Postcards from Ireland - part 2

Galtee Mountains from Market Square, Mitchelstown, Cork, Ireland

May 1848

Mitchelstown, Cork

Mr Dear Ma, 

I hope this card sees you and papa well.

James Henry turned seven this month.  I am sad to day it wasn't much of a celebration.  My poor son has seen more than half his life in this wretched famine, but we needs do our best.

I should be grateful, Mitchelstown has not experienced the effects of the famine as early as other towns due to our diet being mainly from dairy (butter, milk and grain).  But it is inevitable and our town grows poorer and poorer each coming month.

I hears talk in town that we are soon to be regarded as one of the new Poor Law Unions and I fear for our family in these wretched conditions. 

I am sending a small parcel of food.  I know you are doing it worse than we. Give me love to all.

Your loving daughter, Catherine.

Mr and Mrs John Williams

Drishane, Cork