Old Letters

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Letter of Mary Sullivan Cotter, Mother of Anne Cotter, to her fifteen-year-old daughter Anne Cotter addressed to her at Indianola, Texas. Anne had then been entered as a student at Ursuline Nuns School at Galveston, Texas.
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Meenygorman, August 26th, 1857

My Dear Loving and Affectionate Child Annie:

I received your Letter in Twenty six days after being written. It gives us all the greatest pleasure imaginable to hear of your and all the friends perfect state of health as this leaves me and all the friends at present, thanks be to God.

My Dear Annie I would answer your Letter more speedy only in finding your age exactly I had to go to the parish book to get it. Its Fifteen years the 13th of September next. Here is how it certifies: "Anne of William Cotter and Mary Sullivan. (Sponsors) James Doherty, Thade McAulippe, the 13th of September 1842"

Catherine got very bad settlement from old Doherty. Small share of the Land after promising half. Only for his wife he was inclined not giving her any thing. He promised. Last year half the land and half stock by giving him L20. He got it and has kept it, yet only one cow in part payment. Promised the remainder by installments. Your father had to give to Mary money to buy everything. Only what articles she carried from fathers house too tedious to mention besides a fine cow and L72 cash. After all she can live comfortable. Before Christmas last she was delivered of a dead born child, a son. Herself and William and his father and mother were at Mary's wedding and believe she is up to the fashion in clothes. She can get as she pleases, William is very sober and honest. I count her happy.

My Dear - Mary is married to a decent respectable man and is doing well. Catherine and Husband and themselves often meet in Kanturk. They are living about five miles to the west of Kanturk at Coolcluher where your father was born and bred. His name is Thady Driscoll. Two of his brothers are gone to Australia. Fine genteel well bred boys, and a lot of clever likely sisters, married and unmarried and one young grown boy a genteel lad with the father at home.

Father McCarthy is banished out of the parish by father Buchenor, taking too much liberty and we are not sorry for it. It was he that the land for Roger Sullivan these three years from year to year interfering.

My Dr. Anne, I would like to know what sort of dealings or work is your Uncle Dan carrying on where he is now and who is with him there and did he carry his niggars? And how is Uncle John situated? Or has he any children as yet? Also your Uncle Dennis, what sort of dealing he is carrying on and his childrens names, beginning with the eldest? Likewise Timothy's. State to know did he go to his father. And every alteration that occured lately.

Also not to forget mentioning how Annie and brother and yourself are stationed. Is he employed in the ware house by your Uncle, Annie and you are? Or at school?

And to know from your Uncle Daniel how soon would I expect to see you both again as he promised.

God's Will, my Dear, It would be an addition to our life, your affectionate father, Brother, Sisters, Mother and Uncle John and Aunt Kate to see ye once more.

As for Eliza would get as high as a castle shedding tears reading your letter then would laugh bitterly saying she felt very lonesome. She has your books, pencil and pen locked up in Uncle John's box in remembrance of you.

Uncle John is very delicate in health and often gives you and Uncle Daniel his blessing. Hopes to survive to see you once more.

Johanna Phil Kenedy got married. Con Ailston, Thade Donaghue and Nanno his sister and many more rich and poor in this parish.

Aunt Kate Roche of Munisal died and old Nell Paddy of Meenygorman and Johny Wash of Munberg formerly was found drowned in New York, being inclined to come home having L 180 in his pocket. Traveled and drank with some common boys. It was suspected it was them robbed and drowned him.

Aunt Kate got intelligence of her husband, John Quinlan himself and Catherine has six cows milking. I believe it is in the State of Ohio.

Norry Goggan sent for Johny. Your father received a letter from her and Ellen. The 4th of June last he arrived and is in the house with Ellen.

Ellen requested to let her know when did we hear from you and said she hoped to God she would see her friends again. Norry mentioned she would either come home or send for them.

Johanna Paddy Bawn sent L 8 to her father last May. Said she should not want for money in future and would send for Ellen shortly having L18 per year.

Danie's and Annie's Uncle John Sullivan got married and a fortune of L 170, having all his father's land and a new Lease. Their grandmother is very current in health.

All commodities are high, farmers making money fast, servants are getting high wages. There are elegant crops this year. Only the blight appearing on the potato crop. The leaves are burned away. The potatoes are safe as yet except a few lightly touched. There are a deal of fine likely ga . . ans in all places.

Now to conclude. My Dear do not neglect in sending an answer as soon as possible.
I remain your ever loving Mother, Anne. And affectionate Sister, Dr. Brothers and all the friends, the Mistresses and their familys.

Mary Cotter

I send you all a Thousand Blessings Brother Dan and Annie Cotter, Annie Sullivan and Brother John and wife, Brother Denis and his wife and family. Also nephew Timothy, wife and child. Likewise William Cotter and John Cotter, Mary Catherine, Eliza, Honoria and Uncle John send you their blessing and kind respects. A Blessing from God may attend you all.

Yours truly. Adieu, adieu, for some time, nor for Ever.

Mary Cotter

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