Bangor 13th Nov. 1837

Dear Hugh,

I have waited in expectation to heare from you and family but hope delayed, maketh the heart sick, we had a few lines from Charles since yours of 15th May, when I last wrote you I was in expectation of receiving Letters in abundance. So many vessels having been advertised here for N. York, however I understand those who did arrive safe; few or any of the seaman were ashore.... Mrs McDannal returned  a ...........sent by the Miss Orrs-Williams. Tom first slept(slipt) ashore to haste the Grog.  Capt. Lennox lost his ship and is not yet returned. The vessel Willy Sloan took Charles letter & parcel  was also lost which was the cause of the letter only arriving. However if  no spring ships are coming to Belfast write by Liverpool and give us a full detail of your circumstances during the various moral.. political changes which has occurred in your country" as..? we...... have severely felt effects of both we had a very cold and unhealthy spring with a great many symptoms of favour. Some of which proved fatal, and also an unusual and severe visit of small pox which spared, neither old nor young , and is not yet subsided.  Thanks to  divine providence we have all escaped - A letter arrived the other day from  John Barr,  and on the following one from Sam & David Rea. They were recovering from an effect of favour  John Dier is removed to Newtown Ards- your brother Henry  is at home.  At present the school at (Heidvale) is given up, he made great progress while there. Mr & Mrs Woods & family had him to dine with them frequently and was much attached to him. I wrote you and Charles for advice concerning his future prospects  but no answer".   Mr Master is to be married to D Jackson's widow and is to leave for Belfast, perhaps we will get a hearing teacher in his place. I had a few lines from John  yesterday the could with slight frosts on the mountains is confining him to his apartment he was tolerably well  all summer and must have  had many providential.....Escapes from favour. your sister Sarah  was married to Samuel McMeeken June 9th and still lives here. I do not know how we will (1) Want her, as your sister Margaret is nearly incapable of any stirring- domestic work." From the repeated affects of rumatic pains. Isabella  is still working house Keeper which is not giving her the same opportunity her sisters had for improvement She thinks  some of these summers that she 'll gang up to Belfast. I  have had thank God tolerable health since I last wrote but am dreading the approach of winter. I revised all the painting  in Mr Woods & Mr Whites Snr & junior & papered 3 rooms in different houses all of which seemed to give satisfaction,  also the front walls of Dr Wilson's house after which I  demanded his account  which occupied both his mind & time for 3 weeks. I persisted according to advice of a friend to withold my account till his was produced which amounted to £3-3-3.3 but O if you withold his ...........  & when I produced £5-7-2 and rec. £2-3-10 he desired the ..or.. which I paid him after your mothers death. I have cured of that very obstinate complaint he has lingered under this 20 years which has at least gained me 50 friends.

I think it very strange that Mrs Cummings daughter never applied here for her mothers share of the legacy £50 is already st apart for her and a considerable sum more may yet be expected which is at present at law, Mr McNeal attorney at law. Co. Antrim law agent Exec. These comes to hand you'll have our new .Queen's......speech at the opening of a new and severely contested parliament. Belfast has at length retrieved their last form by the return of  2 Libberals. the same parties come in contact last week at an election for 5 police commissioners which terminated in the return of 5 Libberals which completely tested the respectability of the Libberals over the aring Conservatives as the qualifications was those who paid £4 police..taxes..  Your Mother's Br-in -law is well - and that McCulloch had taken the flued. I heard that Wolley Whittey serv? her with letters of ejectment. Mrs Rea is recovering all the rest is well the Miss Orrs & Bis well. Wm Campbell & wife are very frail and thinks John very negligent. All our neighbours are well, and  Taines your sisters & Brothers

To you & Charles Leticia & the little one  send in their and our best respect (2)

--in your mentioned the steam packs . we entertain some hope of again seeing some of you- I hope Charles  is conducting himself well  Rev.? Henry Lightbody is to be married immediately to Miss Robinson anon = hilt; if no opportunity  occur I will post pay this letter to Liverpool.

In giving you an Obituary since my last letter you'll recognise some names with (regret) Mr Hugh & John White junior- Tho. McClain Killman to -Do Cunningham Mullholland & Mr Clark of John Agneaux form S. pox  Mr McMinn Do- Andrew McMegham & Billey-Letch Brown Snr Bob.Clark- you have already .... Mr Patterson- Fredrick Batey. Tol McKimle seaman favour ... Demuratra there was a great many others which ......at present minister. I think I mentioned to you about Billy Brandey     being a widower.  Henry is always expecting afiddle. There is no person in this town can compare with him in flute playing except some of the militia staff he wish to know whither it was . Turkeys or roast Beef grace your choice tableon hallowe'en/hallowed , when you write ........write approve of your .....sister......in a husband they are very attentive and kind .McVaner warehouse was entered the other night and a number of locks broken in ... of property but wasdisappointed  the suspect a slate makers sone 7 horsjockey's potatoes 6p to 7p per bushel , meal 11 to 13p per quarter your'l have some trouble in reading these . Please remember us to Mr & Mrs Blackwood and family & all your relations and Bangor friends the Miss McMurray's friend is all well.

John Magee arrived from Down Patrick after obtaining the benefit of the insolvent Act, he had 22 of a Stipand & 8 borrowed from Mr Pattison - for which he gave them orthodox payment. In conclusion I remain with affection towards you all

your father  James Gray