The SIlver Bowl: 1890 Letter from John Coulter

SOURCE: PRONI T3235/3
This is the second of two letters on this subject that shed some light on the plight of poor John Coulter. The story has to be tracked through various documents and relates to the right to a certain clock. It wouldn't be much of a stretch to suggest that John Coulter was likely a man of intemporate habits (to use the language of the time) and a trial to the rest of the family for some time.
SEE also: 1793 Will of John McKee
Sharon Oddie Brown, December 11, 2004.

2 St. Johns Terrace,
Auburn Street,
Dublin,
15 Nov: 90

My dear Mary [1] ,

Enclosed find a letter to Dr. Warwick [2] which you will kindly send him. I could not answer your letter before this as I have been fully engaged. [Jim] need not be afraid of any of the money I ask you for will ever go to any other use than that I explained to you. If you see your way of sending it to me I can assure it will serve me in earnest & it will be thankfully received and remembered. Your letter was very severe but nothing more so that I richly deserve. I am really in need of the money and for any sake grant me this last favour that I ever shall ask you for. God knows I would not like to leave the old & valuable clock to lapse into the possession of the Warwicks. The time for bringing an action is fast drawing to a close. But Dr. W. has no earthly claim or lien or right. I never gave it to him or Mrs. W. & he will no doubt give up to you my only sister [3] when asked for it.

Hoping to hear from you by return,

I am,

Your affectionate brother,
John Coulter [4]

Mrs. Gardiner
Annavale House, Keady.

[1] Mary Gardiner, née Coulter, sister to John Coulter, both of them children of George Bartley Coulter & Jane Smith.

[2] Dr. William Warwick (1825-1902), husband of Eliza Jane Coulter and a first cousin of John Coulter – author of this letter. Eliza Jane’s father was John Coulter, brother of George Bartley Coulter.

[3] Jane Middlesmis née Coulter, his sister was still alive according to information in USA census until at least 1920. As Wendy Jack suggests, it could mean that the family had lost touch with her or else it was simply part of John trying to butter up his sister Mary as he tried to cadge money from her.

[4] John Coulter, son of George Bartley Coulter & Jane Smith.

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