The first letter I received from you was a few weeks ago—I cannot now lay my hand on it to name its date—but you referred me in it to to [sic] yours to Father, wherein you had written fully—this is the only one I have had, & I gather from you that you have had none from me. I have written you twice—long & particularly—I don't wonder at your complaining of having been sick of writing, & receiving no answer—I was sick in the same way myself—My last was in February or March 1826. It now appears that there have been miscarriages each way.
I have only a few hours notice from Mr. Kennedy. He[?] goes out as clerk to Mr. McCleland who takes your pro-tempore office of Attorney General—2 & thus, through him, have only time, from annoying pressure, to assure you that I have rejoiced abundantly & sincerely at your progressive welfare. Concerning myself my direst dread has been realized—I have been more than a twelvemonth in the Rules of the Kings Bench3—Suits, Arrests, and Executions finally dislodged me from Ludgate hill, and so suddenly that my downfall was a stun to myself even. Since then I have labored to retrieve somewhat of my affairs for the benefit of the creditors, & this is my present occupation, for every thing in the shape of property I instantly transferred in trust for their use. How long I shall be here I know not, & to talk of prosperity in such a situation is absurd—add to which my faculties are not what they were.
As regards our father & mother your beneficial remittance to them has been in deed, & in truth, a "God's-send" — Father is slowly, very slowly recovering from an illness which I think was of a paralytic nature, and therefore at his age most dangerous. My full conviction is that he will never again be able to return to business — his mind is weak. I have only hinted at this to mother, for I know not how to break it to her openly and, to be plain, I think it better to tell this to you, considering what you have done, than to alarm her who has wonderfully kept up. It is as much as I can possibly do to struggle on any how with the family who are with me here, & considering all things, tolerably comfortable—yet, were I at liberty, I am convinced it would be long (if I could ever at all) before I could render them the least assistance. The large family is a heavy burden. I fear to write or even think on the subject.
Indeed, now, I must conclude as I am at the utmost verge of the hour for sending this to Mr. Kennedy — I understand Mr. McCleland obtained appointment through Mr. Plunket the Irish Attorney General. As soon as I have ridded[?] off some hurrying matter, I will write you by Post.
[closing and signature are missing from the MS.]