This letter was written to Capt. James McDowell of Oxford Township May 4, 1783, as the Revolution was winding down,  from his cousin, also named James McDowell, living back in Toubermore (near Clony in northern Ireland)  Capt. James was reputedly the son of John, a farmer, while his Irish namesake was the son of James, an innkeeper.  These older John and James were brothers, the sons of another John McDowell who, again, according to family lore, came to northern Ireland from Scotland with his brother, also named, you guessed it - James!  Indeed this lack of imagination through a line eleven generations long - aside from my mother (only child), ten generations through my son are named James (2) , John (6), or Thomas (2)! John "Dear Brother - "I take this opportunity to let you know that I am well at present.  Hoping these lines will find you in the same.  Your Father and Mother, Brothers and Sisters also is well and living happy all together in the old farm.  Only the Doctor which is happily married in Maghera and has got Miss Clark and fortune by land of 42 lb. per year forever. "Dear John I sent with Samuel Sinclair a setout coat and two shirts, a pair of gloves at the beginning of that cruel war that you had but never got a letter from you. "The dispute that My Father and Uncle John had with the landlord ended in our favor and we enjoy the town of Cloney greatly. "I fell into dealing shortly after you went off and I think I now am worth 300 Lb Sterling at present.  If you would come over to Ireland it would be a glad sight to us and we would go over with you.  If you are scarce of money I would assist you when you would come. "If this letter is opened by the care of the outside direction, my Cousin James, I beg that there may be a letter whether you are dead or not.  I add no more but desire to be remembered to all my friends in America. "Direct your letter to the care of Mr. Robert Stuart, Merchant, Londonderry or Mr. John Stevenson, Forth William. "From your Father and Mother and Brothers & Sisters, and now I, James McDowell"