Mary Ann Strain; Chicago, 722 W 43^rd St; June 21^st, 1909

My Dear Bro

I received your very welcome letter and was glad to hear you were all well as this leaves Johnnie and I and all friends here at present Thank God. Johnnie Byrne’s lost his baby three weeks ago. He was ten months old. He was a fine little fellow but not too good for God. Johnnie poor fellow is having hard luck at present just before his baby got sick he got his fingers cut and it was not dressed right and he had to have the first joint amputated last Wednesday. It was very painful with him Sunday and his hand very much swollen. It felt better last night not much.

Dear Charlie I am glad to hear you are sending for the children. You will be happier when you have them with you. I am sure they will be glad to come to you. When Johnnie heard George was going home he asked me all about who was at home and when I told him his uncle had a boy and girl he made me go and get a present for them so I went down town yesterday and got [illegible] pins for them. I did not know what else I could send them. Tell George to tell them their Aunt and cousin sent them to them with their love and best wishes for there well fare. And also to to Uncle James and Willie tell them I will write to them soon.

Johnnie will write to your boys as soon as he can for he wants to hear all about how George liked to go back to Ireland. He says that will be his next trip after the St Louis Fair. Tell him to tell the Glasker folk Johnnie and family are well and that he wonders his mother never answered his last letter. Also that John J M^cDonnell is well. I had no letter from John since I wrote you last – Johnie is going to the Fair in August after that I will write to him. He thinks I might write to himself so I will when he comes back. Johnnie joins me in [illegible] to you Louise, George, Leo and Charlie hoping to hear from you soon.

I remain your loving sister

M A Bryne

I am sending you by mail or express the pins

M A