To John Tyndall, Snr   Thursday, (September 23rd, 1841)

Kinsale, Thursday¹

My dear Father

As there is a slackness in the work here I deem it no crime to devote a little of that time which in busy times would have been devoted to the queen² in writing to you. The state of the office to day is strikingly contrasted with its state yesterday. All was bustle then; all is silence now. Our Surveyors mustered here on yesterday morning and after a final settlement set out for Cork. They will embark for England on tomorrow morning. Their destination is Skipton³ – a good sized town on the borders of Lancashire and Yorkshire. Another draft will be sent over in November. We are all to remove to Cork then, and a few draftsmen only are to remain to finish up the work. I expect to be among the latter number. They were talking in Mr Fenwick’s office the other day about those who were likely to remain. I was named among the number. This I consider rather flattering, as none but the best men in the other divisions were mentioned, and it shewed that they had a pretty good opinion of me when they were pleased to class me among them. I agree with you in thinking that a situation in the Revenue⁴ would be the best that could be procured. I think it would be best not to be in any hurry about making an application. It would be best to wait until everything will be settled. However you will be the best judge how and when to act. Wait till you find an opportunity that will suit. I think you will be very apt to be successful; you have the interest of the Captain, the Dean,⁵ and Mr Bredin. If you could procure that of Mr John Alexander it would be better than all. Take your time. Proceed slowly and surely, and I think in the end we will succeed. If not, however, I will not be in the least cast down. I can only try my fortune in another way. Often I feel my heart swell with gratitude towards you and my mother for placing me in a position that will enable me to take up almost any situation – I mean by my education. ’tis true I know but little comparatively, but what I do know enables me to make myself generally useful. It would be the highest pleasure of my life to be able in some measure to repay you – to be placed in a position where I might be able to prove to you that I fully appreciate all you have done for me. For myself I care but little but it would be the darling object of my soul to see you independent.

Remember me to my uncle Caleb and all my friends, I believe I have but few foes in Leighlin.

Your affectionate son | John Tyndall

RI MS JT/1/10/3245

LT Transcript Only