A few months has elapsed since I have last heard from you and though it may appear short still it have been to me an age    it pains me to have to recall the terrible ordeal I have gone through    as everyone are aware of the depression that [exis]ts at present in this country [and of] the scarcity of labour to such [a great exten]t that one find it very [difficult] to find an employment [anywhere     one m]arked proof of this

My husband was idle for four months during that time without earning a shilling    so that you can easily imagine how things really stood    not being able to get anything to do at home he had to leave me and his children and is at present working in Wales    yes Minnie we have had a tough time of it but if it stopped at that in time we could see our way out of it    But no as the old people say ou[r] troubles never come alone    the fact is I have been steeped [to the] lips in trouble since I h[ave last] heard from you    on Janua[ry ???] after a brief illness Dan[iel? died ????.]

I thought my troubles would cease there but no it went still further    My God how can I bring myself to mention little Paddy he that was the idol of my life    he has also passed away and is at present lying in the grave with his grandmother    the facts of the case is this    about the middle of March last whilst engaged in doing some washing I had just taken a pot containing boiling water off of the fire    little Paddy was just playing around and whilst I just turned me back he accidentally fell in to the boiling water and died in eight days after    it often occurs to my mind that

with all the precautions I use I feel that I am doomed to disappointments    so taking all this into consideration I hope you will forgive me for not having written before this    I should have sent you the shamrock but owing to the trouble I scarce new what month I had though to me it will be a memorable month    I am getting along at present as well as circumstances permits    Dear Minnie I would feel thankful to you if you put my case before Katie & Dennie as they may be in a position to send me some little assistance    Father & Batt are getting along all well    thanking you and your Husband for the Christmas present you have sent me and hoping to hear from you soon    with warmest love for you & your husband and little Catherine    Lizzie Healy [at top:] Your Affectionate Sister, Lizzie Healy