My Own dearest Sallie[1]

                    May God bless you all and bring you safely over the sea to the new country in S. Africa.  I pray the dear children may soon be strong again and that you dear wll not suffer on the voyage.  I hope Cis[2] will let me know the name of yr steamer.  You must be weary of all the packing up but I hope you will have time to get the naphtha & powder also camphor.  In a letter from Willie[3] yesterday he said there were 40 masons & bricklayers at work on new mill & next week he hoped to have 80 so the building is going quickly.  I wish you had seen him.  I had a letter from Bessie McMath[4] yesterday she & Arthur[5] are talking of California before next winter.  I hope dear you will let us know how you all get on.  Father[6] & Annie[7] join me in fondest love & every good wish for your happiness.

    Believe me always your most loving friend

                           Ellie McKean[8]

 



[1] Sarah (McCullagh) WHITESIDE (1852-1939)

[2] “Cis” possibly Sally McCullagh REID - a niece of Sarah McCullagh WHITESIDE – the daughter of Mary McCULLAGH & William REID

[3] “Willie” William McKEAn, brother of Alicia Eleanor McKEAN

[4] Bessie McMATH?

[5] Arthur?

[6] William McKEAN

[7] Annie McKEAN, sister of Alicia Eleanor McKEAN

[8] Alicia Eleanor McKEAN, b. abt 1852 – long time friend of Sarah McCULLAGH, daughter of William McKEAN and Mary Anne Jane BARTLEY of Millmount Keady, Co. Armagh.