Item 4 - Letter from John O’Mahony

3 pp; Manuscript

Letter from John O’Mahony, Cork, to a ‘dear friend’ [likely either James Joseph O’Kelly or John O’Connor Power]. The letter reads ‘I have received orders to suppress any attempt at raising an “Irish Brigade” for any purpose than that of Ireland’. The letter adds ‘There are a great many persons here who would be only to anxious to fight for France, but in the face of the orders I have received, you cannot blame me for not giving you the assistance which in my heart I would wish’. Endorsed ‘Memo / written by O’Mahony … Cork’. 25 February 1871. Endorsed on front page ‘7197’.

For biographical information on John O'Mahony (1815-1877) see https://www.dib.ie/biography/omahony-john-a6878