Good Evening to all I have a mystery letter (first page only, no signature page) which has intrigued me for 40 yrs! It was rescued when my gt.grandfather's effects were destroyed after his death in 1905. I would be overjoyed if there was anyone on this list who could throw some light on it. I will reproduce it in full as it is rather involved. The original spelling has been retained. "13 Whitworth Row, Sibal Place, Dublin Oct 29th, 1857 My Dear Niece I am glad to hear that you are quite recovered in health and that your eye is better. I hope that mother is likewise so in good health, also your brothers and sisters. Dear Ann, you wish me to let you know the history of your ancestors. They were of the O'Nails of Shains Castle in the North of Ireland. By your Mother's mother, her brother was General Cesar John O'Nail in the French Service and his other brother was President of the College Lumbard. In France the General had three horses shot from under him and mounted the fourth. Your Grand Father (Mother) by your mother was O'Nail McPherson. He was from the Highlands of Scotland, Inverness was the town. He was a Doctor by profession, his mother was a Campbell. The Crest of the O'Nails was Cat and Glove, that is, gentle when stroked but fierce when provoked. As for the Buckinghams, they were from Kent, my father's grandfather was an Admiral at sea, his name was Loram Buckingham in the British Fleet. The President has left a great deal of money for his friends, if we only knew how to go about it in France. Our family, the further they are traced, the grander they are. They were all gentlemen and warriors - high dignitaries of the church ......." [End of letter] According to the National Library of Ireland (1978) per Thom's Dublin Street Directories, the occupant of the address in 1867/58 was Mr Thomas COSGRAVE. Of course, it does not follow that Mr Cosgrave was necessarily the author of the letter. From the tone of the letter the writer could also possibly be a Buckingham. Nor is it known whether the writer was male or female. My gt.grandfather was Charles Dean BURTON who md Ann HAMILTON (d/o Wm HAMILTON, Silversmith) in 1864 at St George, Camberwell, Surrey. I have not come across any connection in the BURTON research so can only presume the letter in some way is connected with the HAMILTON's. After all these years I would love to be able to slot this information into my research somewhere - even if it means elimination! I would be very grateful for any answers. Jackie in Auckland, NZ [email protected]