Replying with his joy in receiving a letter from his parents, Shehan states that there is no work for tradesmen and labourers in Toronto city, while "the best tradesmen come here from all parts of the world" but generally move around a lot. Shehan asks his brother to learn "the art of letter writing". He refers to his own child whom his family are taking care of and the confinement of Margaret due to illness. Shehan plans sending £5 home "to help you" and asks for political news of "teeTolism [Teetotalism]" and [Daniel] O'Connell and his party.