Hello Natalie,
It has been tremendous to see this extremely old letter which is amazingly intact and in good condition.
I am responding to your first point you made- as I feel that the recipient of this letter would be John Skuce son of Richard Skuce and Amelia Allen. My reason for thinking that is that on page 2 of the letter James states ' I also hope that your uncle Frank is still well and not distressed – would you please give him my tenderest love'. In this comment I believe that James is wishing for John to send his uncle, that is James 's brother Frank his good wishes. Therefore, I feel this letter was sent to Richard's son John.
James's two brothers Richard and Frank emigrated from near Bantry, Co. Cork, Ireland to Ontario in 1837 when James was only 4 years old. Richard had died before 1882. Both Richard and Frank had sons with the name John. Richard's son John was born in 1841,and Frank's son, John A. Skuce was born in 1857, so Richard's son, John, was the senior one of the two first cousin's. It would be lovely to find out if James Skuce ever did meet his brother Frank and relatives in Ontario. Thanks for sharing this valuable find.
Regards, Jessica