William W. Shaw, Chicago, Illinois, to Mrs Shaw, Ballyfounder, Co Down
Chicago Feby [February?] 10th 1881 Dear Mother After a long time I write you a few lines we are all well hoping you are enjoying the same blessing I have bought another Vessel and I think I have got a good bargain I am going to quit sailing this season and attend to business ashore Dear brother I would like to see you once more and if I be spared next fall I will go accross [across?] when you write let me know if you get your pension regular from the landlord or if you are short of money be sure and let me know as I have got plenty so do not want for a doctor and have all your comforts as it will be all the same one hundred years from now, Wm Shanks can tell you how we are getting along he was a very good boy but he had one fault and I think he took of the pipers [pypers?] he is fond of the girls. I suppose he told you about informing on uncle Sam but he was sorry for it I seen molly McMaster a Sunday she is on a visit here from [porterich?] and she looks well I have no more to say your affectionate son Wm W. ShawClose