Millmount
Keady
21st August 1906

My own dearest Sallie [1] ,

                     Just a few lines to tell you our beloved Father [2] entered into his rest this morning at 4.20 am after being seven weeks in bed.  He was unconsious for a long time.  The last taste of whisky & water was at 2 oc yesterday with the greatest difficulty swallowed.  He was not able to speak that anyone could hear him clearly for some time.  He was 84 last 24 January - & has been a long time an invalid.  Dear Sallie how thoughtful we all were to read your welcome letter to Hannah [3] and learn you were spared to us all.  Willie [4] & Lydia have been with us frequently also George up 3 times.  Lydia [5] is with us since Wednesday last 15th and Willie has just come back again.  The funeral will be on Friday to St, Mark's where he will be laid beside dear mother.  We have had a good nurse for three weeks for night watching and indeed we could not have done without her.  Poor Hannah sprained her ankle badly.  It bled internally a good deal, & obliged to stay in bed some days before she could hop in to see Father.  It was a great trial to her.  It is getting better slowly.  Our friends are all so good and kind to us, but there is one who can comfort.  May his blessing be on you all and restore you to good health again.

    With our united fondest love to self & children.  Mary [6] wrote such a lovely letter.

       Ever your attached friend,

                     Alicia E. McKean