Joe Byrne, Australia, to James Walsh, Co Kildare
To James Walsh Newtown Great Nass Co. Kildare [Ireland] from his cousin Joe Byrne 5 Union Terrace Jamia St Redfern Sydney 1st May 1893 My dear James Many thanks for your letter which only reached me last week, although it has been in Sydney a good while, you see since I got married I have not been about much and had not seen any of the Smyth's for a good while. It was very good of you to trouble writing to us on chance I certainly should have written to Father since he wrote to me but I got an idea in my head that when I was married he would not care to hear from me often and so put off writing from one week to another and then did not like writing after such a long silence, however I hope he will forgive me this time. I had not heard from John for six months before getting your letter, but I had a letter, from him since and I forwarded your letter to him with my strongest advice to go home. I expect his answer in about three weeks. To be candid Jim I would like to go home very well, but I think it is John's place to go. If such were the case that I was going I think I would have to walk as well as my wife, as what money I had I spent when I got married and it takes my wages to keep things going, but I got a very good wife and we are very happy and contented although poor. I am very glad father is doing so well and I do hope he will take care of himself for that is the main thing I will write to him very soon and I will also write to you again when I hear from John if he does not write to you himself. Indeed I hope to hear from you often in future I am always glad to get a letter from home or a paper. Julia and I send our best regards to you and all in Newtown with our heartiesT thanks for all your good wishes. Hoping this will you (SIC) all in good health I remain your fond cousin Joe ByrneClose