Old Letters

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Letter of Rev. Fr. J. Moynahan from New Orleans, to Mrs. D. O'Sullivan at Indianola, Texas April 27, 1878.
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St. Peters Church
N.Orleans, La.

April 27, 1878

Mrs. D. O'Sullivan

Dear Cousin Annie:

Often have I determined on writing to you but as often have I been deterred by some sterner call of duty. Now that I have a better leisure at my disposal I take advantage of it to write you this little note which will if it conveys no other news, will at least tell you that I am in the land of the living yet.

You are the only near relative of my mother in this country & I thought it strange you would not drop me a note now & again. I suppose you were waiting for me to do that - I am a very bad correspondent & if the world were to take my letters for a criterion of my affection for my friends mine would be very low in the scale. I know you won't be so cruel as to judge me by such a standard for that. I have not written to you in nearly 14 years half an age.

Nevertheless, I think of you just as warmly & pray for you as fervently as if I were to burthin the post office with letters.

You will see by my letter that I am removed from St. Theresa's Church where I have been stationed far the past four years and am once again at home with my Uncle.

It is a much more beautiful church, a finer residence, less to do & I have from my Uncle all the comforts I need. The first time in four years I can say I am in my own house. I have preached here during the Lent and on Good Friday & Easter Sunday. The people seem pleased with my efforts. I lectured last week in Carrolton to a very select auditory and realized for the benefit of the Church near one Thousand dols.

I wonder why you do not take a run over to N.O. I was expecting you over at Mardi Gras. I suppose I would not know you now, as it is nearly 13 years since I saw you last. I hear from you frequently thro Bishop Pellicier and through Mr. King with whose wife I believe you correspond.

I was in Galveston about two years since & determined on paying you a visit but time did not permit.

The Sisters whom I recommended to you wrote giving all particulars about you and all my little cousins. I hope they are still as good as they described them. Do speak of me to them so when I see them I will not be a stranger to them.

I hear frequently from home. All are well there. I should like very much to visit old Meenygorman though I would miss many a well remembered face, Uncle W's and Uncle John's who would be so glad to see me, but I must forego that pleasure when it would bring so many sad thoughts.

I see - I am near the end. Do, dear Cousin Annie write me a long letter. Tell me everything about yourself, Mr. S. & the children. Anything which concerns you and family will have an interest for me.

Excuse this apology. I will write you at length next.

Love to all little Cousins and Mr. O's.

I am etc.

J. Moynahan

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