Recto (page 1)

UCB/04279 [Copy] V.1 Cork July 17 – 1769

Dear Miss Fitzsimons
As it is always a real pleasure to me, to hear
from you, I am much obliged to you for both your kind favors
in the first, there was enclosed your note, I can’t help saying
if I could be jealous at any thing you did in my regard
it would be at not acting in a more friendly manner, as be
assured you may command any thing in my power, I cannot
express how much I suffered on your account, as I was sure
your uneasiness must be great at not hearing of the arrival
of the young ladies I mentioned; they were to depart in the
first vessel that sailed to Havre, when I wrote I thought
every thing was settled, but it has pleased God to order
things otherwise, which in all appearance has turned out
a fortunate occurrence, for by the delay there are two subjects
more, such as one might ambition in every respect, I shall say
nothing of their merit, as that will speak for itself., I am
not acquainted with Miss Coppinger. I have seen her but
it is on the amiable character Mr Doran gives her, I depend
and I am afraid I shall not have the pleasure of seeing
her again before she goes, as the measles is like a plague
here, tho’ not mortal, yet as it is dangerous to grown persons
and Mrs C told me it was the only disorder she dreaded
as her daughter is subject to a whizzing in her chest.
Her She and her Father are greatly pleased at her choice of
a state of life, they are so pious. I wish Mr Shea was
as well pleased at his daughter’s inclination, he has not as
yet given consent, he says it is a sudden thought, he does not
know it long, tho’ she has been thinking of becoming a religious more
than twelvemonths, she is a person of incomparable sense and
very sedate, and of an age to know her mind, she is past
twenty, so it is not very probable she will change. -
I believe Mr Moylan has so much influence over him he will
prevail. Miss Coppinger’s parents won’t let her go until her Aunt
Butler approves of her resolution to which by what you mentioned
of her good intentions to this foundation, she will immediately