Slieveroe,
Thursday
July 22nd 1897

My Darling Sallie [1] ,

                 This mourning paper will show you that I have only sad news to give you for which I hope Mattie's [2] letter prepared you.

    Dear Andy [3] has left us, he died yesterday morning at 11o'c he was just ill of pneumonia three weeks today.  He took a sudden shiver in the evg the day he took ill and had a regular rigor without any known cause and after never feeling better in his life.  Maggie [4] bathed his feet in hot water got him to bed at once and made him hot coffee, in fact did all that was possible.  Next day was dispensary day so Dr. Elliott [5] saw him early and did all he could but after several recoverys and relapses he passed away.  He did not suffer much acute pain but feverish restlessness & thirst.  He was delirious for about 24 hours near the finish of his illness, on Monday and part of Tuesday, after then he was quite clear and conscious.  In the early days of his illness he thought himself not likely to live but later said nothing about it.  He had Mr. Henry [6] up once to see and pray with him.  For a moment or two he said to Mr. H. "Now kneel down and say six words or so to the point".  Mr. H. just did so & Andy closed his eyes and seemed to join heartily.

    You  must not be vexed with me for not writing to you oftener but really I seem to never have a chance of writing a proper letter.  I only scribble a few words or business that can't be postponed.  Maggie is greatly upset and fatigued and oh Sally dear is in the family way again [7] expects her trouble in Nov. and the son [8] only eight months old.

    I got your letter & receipt all right.  It was good of you to share with me and indeed it was a relief.  This was the first time I was out of debt since Fred [9] died.  I must wait for a chance of sending the two watches & as they can't be posted from here.  It is not every one one can trust to post them in America on landing.  Maggie Dickie [10] is on a visit to Drummuck.  The children Sallie [11] and Mollie [12] are in Liscalgot and Lizaba [13] and Alice [14] at Ballimote [NOTE: possibly "Ballinode"].  Annie Reed [15] is there now for her holydays.

    The funeral will be tomorrow at three o/c to his father's burying ground. Johnny Little [16] is making the grave.  Maggie will write a long letter soon.

                              Yr fond cousin
                                Mary Griffin [17]

Please write to tell Johnny [18] .  James [19] is here most of the time of Andy's illness. He feels his death greatly.  He says he has not heard from you for a long time. Our David [20] is better.  We hope to see him at the funeral.

Envelope addressed to:-

             Mrs. Whiteside
              C/O Rev W. Whiteside [21]
               Santa Maria
                Santa Barbara Co
                 California
                  USA