Butcher congratulates Ewart on his engagement, stating: 'I rejoice to think that the lonely life you have spent for so many years is now to be brightened with human companionship.'

Butcher informs Ewart of his decision to resign his Chair due to ill health and expresses sadness at the prospect of clearing out his house before moving to London.

Butcher writes that he will read Ewart's writings on wild horses on his journey through Ireland to Killarney. He reports that he found his time lecturing in America very difficult.

Butcher consents to act as trustee of Ewart's marriage settlement and says he has sent him a wedding present.

Butcher writes that he is sorry he did not see Ewart on his recent visit to Connemara. He reports that he was visited by some politicians and discussed Irish politics and University-related issues. He comments that all Ireland seems preoccupied with issues surrounding the Irish language.

Butcher asks Ewart to remind him who a certain Melville Foster is, who introduced himself to him recently. He invites Ewart and his wife to visit him when he is in Dublin for the British Association meeting, and asks the whereabouts of Ewart's daughter Jessie.