between the rock and the cold, cold sea

Being much entertained by your late message, yr. humble servant begs you will accept her most sincere thanks, and is pleased to inform you that the "18th century things" aforementioned are in fact the most antique issues of the Dublin Freeman's Journal and Dublin Evening Post, not neglecting also Arthur Young's Tour of Ireland, and de Latocnaye's A Frenchman's Walk through Ireland, with which yr. correspondent has diverted herself in the cause, not to say, of Research, but rather of Personal Amusements concerning the history of her own SADLY LAMENTED COUNTRY.

Or,

Thanks! :D