One of the few things handed down to me through my Kelly and Kelty families is this 1866 letter from Ireland, sent to Patrick Kelly (married to Catharine/Kitty and living in New Jersey), from his brother in, apparently, Roscommon County in Ireland. I do have not yet much genealogy on the Kellys, but perhaps this letter will have some historic or genealogical interest to other Kelly researchers? Lynne March 10th 1866 Dear Brother, I received your letter the 20th February, which was a comfort to me to hear of you being in good health and also James and Johnny, not forgetting Kitty and all the young Kellys. As this leaves us at present, thanks Be to the Lord for his mercies to us. Also Brother Jonnys children and their worthy mother. She is such a credit to all the Friends. The love she had for her husband she has proved that to her children. Let Billy Elwood Know that Pattsy Laley Rides the black little gennet to Kilmurry Every Sunday. He is such a lazy fellow. Brother Micky is going on well. He (has) A very Easy place. His sons is very good boys. He has five sons and three daughters. Pattsy Laley is doing well also. He done his endeavour to turn over Micky since he came there. So did his wife and family, but it faild them. Mic Cally has got a place in the Demense of Strokestown. We expect ease for some time until he can spare another son. John Rafferty is ading to his store and He knows how to care (for) it. His wife and children are in good health. We buried Bartly Kelly the week before this. He died without making a will though being worth 8 hundred pounds. Patt, your letter was not opened until I got it write to Tulsk. As usual James Kelly is the Post Master. At present the mail rout is changed. It goes by Elphin and Frenchpark and Castlerea to meet the train. James Cahill is still living in Fuerty, but he has got a new master, John Nealen, a Very honest man. He is doing well. At present he has five sons and 3 daughters. His sons are Very wise. Your favourite Mic will be the stoutest man. The oldest boy, John, was here with me since after I getting your letter. Patt, with regard to our markets = Potatoes from 1 pound - 6 pence to 2 shillings, oats from 10 pounds to 12 pounds. Sheep and pigs was never seen so dear. In Ireland there is bad sale for Cattle unlis they are fat milks. Cows are very high, in consequence of the cattle plague that is rageing in England. I hope it will remain that system ye got up in America. (America) has ruined Ireland. The young people are all emigrating. That is not in the hands of the othorities. I would answer your letter sooner but my arm got hurt. Write again soon. No more at present. From J - K until Death. Good by. I must go out to mind the Ewes. Remember me to all the Friends.