Murtagh John Strain; Rochester, (Stettheimer, Burrell & Co. Stationary, Cor. Mill and Market Sts); July 13^th, 1875

Dear Father, Brothers & Sister,

I presume you are daily expecting to see me amongst you according to promise to visit you this year. That promise God Willing I shall religiously keep but it will be at least two or three months before I shall be able to fulfil it. The concern I am now with are closing out this business and some time will yet be consumed [illegible] their affairs an all wound up but just as soon as I am at liberty I shall hasten to visit you. The time will soon fly by and I assure you I’m as impatient for the start as is the inflated baloon to burst the Cord that holds it to earth.

But here I’ve been writing principally about myself and the future and overlooking the most dutiful questions of the present [illegible] the preset state of the health of each of you! God grant that it is as good as I wish it. Indeed I’ve been anxiously expecting to hear from you for the past two months but your silence I hope is an indication that you are all well at least that is the interpretation that I have given it.

It is with the most profound and grateful thanks to God for the favors he has shown myself. [illegible] Edw^d & Patk’s family that I [illegible] to you our present good health. Indeed our health has never been better.

I presume you are aware that Mrs P. J. (?) had a young Son some 3 months ago. Father, I congratulate you on being a Grandfather. It probably would have been in better taste for me to have had the honor of being the parent of your first Grandchild, but as it is I am not the least jealous of the honor that falls on Patk.

He has a fine boy and maybe he doesn’t feel proud of him. [illegible] between ourselves he’s as proud of him as is a hen of her new laid egg.

I stood sponsor for him and as that ceremony invests me with a claim upon the boy. I don’t know but what I feel a little proud of him myself. His name is Henry John. How Pat raked in this Henry I don’t know but presume Maggie (?) selected one half the name and he the other.

Pat delights in showering all the minor honors on me such as acting as groomsman, sponsor and [illegible] one but I think I have had enough of them although I’ve no intention at present of playing any more important role.

Edward isn’t yet 14 stone weight nor won’t be before the centennial comes around. I mean the centennial of American Independence next year. He enjoys good health and a good appetite. Potatoes have gone up in price on his a/c. He is almost as bad upon that vegetable as is the Bug that some European governments are passing Laws to keep them out of their territory.

The Bug is wiser than the Legislation for it knows better than visit countries where it can’t do as it pleases. It loves liberty and will not be gagged by Falck (?) Laws nor [illegible] preservation acts.

The Yankees visited Dublin this year to shoot some would be Irish Riflemen. I mean to shoot a match with them. Presume you heard the result. The Yanks weren’t beaten were they? They’re bullyboys to win victory from that band of Irish torys (?). I’m not at all prejudiced either way but I was somewhat pleased to hear the report that America had won.

If the Irish Rifle team were true representatives of Ireland, I would have been sorry to have seen or known of them loosing in a match out while those young men of the team maybe genuine true hearted Irishmen they belong to a privileged class a class specially favored by government and the distinction thus shown them over equally as good citizens who are dipped and shorn of all such liberties and peaceful pastures as Rifle shooting makes them almost appear like foreigners.

Irishmen, however, will be more appreciated and better liked in this Country in the future for the Reception accorded the American tickled the pride of those at home and many Americans that heretofore have entertained strong prejudice against the Irish have since the “shoot” come to look upon them as the best friends Americans have at the other side of the Atlantic.

As I expect to have the pleasure of seeing all friends and acquaintances before long I will make no mention of any names here but desire to be remembered to all.

To Uncle Edward and family, Aunt Margaret, Mary and their families and Uncle William this you will please convey my love. Hugh Morgan Agnes & family are well also James, Lawrence and Edward Devlin & their families. Father, Sam Woods the last time I saw him desired to be remembered to you. Will write again before I sail for home, home sweet home! With love to every one of you and invoking God’s blessings on you all.

I remain

Your Affectionate Son & Brother

Murtagh John