Autograph Letter Signed ('John F. Dillon') from Sir John Fox Dillon of Lismullen to 'My dear Mary', criticising the 'queer state' of Irish politics, First World War 'shirkers', and describing what he claims as the first tractor in Ireland.

4pp., 12mo. Bifolium. 61 lines, closely written in a crabbed, difficult hand. Good, on lightly-aged paper. He begins by thanking her for a book, before commenting: 'Things are in such a queer state in this country that it is hard to know what will happen. This Government is enough to drive one mad. They are afraid to do a thing until the Convention has come to some sort of compromise (which no party will accept). The Sin [sic] Feins will do their best to upset any recommendation the Convention may come to. You must remember there are the Ulster men (Royalists) Royalists [sic] from all parts. [...] Bring all them together and get them to agree if you can. Just like Russia. [...] Here we know nothing of the war. This country is full of shirkers. [...] I had about 10 acres of tillage in the old days now this year I am obliged to till about 87 acres. We cannot use our motor except very little. I there have put it up and bought a Tractor and have a man for driving it ploughing and all farm work. I enclose you a photo of it done by Millicent. It cost £400 - 0 - 0 and is the only one in Ireland. I like it. it will do all farm work only 4' wide 8' long and will turn in its own length. Therefore can get almost any place 20 Horse Power.' He ends by discussing conscription.