your contribution to the fund for M^rs Austin [20] ; She intends to write to you by next mail.

            After a very wet summer we are having a fine harvest; and have got most of our corn safely home. I would be unwilling to neglect your advice; but I am not drinking the wine, nor do I need it. What more can I be than well? but if ever I require it, I will get it. I am sure you were surprised when little Rachel [21] landed in Hongkong. I hope the poor thing may have done what was for her happiness in leaving your service; but I greatly fear the contrary.

            I will not have many more letters to direct to you at Hongkong; it will be useless to write after January. And when you are coming to Ireland, write here before you let any one else know that you are coming; and your Father [22] will (D V) meet you in Dundalk. All the rest of your friends in Ireland are just as usual. Some of them are delicate, and always will be, as long as they live; Uncle & Aunt Browne [23] , James McCullagh [24] ; and poor James Donaldson [25] , who is worst of all for disease of the mind is worse than disease of the body.

            I recollect nothing more worth writing except that Father unites with me in love and blessing to our darling son Tom. That every blessing spiritual & temporal may be yours, prays your affectionate Mother                         Eliza Jackson