Now that the fine old leases of the M'Loughlins and the Harmans, and others, have dropped, what can I do but study Lord Cumber's interest, in the first instance?
Not but I would serve them if I could, and will if I can.

I bear them no ill-feeling; and if they have joined in the calumnies and threats that are so unjustly uttered against me, what can I do, and what ought I do, but return good for evil?
You, as a truly religious and pious man, will feel delighted to support me in this principle, and also to aid me in bearing it practically out.

Any services of a similar kind that I can honestly and conscientiously render you--and none other would you accept--I shall be on my part delighted to offer.

In the meantime, let me have your excellent advice as to the most efficient means of stifling the unreasonable murmurs that are rising among the people--and as touching M'Loughlin's and Harman's properties, I should be glad to see you, in order to consult upon what may or can be done for them, always compatibly with Lord Cumber's interests.
"The pair of turkies which I send you are the result of my reviving one of his lordship's rights.

They are _duty-turkies_, and I do not think they will eat the worse for the blessings which Darby O'Drive tells me accompanied them; at least I don't find they do.
"All that I have yet written, however, is only preliminary; but now to business.