Derrivalley[1] 25th July
1873
My Dear Sal[2],
I think I would hardly have written to you only for sending the enclosed
letter from Andy[3] which will occupy
your mind and attention more than anything I can say. I took the liberty of opening it as we were all anxious to know
what he had to say. He is wishing for
Nancy Jackson's[4] address, but
I forget the Woman's name that used to call to [????][5]. I got home safe and well, and called to see
Mrs. Stratten[6] as soon as I
got to BBay[7]. I will send the butter & eggs by her, as
she seemed very willing to take all I would send. I hope Mary[8]
will stop with you and that Mr. Jackson[9]
will go to you. Love to Mary[10]
& the children, ever
Your loving Father
Thos McCullagh[11]
[1] Derrivalley, Co. Monaghan
[2] Sarah “Sallie” (McCullagh) Whiteside
[3] Andrew Bradford McCullagh, brother of Sarah “Sallie” (McCullagh) Whiteside
[4] Nancy JACKSON – haven’t a clue!
[5] NOTE: 1873 is two years before Margaret JACKSON would have married her first husband, Robert Hamilton REID. She married Andrew Bradford MCCULLAGH after the death of REID. I wonder if this is related.
[6] STRATTEN (?)
[7] Ballybay, Co. Monaghan
[8] possibly Mary McCULLAGH, older sister of “Sallie”.
[9] Mr. JACKSON – but which one? “Sallie” would be 21 years old at this time and did have a love interest that did not end up in marriage (see diary).
[10] possibly Mary McCULLAGH, older sister of “Sallie” – she had several children already with her husband Rev. William REID.
[11] Thomas McCullagh 1793-1877