Murtagh John Strain; New York, 31 West 13^th St; Aug 13^th, 1878

Dear Father, Brothers & Sister,

I have patiently waited for a letter from you for some time past but none has arrived. I sincerely hope you all enjoy God's richest blessing -- health. It is my great happiness to inform you that we are all well here, even to a new niece just arrived last Sunday 11^th [?] at 3 O'Clock pm. I have not seen her yet but intend calling upon her today. She may not be disposed to recognize her Uncle but for that we will excuse her as it is fair to presume she is more or less fatigued after her long journey. Just think of it - a niece - the first we've ever had. Well it's something to rejoice over. She is quite welcome and I hope with her advent new blessings will be conferred upon her, father, mother and brothers. All are in excellent health and I hope they will long continue to be in that condition. Had a visit a few days ago from one of James Derlin's (?) sons, James Jr. his first visit to New York. All his family are well as are also Lawrence and Edward's families.

Full particulars about your Albany friends will be furnished [to] you in a few days by a Mr. James Maher of Albany who sailed from there on Sunday a week ago for Liverpool. He goes first to London and Paris then returns to Liverpool and from there will go to Ireland to visit the home of his Maternal Ancestor who was a friend and near neighbor of yours and M.J. Smith of Loughadion, sister to the late James Smith of that townland. Mr. Maher is a teller in the principal Bank of Albany and is also engaged in business there. He is on a tour of pleasure in company with his wife and will undoubtedly call to see you as he has a letter of introduction to you, father, from me. I have known him ever since I came to this country and a nicer gentleman I have never met. He has never been across the Ocean before and will need advice as to how to travel in Ireland. Furnish him with all of the information you can and if convenient give him a letter of introduction when leaving your part of the country for Dublin to Mr. Charles Keenen (?). He is particularly desirous of seeing all parts of that City that have historical features or associations. He will therefore need a chaperon and in Mr. Keenen he would find a gentleman and a most excellent guide.

I hope all my friends in Glasker, Ballamoney and Dundrum are well also all my friends in [?] Creevy and Surrounding Country. I remember them all but as they are so numerous I will not particularize. Please convey my regards to them all and accept from me my love and hope that God will bless you all.

Write soon to your son and brother

Murtagh John

Edward, Pat, Maggie, Harry, Charlie and no name send their love to you