007:
ay 2 o clock May 23
I went out to the top of the high hill east of the bridge
to view the town it looks very pleasant – Sr Neal
O Donnells mansion at the South west end – the shell of
a good new chapel on the north of the town –
at a distance I see an aggreeable of the
rick or cruach Patrick on the South and the
lofty mount Nefin on the North – Achil on the
west and and the awful promontory Clare Island
with many other Islands on the South west
3 o clock I found the Doctor’s songs wd be dear bought
Set off for Castle bar – arrived at eight – took a private
lodging – waited on Dr Eagan on Monday at 9 o clock
he was just going out on business – had the good luck
to get Mr McCrackens letter from Belfast with the 3[?]
guineas – its past ten I have taken Breakfast
in a private house. Dr Eagan did not just invite
me but sd I might call again in the course of the day
he made an apology that his house was crowded with
billeted soldiers
I went to the house of John McDermud a Shoemaker
where as I had been told I might have a room and bed – he had
none to let – I told my bussiness – He promised to assist me
I dined at my lodging – having written a long letter to Mr
John McCracken giving an account of my travels and progress
I went to the post office – and having the letters unseal’d
I went into the hall or shop of the office where I saw a civil like
young man behind a counter – as one who attended the office
I asked for a wafer which he gave me chearfully
I asked him to put his won seal on it – he did so –
while he was sealing the letter I asked some questions

008:
a bout the dispatch of letters – about the times of the
post coming in and going out – this gave occasion to
a curious circumstance, incident, error, blunder or
[balderdash?] which came about next day
Monday evening about 9 o clock I treated McDermod
to beer in John McVeilys this Landlord sung a
good song and told me the names of some who
could sing for me particularly Jo Rush a shoe
maker and Pat Lynch a Hairdresser
Tuesday Morning I went to this Lynch to be
shaved – let him know my name – treated him
and his ^wife in Mc a Veilys the barber asked me
to come back to his shop to get my shoes
and coat Brushed and whilst he was
brushing my back – in came Doctor Egan
and two or three more a long with him
I understood he had been in search of me
I was a little surprised and after a short
salute he asked me if I had examined the
Silver he gave me yesterday – I told ^him I did not
I expected you back in the course of the day
Sd he – I answered that I had gone twice in the
evening but that he had been gone out –
he sd there was [1s-8d?] due for the postage of the
letter – Sir sd I – I did not recollect at the time
but I assure you I was this instant going to
wait upon you – I found my self growing
a little warm and confused – I did not know what to think