Nenagh,
As I was saying, my dearest sister, this place has afforded me very good entertainment of all sorts. The people you know already, by my account of them. Mr. Donellan has only laid the plan of his improvements, and raised fine nurseries for that purpose; he is going immediately to execute his designs, which when finished will be delightful. Nature has done everything for him
The weather has been very favorable to us since our being here; we have gone every morning in chaises to view Mr. Donellan's grounds. We dine at three, plenty of excellent food. After tea and coffee, we divide into different parties. The Bishop and Mr. Donellan go to chess, a party of quadrille is made, and the overplus play at backgammon, at which I always make one. Mr. Kit Donellan is here, and young Nemmy, and we are a jolly company; we sup at ten, and go to bed very late. Yesterday we went to church, the Bishop preached. Company came to dinner, among them a great beauty, Miss Pretty: she is very handsome, and if she was less acquainted with it, it would be more agreeable; she is tall and well shaped, and has a great resemblance to Lady Charlotte Hyde and Peg Sutton. We are to dine abroad Tuesday and Wednesday, to my sorrow; for I do hate the fuss of dressing, and unpacking all one's frippery. I have a pretty girl at my elbow, about five years old, who has asked me a thousand questions; Mrs. Donellan has very fine children, her two eldest boys are at school. At home
We shall not go back to Mrs. Wesley's till after we have been at Dublin, which will be more convenient to us all, for our apparel wants to be recruited. I have taken my brother at his word, and have not troubled him with a letter since I began my journey. I suppose you let him know my progress, and that I am now in the County of Tipperary. After breakfast I thought myself sure of time enough to finish your letter; but a walk was proposed, and the company insisted on my going with them, and by that means my letter was delayed a post. The weather has happily favoured us ever since our being here, by which means we have had an opportunity of seeing all Mr. Donellan's estate, and knowing all his schemes. How much more laudable is his turn, than most country gentlemen's, who generally prefer a good stable and kennell, to the best house and finest improvements, though the expense would be rather less. Three days together have we dined abroad.
We shall not go away till Monday; you must not expect to hear from [a piece here out], the town of ‘Nenagharoon,’ that is, in English, Sweet Nenagh; at the bottom of the hill, which is covered with wood, runs the river, by the side of which Mr. Donellan can make a walk three miles long, of the finest turf that ever was seen. The river is so well disposed, that he can make cascades, and do what he pleases with it; I almost envy him the pleasure his improvements will give him every hour:
Oh, I had almost forgot a request I promised to make, which was for the receipt of your white elder wine; we met with some yesterday that was not quite so good as ours; and Mrs. Clayton wants the receipt mightily. I am always troubling you with some trumpery thing or other: I wish you could contrive to send me over a pattern of your gloves, that I may bring you over a few pair, when I come to you; not that the gloves are better here than in England, but they are cheaper. Does your stuff wear well? Mrs. Clayton designs having her assembly when she goes to town till Lent, so we must prepare for hurrydurry; but as it will be the only agreeable crowd, I think it may be borne once a week. I shall soon now give you an account of your old acquaintances, Will, Usher, Mrs. Hamilton, etc., whom you have not heard of a great while; till then, my dearest sister, once more adieu, wherever I am my best affections are constantly with you; 'tis not possible for me to be more faithfully than I am,