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Title: McIlrath, Hamilton to McIlrath family, 1875
ID4506
CollectionThe McIlrath Letters: A family history in letters from New Zealand to Ireland (1860-1915) [Bassett, McKee et al.]
Filemcilrath/25
Year1875
SenderMcIlrath, Hamilton
Sender Gendermale
Sender Occupationfarmer
Sender Religionunknown
OriginKowai Pass, Canterbury, New Zealand
DestinationKillinchy, Co. Down, Northern Ireland
RecipientMcIlrath family
Recipient Gendermale-female
Relationshipson-parents
Source
Archive
Doc. No.
Date
Partial Date
Doc. Type
Logunknown
Word Count285
Genrephotographs, family
Note
TranscriptKowai Pass
January 6th 1875

Dear Brother
I shall only write a few lines now as Eliza is writing to father and
mother. We got your letter of Sept. 20th and also your portraits. We
had father's and mother's before - they are looking very well, mother
is looking very fresh, father is grayer looking than expected but is
looking smart and well. I should know them both anywhere for your
own I know very little difference since last I seen you you wear your
whiskers a bit longer and look a little more of the swell. Your Misses
is a fine looking woman I dare say you are proud of her. The children
are remarkable pretty. Hamilton is nothing like me he is too fair for
that. Jane is a very nice shy looking girl. I think our little Johnny
resembles yours a good deal. He has very light hair. We must get
ours taken as soon as possible and send you living so far from town
is rather to far to take the youngsters but the train is running now
within a few miles of us so we shall be able to get more conveniently.
Harvesting will soon be commenced here the crops is looking well.
I shall write no more now but with kind love to father and mother and
you all and hoping that you are in good health as this leaves us in the
enjoyment.
I remain dear brother yours affectionately
Hamilton McIlrath

Remember me to John Mrs and family the little boy is as merry as
a cricket - we have got none here the grasshoppers here is about the
same size and very like them and very distinct.