Clarke writes to Thomas Conolly - ‘I wish with all my heart you may let Leixlip to some of those people you mention. I am sorry Lord Kildare has resigned. I fear he has done a hasty thing, but he knows his own business best. Castletown by all accounts will take more time to fit it up for your reception than you imagine, but since the work is begun, the best way is to complete it and have done with the expense at once, and I hope when that is over we shall see ourselves gaining ground and no distresses presenting to our view which is now daily the case and for which I can’t tell you how much I suffer, but no man will be more happy when I find your affairs mend, for I do solemnly declare, I have it as much at heart as if you were my own son to see you live in the world with the splendour that your fortune entitles you to. I have in three covers sent to you the inventory of the furniture, etc, at Leixlip, and which Mrs. Stone begged might be sent you, as I suppose she wants you to buy all the furniture as they are valued, but I think you will want nothing but the chimney pieces, locks, etc, and everything that is their property which might damage or deface the house by taking them away. All the fixtures and brewing utensils in the brew house will be necessary for you to keep.’