Letters from Prof. Geoffrey Hand to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ. Includes news of his appointment to the Fiesole Institute, Florence; his work, colleagues in U.C.D. (where he Lectured in Legal and Constitutional History); family and health.

Letters to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ from Dr George Maguire concerning his late brother Conor, and a Fr Peter Golding, an Irish teacher at Clongowes Wood College (Dr. Maguire went to Clongowes from 1902 to 1907; Fr Gwynn from 1903 to 1908). Fr Richard Golding SJ taught Irish at CWC. Dr Maguire writes that his father taught Fr Golding Irish when he was living in Cong.

Letters to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ from Gilbert Laithwaite (an Old Clongownian, 1907-1911) to whom Fr Gwynn frequently sent his publications.

Letter from James White, Director of the National Gallery of Ireland, to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ concerning his sister, Mrs. Sheila Moorehead’s offer or a portrait of her brother, Denis to the Gallery.

Letters to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ from James White, Director, National Gallery of Ireland, concerning a portrait of Fr Gwynn’s mother Mary Louisa, by Walter Osborne, in the collection of Fr Gwynn’s sister, Mrs Sheila Moorehead.

Letters to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ from Sarah Wimbush, Archive Research Assistant, National Portrait Gallery, London, seeking information on any known portraits of Stephen Lucius Gwynn (Fr Gwynn’s father), as part of her work in cataloguing Edwardian portraits, one of which is a portrait by Sir William Rotherstein of Stephen (1915). Includes list of known portraits of Stephen (1p.) and photocopy of the portrait (1p.).

Letters from Mercy Simms (nee Gwynn, Fr Gwynn’s first cousin) wife of Archbishop George Otto Simms, to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ, concerning domestic and social affairs. Includes references to the Gwynn genealogy/pedigree and Fr Gwynn’s research on the subject.

Letter from Robin Gwynn, New Zealand (Fr Gwynn’s first cousin once removed, on his father’s side) to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ, concerning the future custodian of the Gwynn family papers (i.e. who should it be and where should the papers be kept). At the time Mercy Simms was the custodian.

Letter from Brian Trainor, Director of the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ, enclosing ‘a few references which I came across in our card index some of which might be of interest,’ concerning Gwynn family genealogy.

Information on Fr Aubrey Gwynn’s great-grandfather’s cousin, John Gwynne (1754 – 1828/9), founder of a ‘charitable endowment Institution, Derry.’ Includes letters from the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland to Fr Gwynn (30 June, 8 July 1975, 2 items. 1p. each) and note given to Fr Gwynn by Archbishop George Simms (July 1974, 1p.) (John Gwynne bequeathed a large sum of money to found a charitable endowment in Derry known as the Gwynne Institution, for the education of boys whose parents could not afford to give them a suitable education. The money was to be distributed equally among Protestants and Catholics. (from Burke’s Irish Family Records, 19[74], p. 53) )

Letters to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ from Geraldine Willis, Librarian, Church of Ireland Representative Church Body Library, Rathgar Road, Dublin, with biographical information on the following Gwynn’s who were clergymen in the seventeenth century: Arthur; John; Roger; William; George and John (1761 – 1852).

Note from Rev. Eric Fair, Larne, to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ containing the inscription on the font in the Church in Larne, commemorating the Rev. Stephen Gwynn (Fr Gwynn’s great-grandfather) and his wife Mary (Stevenson), erected by his children and family in 1878.

Letters to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ from various academics and archivists (including Marcus Bourke, Kevin B. Nowlan (History Dept. U.C.D.), Prof. Geoffrey Hand and Breandan Mac Giolla Choille (Keeper of State Papers, S.P.O., Dublin) ) and Prof. Blanche Touhill, Associate Dean of Faculties, University of Missouri–St. Louis) regarding Fr Gwynn’s research on William Smith O'Brien his great-grandfather.

Photocopy of a paper by Prof Blanche Touhill on ‘William Smith O'Brien and the Principles of Young Ireland.’

Copy of monograph by Prof. Blanche Touhill on ‘The Poetry of an Exile, William Smith O'Brien 1849 - 1956’

Photocopies of articles from the Irish Times, by Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ on William Smith O'Brien (17, 18 July 1974, 2pp). Includes letter published in the paper by W. Smith O'Brien (father of Blanche Touhill) on Fr Gwynn’s articles (27 August 1974, 1p.) and letter from W. Smith O'Brien to Fr Gwynn (8 September 1974, 1p.).

Letters to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ from Brendan O'Brien concerning volumes of William Smith O'Brien’s diaries and family news.

Letter from Mr Timothy Moloney (Centro Irlandes, Lerida, Spain) concerning his thesis and Denis Gwynn’s manuscript on William Smith O'Brien.

Letters to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ from the Librarians of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Scotland concerning the medical career of his grandfather’s brother, William Gwynn, MD.

Letter (from Peter, Haslemere, Surrey) and note concerning the biography of Rev. James Gwynne (Fr Gwynn’s maternal grandfather) (1829 -1869).

Letters from Fr Aubrey Gwynn’s first cousins, Arthur Montague Gwynn, New South Wales, Australia and Edward Harold Gwynn, Gloucester, England, written in response to Fr Gwynn’s request for genealogical information as part of his research on the history of the Gwynn family (24 July 1974 – 17 April 1975, 3 items).

Letter from Aubrey Gwynn to his father asking for leave to become a Jesuit ([June 1910], 4pp) and his father’s reply, urging him to wait at least until Aubrey reaches twenty-one before he makes such a momentous decision (20 June [1910], 4pp).

Letter from Stephen Lucius Gwynn (aged 9) to his ‘Aunt Lizzie’ concerning his love of shooting birds with his catapult!. With postscript written by his mother Lucy.

Letter to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ from James White, Director of the National Gallery of Ireland, concerning the acquisition from a Mr Stewart Thomson, of a ‘sketchbook of the work of Hugh Thomson, the Belfast artist who illustrated Stephen Gwynn’s well-known book on Donegal.’

Letters to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ from H. George Fletcher, Director of Fordham University Press, concerning Fr Gwynn’s efforts in providing the publishers with ‘a photograph of the Burke portrait…for Professor Hoffman’s The Marquis’ and their gift of certain books to the library in Milltown Park.

Letters from publishers the Clarendon Press, Oxford, to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ on a proposal by publishers W. Heffer & Sons, Ltd. to reprint Fr Gwynn’s 1920 book 'Roman Education from Cicero to Quintilian'. Includes letters to Fr Gwynn from Heffers (30 June 1956 – 15 July 1960, 3 items), royalty statements from Clarendon Press (1969, 1971, 2 items) and copy of 'Roman Education from Cicero to Quintilian'.

Letters and royalty statements from publishers Russell & Russell Inc., New York, who reissued 'Roman Education' in 1964. ‘As you know, the book has never been protected by copyright in the United States and is, therefore, in the public domain in this country. Nevertheless, it is our practice as a courtesy to the author to pay a royalty on all copies sold.’ (29 January 1964, 1p.)

Letter to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ from publishers the Clarendon Press, Oxford, concerning Russell & Russell’s reissuing of 'Roman Education'. ‘As he says in his letter of 29 January 1964 a loophole in the Unites States copyright law enables books published here (UK) before 1957 to be reprinted there (US) without authorisation – though not to be exported into countries where this loophole doesn’t exist. Naturally he didn’t say that practically all American publishers regard it as unethical to take advantage of this loophole, for various reasons, and especially because it is liable to create the situation in which we now find ourselves.’

Letters from publishers, the Clarendon Press, Oxford, to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ, concerning the possibility of a reprint of his 1940 book 'The English Austin Friars in the Time of Wyclif'. Includes Fr Gwynn’s copy of book.

Letters to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ from Neville Hadcock asking Fr Gwynn to participate in the proposed volume, 'Medieval Religious Houses: Ireland'… ‘that is, if I do the sort of donkey work and prepare lists, by counties in the first place, with ref(erence)s of all recorded monasteries marking those in doubt, as I complete a county I could pass it on to you to weed.’ (24 September 1953, 4pp).

Letters to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ from Longmans Group Ltd. (formerly Longmans Green & Co. Ltd.) concerning the publication of 'Medieval Religious Houses: Ireland' by Fr Gwynn and Neville Hadcock. Includes copy of the agreement between the publishers and Fr Gwynn for the book signed on the company’s behalf (6 November 1953, 4pp).

Letters from publishers Browne Nolan Ltd. to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ, agreeing to publish his book 'The Reform of the Medieval Irish Church', ‘which, if it will not be a best seller, should certainly enjoy a reasonable sale on publication and a continuing, if limited, demand for many years.’ They are also interested in ‘your short History of the Irish Medieval Church but since Methuens have invited you to write it you may possibly feel some obligation towards them, even though, as you say, you have not yet made a contract.’ Includes summary of book ‘Offered to Browne and Nolan: c.300 pages: to be ready for press in autumn of 1950; to be published in autumn of 1951’ (14 February 1949, 1p.).

Material relating to Fr Joseph B Conway SJ including details of entry to the Society of Jesus, catalogue entry, photograph and correspondence.

File of mission material relating to Fr Joseph Conway SJ. Includes passport, photograph, announcement of death, obituary, personal record and correspondence between Fr Conway and Frs Thomas Martin and Vincent Murphy, Irish Jesuit Mission Office, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin.

Material on the death of Fr Vincent Conway SJ.

Correspondence on Fr Thomas Cooney's health and suitability for missionary work in Northern Rhodesia (1952-1953).

File of material relating to Fr Thomas Cooney SJ, taken from the Mission Office, 28 Upper Sherrard St (12 July 2011). Includes photograph, mortuary card, announcement of death, obituary, personal record, and correspondence between Fr Cooney and Frs Thomas Martin and Vincent Murphy, Irish Jesuit Mission Office, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin.

File relating to Fr Rupert F H Coyle SJ which includes correspondence concerning the Ordo for the Irish Province, catalogue entry.

File relating to the work of Fr Harold E Craig SJ in China and India. Includes correspondence concerning difficulties with Fr Craig in both missions and his recall to Ireland.

File relating to the return of Fr Harold E Craig SJ to Ireland and his appointment to parish work in England.

A file of correspondence between Fr Harold E Craig SJ and Irish Fr Provincial concerning his work in England and his return to Ireland for summer holidays and annual retreats.

A file relating to Fr Harold E Craig's return to Ireland and his death in Cherryfield Lodge, Dublin. Includes biographical details, mortuary card and copy of photograph.

Biographical information on Fr Patrick J Cunningham SJ and details of death in an air crash.

File of material relating to Fr Patrick J Cunningham SJ taken from the Mission Office, 28 Upper Sherrard St (12 July 2011). Includes
announcement and details of his death, following an air accident over Vietnam; articles on the air accident from newspapers, including an image of Fr Cunningham; official documentation recording his death; personal record; travel details and correspondence between Fr Cunningham and Fr Thomas J. Martin, Mission Office, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin.

Letter to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas Brown SJ from Laurence Gillooly, C.M., Bishop of Elphin (a member of the Senate of the Royal University), concerning Fr Brown’s support for the candidature of Fr Hopkins to the Fellowship of Classics. States ‘His Eminence, Card(inal) McCabe, informed me on Wednesday last of the selection of Fellows made on that day by the Senate of the R(oyal) University; and on Friday I learned from him that he had on the previous day resigned his place in the Senate in consequence of the rejection of his proposal relative to the Fellowships. I had hoped…that the communication made to you by Dr Woodlock of the resolution unanimously adopted…by the Episcopal University Committee in reference to the Fellowships would prevent the unfortunate conflict in the Senate; and it was with deep regret I learned that you had, in opposition to the Coetus Episcoporum, represented by the Episcopal Committee, kept on your two Candidate (sic); and thereby rendered the conflict inevitable –…I take the liberty of writing to you now, to tell you how much I deplore the step you have taken and the conflict in which it engages you and to express a hope that you will for the sake of your great undertaking in Stephen’s Green…remedy the mistake you have made by withdrawing the Revd. Fr Hopkins, as you are of course still perfectly free to do. For many years past I have publicly & privately used my best efforts to secure to your Society an eminent position in your University System. If the result is to be, from the very outset, a conflict…I must say I will heartily repent of what I have done and persuaded others to do in this matter.’ (For background to the appointment see T. J. Morrissey’s article ‘Hopkins’s Friends and Colleagues’, J11/46 and article by Norman White in 'The Hopkins Quarterly' entitled 'An Irish Row').

Letter to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas Brown SJ from Laurence Gillooly, C.M., Bishop of Elphin (a member of the Senate of the Royal University) – ‘I write now to let you know, that at our Committee Meeting when the question of the Fellowships came to be considered, the opinion expressed by his Em(inence) was in perfect accord with the resolution of the Committee. That was on Tuesday at 2 o’c(lock). There was no intimation that he had previously entertained, not to say, communicated to you, a different opinion…Dr. Woodlock…was requested at the close of our Meeting, about 5 o’c(lock) to give you official information of our views respecting the Fellowships…and I had no doubt, neither had any other member of Committee, but he had done so…the selection of the Candidates for the two Fellowships in question was generally supposed to have been deferred by the Senate to his Eminence – and for that as well as other reasons he expected his choice would be approved and so did the other members of the Ep(iscopa)l Committee.’ Includes original envelope addressed to Fr Brown. (See J11/46; pp.197 – 199)

Letter to Fr Fergal McGrath SJ (Irish Province Archivist 1975 to 1986) from Fr Anthony Bischoff SJ (Jesuit Community, Georgetown University, Washington), concerning books used by or belonging to Fr Gerard Hopkins SJ, found in St Ignatius’ House of Writers, 35 Lower Leeson Street. ‘I confess I am appalled at the idea that these books have been carelessly assimilated into the house library. In 1947, I spent hours examining every book in the Leeson Street house Library. The result was that I segregated some fifteen or twenty books that had definitely belonged to or been used by Hopkins. All of these I turned over to Father Aubrey Gwynn, then librarian. I made clear to him what the books were, their value as having been associated with Hopkins, and suggested that they be kept as a separate collection. I do not have a detailed listing of the books…I have only two definite titles that I recall…There are also several books by Richard Watson Dixon that belonged to Hopkins…You ought to also have the autograph manuscript of Hopkins’s poem ‘St. Thecla’, as well as manuscripts of one or two of his letters.’

Books used by or belonging to Fr Gerard Hopkins SJ
Annotated books, 1876 - 1884
IE IJA J/11/18 - 'The History of Tacitus According to the Text of Drelli. Books III, IV, V.'
IE IJA J/11/19 - 'Corpus Poetarum Latinorum'
IE IJA J/11/20 - 'The Acharnians of Aristophanes'
IE IJA J/11/21 - 'Aeschylus – Choephoroi'

Non-annotated books, 1884 - 1918
IE IJA J/11/22 - ‘Poems’ by Richard Watson Dixon
IE IJA J/11/23 - 'Poems' by Henry Patmore
IE IJA J/11/24 - 'Prometheus. The Firegiver' by Robert Bridges
IE IJA J/11/25 - 'Eros and Psyche. A Poem in Twelve Measures' by Robert Bridges

Letter to Fr Gerald Manley Hopkins SJ from Cardinal John Henry Newman, following Fr Hopkins's letter for the Cardinal's birthday in which Fr Hopkins commented on the state of the country. The Cardinal replies, ‘Your letter is an appalling one, but not on that account untrustworthy. There is one consideration however, which you omit. The Irish Patriots hold that they never have yielded themselves to the sway of England and therefore never have been under her laws, and never have been rebels. This does not diminish the force of your picture, but it suggests that there is no help, or remedy. If I were an Irishman, I should be (in heart) a rebel. Moreover, to clinch the difficulty the Irish character and taste is very different from the English.’

Copy of letter from Fr Fergal McGrath SJ to Fr Anthony Bischoff SJ concerning the books, following a recent inquiry about them from Dr James Cotter, New York. ‘I gave you the news that I had found five (probably seven) of the books used or annotated by G.M Hopkins, which you so painstakingly located in 1947. You had mentioned that you had found fifteen to twenty such books. I sent you a list of all the books which I had found in the same cupboard, and asked you to let me know whether you could establish a link between any of them and Hopkins. If my letter went astray, I shall be glad to make another copy of the list.’

Letter to Fr Fergal McGrath SJ from Fr Anthony Bischoff SJ after Fr McGrath sent him the card index of books belonging to, or associated with Hopkins. Fr Bischoff indicates those ‘having definitely been Hopkins…None of the other titles on your list were associated with Hopkins.’

Letter to Fr Gerald Manley Hopkins SJ from Cardinal John Henry Newman thanking him for his ‘kind remembrance’ of the Cardinal's birthday and stating ‘I grieve to find you corroborate from your own experience what other friends tell me about the State of Ireland. What are we coming to!’ Also original envelope for the letter, addressed to ‘The Revd. G. Hopkins, S.J., 85.86 Stephen’s Green, Dublin’ dated 27 Feb. 1885, Birmingham. With Holyhead Kingstown Packet franking on back, dated Feb. 28.

Holograph letter to Dr Michael Cox from Fr Gerard Manley Hopkins, in which he comments on the thesis of a book, or pamphlet, lent to him by Dr. Cox. The book in question was 'Arts and Industries in Ireland' by S.A. [Sarah Atkinson] (Dublin: M.H. Gill & Son: 1882), which contains two essays, one of which is ‘Irish Wool and Woollens, passages from the history of the staple trade’. Its thesis was that English interests had secured the suppression of the Irish woollen trade, thus contributing to the poverty of Ireland. Hopkins does not accept this – ‘Irish writers on their own history are naturally led to dwell on what in history is most honourable to Ireland…They are also led to dwell on what in history is most dishonourable to England…the most extensive…Irish woollen industry was frieze…this was never checked by English legislation…’.

Dr Cox, a university colleague of Fr Hopkins, was a distinguished Dublin physician, lecturer in the Medical School of the Catholic University Dublin and Examiner for the Royal University of Ireland.
S.A. was Sarah Atkinson, author of a Life of Mother Mary Aikenhead, Foundress of the Irish Sisters of Charity.

The letter along with another by Fr Hopkins (See J11/7) was presented to the then Editor of 'Studies' Fr Roland Burke Savage SJ by the late Fr Arthur Cox, son of the recipient. Both letters were published in 'Studies', Spring 1970 (Vol. LIX, No. 233) pp.19 - 25, with an explanatory introduction and notes by the then Editor, Fr Peter Troddyn SJ.

Typescript copy of letter to Dr Michael Cox from Fr Gerald Manley Hopkins SJ, 25-26 March 1887 (IE IJA J/11/5). With annotations and corrections in pencil. Copy made by Fr Roland Burke Savage SJ (1965).

Typescript copy of original holograph letter of Fr Gerard Manley Hopkins SJ to Dr Michael F. Cox (31 March 1887) commenting on the thesis of the pamphlet on the Irish woollen industry by Sarah Atkinson. ‘I now return your pamphlet with thanks…I more than ever note the selfishness of the legislation of 1699 etc., but I also more clearly see that it goes but a very little way to explaining the poverty in Ireland…’ Comments on a paper by Rev. William Cunningham (a distinguished economic historian), from which he lists a number of ‘relevant facts’ and concludes ‘The above shews a picture of selfishness and shortsighted folly, but it also fails to shew the cause of Ireland’s want of commercial prosperity. So far as there is blame Irishmen must be in great part to blame for that.’

With note on top left corner by Fr Peter Troddyn SJ (Editor of 'Studies'), ‘Copy typed from original (which is mislaid at Feb 1970)’ i.e. this copy was made by Fr Roland Burke Savage SJ about 1965 when he received the two letters from Fr Arthur Cox, son of Dr. Michael F. Cox. The letter published in 'Studies' was taken from this typescript copy as the original holograph letter had, by that time, been lost. (See article in 'Studies', Spring 1970, pp.19-25 for explanatory notes and introduction to the letter.)

Letter to Fr Fergal McGrath SJ (Province Archivist, 1975 to 1986) from Fr Roland Burke Savage SJ (Clongowes Wood College), concerning the holograph manuscript of Hopkins’s 'St. Thecla' which Fr Burke-Savage discovered ‘while cleaning out Fr [Patrick] Connolly’s room (in St Ignatius, House of Writers, 35 Lower Leeson Street) when he was in (St.) Vincent’s having his leg set about 1948…I got leave from Engl(ish) Provincial to keep it on permanent loan.’

Letter from Fr J. B. Wenig SJ, Rector of [ ], writing from Ceniponte, to the Irish Fr Provincial Nicholas Walsh SJ, in relation to the progress of Daly’s studies there.

Book entitled ‘The Child of Mary before Jesus in the Tabernacle’ compiled by Fr Francis Daly SJ, revised by Fr William Stephenson SJ. Includes a letter to Fr Brian Grogan SJ detailing the contents of the book.

A file relating to Fr William Dargan SJ, including biographical information, black and white photographs, birth certificate and stole with the initials W.D. (William Dargan) and the date of his ordination, 31 July 1935.

A file relating to Mr Brian Delaney SJ including biographical information.

A file relating to Fr Vincent Dennehy SJ.

Holograph letters from Fr Matthew Devitt SJ, Rome to Father Rector, concerning the deliberation over whether to hold a General Congregation or not (27 September); in official interview with Fr. General ‘with regard fundamental theology…no changes or suspension of ordination’ however ‘though the ordination must stand the execution may be deferred for a year or two while we are preparing a professor and he expects this should be set about without delay’. Fr Devitt reports that ‘there is a sickening sirocco wind blowing - very fatiguing and oppressiveness’ (5 October).

Notes on Genicot ‘De jure et justitia’ printed as MSS., Milltown Park, Dublin. (Printed by Ponsoby & Gibbs, Dublin University Press). With names on front of Fr Matthew Devitt SJ and Fr Donal McCarthy SJ, and with pen annotations. Inserts in different hands.

Biographical information on Fr Martin Cryan SJ.

File of material relating to Fr Martin Cryan SJ taken from the Mission Office, 28 Upper Sherrard St (12 July 2011). Includes passport photographs; menology; personal record; announcement of death; obituary; and correspondence between Fr Cryan and Fr Thomas J. Martin SJ, Mission Office, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin.

Material relating to the work of Fr Daniel Donnelly SJ including correspondence from St Stanislaus College, Bandra, Bombay, India.

File of material relating to Fr Daniel Donnelly SJ, taken from the Mission Office, 28 Upper Sherrard St (12 July 2011). Includes passport
photographs of Frs Daniel and Leo Donnelly; personal record; document entitled ‘The Irish Jesuit Mission in Hong Kong: A retrospect’ by Fr Donnelly from the Irish Ecclesiastical Record (1937); and correspondence between Fr Donnelly and Fr Thomas J. Martin SJ Mission Office, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin.

Letters to Fr John Conmee SJ from various bishops regarding the Cause of the Irish Martyrs. Most of the letters are from Dr William J. Walsh, Archbishop of Dublin but also includes letters from Dr John K. O'Doherty, Bishop of Derry, Dr John Coffey, Bishop of Ardfert, Dr Robert Browne, Bishop of Cloyne, Dr John Healy, Archbishop of Tuam and Dr Thomas O'Dea, Bishop of Clonfert.

Letters to Fr John Conmee SJ from various religious order regarding the Cause of the Irish Martyrs.

Documents, including miscellaneous correspondence relating to the Cause of the Irish Martyrs.

Letter to Fr John Conmee SJ from Dr. Henry C. Drury enquiring what year the Conmee family came to live at Kingsland, County Roscommon. The Drury family lived at Kingsland before the Conmee’s and Dr. Drury is helping ‘a friend in London who is working at Drury pedigrees.’

[Copy] letter from Fr John Conmee SJ in Rome to a ‘Mr. Keogh’, thanking him for sending Fr Conmee some shamrock for St. Patrick’s day. Also remarks ‘I am…beginning to long for a sight of old Erin and dear old Gardiner Street, and Father Bannon’s righthand man and coadjutor, Mr. Keogh. I saw the Holy Father for the third time yesterday…He is the most good natured man you ever saw, full of simplicity and holiness and warm heartedness; and he was greatly interested in all we were doing in the Church. I am glad you report so favourably of Father Bannon’s health. All the same I think it would do him good to have a change after his many colds and bronchitis.’

Copies of letters and postcards written by Fr John Conmee SJ to his sister ‘Maggie’. Includes copy of letter describing his visit to Rome and audience with the Pope (6 Feb. 1905, 1p.) and copies of notes written during his final illness.

Letters written to Fr John Conmee's friend, Fr Matthew Russell SJ, following Fr Conmee’s death. Includes:
– letter from Fr Patrick J. Ryan, C.C. of Fairview, Dublin – ‘God grant that he is now with the good Master he loved to speak of and to paint in words love and rainbow-hope. Your Fathers will miss his sweet, lovely voice, and so will many hundreds of secular priests who rose up to better and loftier things begotten of his preaching and good example. Who can tell the number of wounded hearts he cured and sent away rejoicing?’ (13 May 1910, 2pp);
– letters from a Mr Cullinan and his wife of Portrane House, Donabate, Dublin – ‘His whole personality endeared him to everyone with whom he came in contact…he was always a true friend and advisor.…We both owe more to Fr Conmee than you can have any idea of and his loss is a cruel blow to us’ (14 May 1910, 4pp). Also states “As regards our dear friend being ‘forgotten’ – that can never apply to 'us', at any rate. He lives in our memory every hour of the day and his place in our hearts, as the dearest friend and finest man we ever met, can never be filled” (16 Jun. 1910, 2pp).

Letter from Frances [ ] to Fr John Conmee SJ on board the R.M.S. ‘Orizaba’, on which Fr Edward Corrish SJ, Fr John O'Neill SJ, and some Loreto nuns are also travelling to Australia.

Letter from Fr John Conmee SJ, writing from Rome, Italy to Fr Potter in St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin. Gives an account of his private audience with the Pope that morning, at which they discussed Gardiner Street, Jesuit missions in Ireland, and the sodalities.

Letter to Fr John Conmee SJ from the poet Aubrey de Vere, Curraghchase, County Limerick in reply to Fr Conmee’s letter thanking de Vere for sending him some of his father’s sonnets, “…but for a mistake on the Publisher’s part they would have been forwarded to you long since. They form part of a volume now out of print, which my Father published as long ago as 1842 entitled ‘A Song of Faith’ and consisting chiefly of poems illustrative of the Apostles’ Creed”. Discusses some of his father’s poems, the nature of poetry and reflects ‘It is really marvellous to think what might be done for the Catholic cause and for the moral and intellectual well-being of the country by even a few first-rate Catholic literary works. Perhaps the next generation may give us a Catholic Coleridge to write Philosophy, a Catholic Wordsworth to be our Poet, a Catholic Scott to illustrate Ireland as Scott illustrated Scotland in his Novels, and a Catholic Historian to undo all the mischief done by the erroneous Tradition. Four such writers would do a marvellous work in the next thirty years; and there seems no reason why Ireland alone might not provide them all, if only the ability so constantly running to waste among us were at once properly developed and disciplined.’

Letter to Fr John Conmee SJ from a [ ] Lalor SJ in Petworth (an English Jesuit house) thanking Fr Conmee for writing to him following the death of a mutual friend, Fr Michael Waters SJ in Upper Gardiner Street on 22 November 1895.

Letter from Fr John Conmee SJ, University College, Dublin to Fr Matthew Russell SJ (Editor of 'The Irish Monthly'), thanking him for the ‘kind and encouraging things’ Fr Russell said of Fr Conmee’s ‘little paper’ i.e. 'Old Times in the Barony', which was published as a booklet in 1900. “Anything I may write on the Barony is already promised to the New Ireland. If I can send you any thing worth printing…I will – but I only write on compulsion and compose – as the Scotch joke– wi’ deefeculty’ ”.

Letters to Fr John Conmee SJ written by, and on behalf of, Dr William J. Walsh, Archbishop of Dublin. Includes
– letter concerning a point of theology (18 Feb. 1901, 4pp);
– a confidential letter from the Archbishop concerning the idea of the Loreto Sisters congregation gaining Papal rather than Diocesan right (4 Feb. 1905, 8pp) and letter relating to the Constitutions of the German branch of the Loreto Sisters (26 Feb. 1905, 3pp).

Letters, notes and telegrams to Fr John Conmee SJ from various individuals in Rome on the Cause of the Irish Martyrs.

A file of letters from Fr Patrick Duffy SJ to Sr Mary Agnes (later Mother Prioress), Carmelite Convent, Firhouse, Tallaght, Dublin concerning his life and work as a priest. The majority of these letters are written from Australia and describe his work in this mission. The letters also discuss news from the convent of Firhouse and Fr Duffy offers constant encouragement in spiritual matters and discusses the numbers of novices in the convent. Many of the letters were written while his sister (Sr Mary Gabriel) was ill and could not write herself. Includes a letter concerning his sister's health. Remarks that he is glad to have been told how serious her attack was. Remarks 'I am anxious about her, of course I am, we are brother and sister and the last remaining two of a family of eleven. No wonder, then, that we should look towards each other - now especially, when we are both coming so near to the end of the journey.' (21 June 1894, 4pp). Includes a letter congratulating Sr. Mary Agnes on becoming Mother Prioress of the Carmelite Convent in Firhouse. Remarks 'And so the burden of authority has been laid upon your shoulders! Well - God's will be done. And that it is God's will that you should be put into your present position.' (25 April 1895, 4pp). Includes a letter enclosing a cutting from The Argus concerning Edward Grennan who took part in the Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War. Advises Sr Mary Agnes to read the cutting to the novices. Remarks 'The lesson taught is grand! I would advise the Mistress of Novices to read both (cutting and letter) to her novices and give them a lecture on obedience. The analogy between the two warfares, the warfare of this world and the warfare of the soul is very close.' (22 November 1896, 2 items).

Holograph letter from Fr Patrick Duffy SJ, Rome to John Patrick Duffy, 6 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Dublin concerning the plight of the Irish, ‘the death of the old Volunteer of 82’, the weather in Rome ‘we have been frying in here for the last two months. The heat has been fierce’ and Daniel O'Connell.

A file of letters from Fr Patrick Duffy SJ to his sister Sr Mary Gabriel, Carmelite Convent, Firhouse, Tallaght, Dublin concerning his life and work as a priest in Australia and elsewhere. The vast majority of the letters (over 50) are written from Australia describing in detail his work and life in this mission. Includes letters discussing his health, his sister's health, family matters, retreats and missions he gave in Australia and masses and prayers offered for the convent and community at Firhouse. Includes a letter from Fr Duffy, Ursuline Convent, St Joseph's, Sligo to Sr Mary Gabriel. Remarks 'Now that you and I are alone left of all we must, from this on, take on more than ever special interest in each other.' (6 August 1888, 4pp). Includes a letter informing his sister of his departure for Australia. Remarks 'Say God's will be done for it is the will of God. Don't fret about me, for before very long you and I will meet in a happy eternity.' (15 August 1888, 4pp). Includes a letter concerning his sister's health and the loss of sight in one of her eyes. Encourages her not to read if she finds it a strain. Refers to the noviceship in her convent. Remarks 'Put away those gloomy thoughts about the noviceship. There is nothing wrong in your convent. Just let us keep on praying and trusting and leave the future to God.' (22 August 1891, 4pp). Includes a letter concerning his move from North Shore to Hawthorn. Remarks that he has more work to do in Hawthorn and that it is 'more pressing'. Remarks 'As I write the weather is harsh and we have much sickness - the influenza - and many deaths.' (7 October 1891, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to the death of Fr General (Fr Anderledy SJ) at Fiesole. Remarks 'He and I were fellow students in the Roman College of the Society, some 44 years ago! He was about my age. A warning to look out!' Refers to his change of address and remarks that he will be working at Kew, Melbourne. (letter dated 4 December 1891, 4pp, section dated 20 January 1892). Includes a letter written from New Zealand where he was conducting retreats. Remarks 'I am in my element.' Continues 'I like New Zealand very much a fine country and climate - greatly superior to Australia. Every one is kind to me and I get on well. Wellington is a nice clean city with a fine harbour and a brisk trade.' Describes a journey to Reefton to give a retreat to the Mercy nuns. Remarks that he made the journey on top of a stage coach 'Pretty smart going! Through the bush and over the mountains! Five horses to the coach and galloping all the time for nearly 4 days! What say you to that? But young men like me don't mind these things.' (this section dated 8 January 1893) (29 December 1892, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to his duties at St. Francis Xavier's College in Kew. Remarks that he is in charge of the Sodality of the B V Mary 'Tis from the sodalities in our colleges that the noviceship is recruited.' (7 February 1892, 4pp). Includes a letter describing a visit he made to one of the Melbourne hospitals to see an old friend, Edward Grennan, '…Irish and Catholic a native of Mountrath, Queen's county. He had been in the army - a cavalry regiment - Lord Cardigan's Light Brigade - had ridden in the famous charge - 25 October 1854. He is now the remnant of a well looking man - was then a youth of 20. Well we fraternized of course - he and I old Crimean-and fellow-soldiers. We chatted of the war, and of the Charge of the Light Brigade, his brigade in particular. Step by step we got along until I stood with him and his companions 600 strong - in thought and imagination - at the end of the valley - at the other end of which was the Russian Battery of some 10 or 12 pairs of canon.' Describes how the order was given to seize the guns. Continues 'Without a moments hesitation, the 600 are in their saddles and away they go…Oh! My poor fellows, my poor brave fellows! Over 600 they commence their ride to return later on all that was left of them about 200 men! Half an hour did the whole business.' (21 November 1896, 4pp).

Letter from Sr John Gaynor, The Sisters of Charity, Our Lady's Hospice for the Dying, Harold's Cross, Dublin to Mother Prioress Sr Mary Gabriel, Carmelite Convent, Firhouse concerning the illness of her sister and Fr Duffy's sister, Anne. Remarks 'Although I know you must feel it a blessed thing for a soul to be nearing its eternal house, still it pains me to have to tell you your dear sister is visibly losing ground.' Refers to Fr Duffy and remarks that she sent for him.

Letter from Hester Marie, 15 Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin to Mother Mary Gabriel, Prioress, Carmelite Convent, Firhouse, Dublin concerning the illness of her sister, Nannie (Anne). Remarks that she has been in to visit her in the hospice.

Letter from Hester Marie, 15 Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin to Mother Mary Gabriel, Prioress, Carmelite Convent, Firhouse, Dublin concerning the death of her sister Nannie (Anne).

Letters from Mother Gabriel of the Divine Will, Convent of Firhouse, Tallaght, Dublin to her brother, Fr Patrick Duffy SJ concerning Fr Duffy's health and her own health. Includes a letter referring to the death of Hester Marie (31 August 1897, 8pp).

A file of material relating to Fr Peter Dunne SJ including biographical information and correspondence concerning various duties he attended to as a Jesuit.

File of material relating to Fr Peter Dunne SJ including passport photographs, personal record, and correspondence in the main from Fr Dunne to Fr Thomas J. Martin, Mission Office, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin. (Nickname - Pinky Dunne, due to pink cheeks).

Material relating to Fr Dermot Durnin SJ including biographical information, correspondence concerning his health and correspondence relating to the JSA (Jesuit Seminary Association).

A file of material relating to Fr Eamon Egan SJ including biographical information and correspondence relating to his death in a boating accident.

Letters from Papie (White) Kickham Street, Carrick on Suir, to his son, William White.

File of letters from Patrick (cousin), Conacody, Ardfinnan, Tipperary and Upholland College, Wigan, England to Fr William White SJ.

Letters from Gerard (brother in law), 21 Havelock Street, Glasgow and Pontificio Collegio Irlandese, rOME to Fr William White SJ.

Letter from Rita (cousin), Ballkealy, Tullow, Carlow to Fr William White SJ.

Letter from Ethie (cousin), Grove End Road, London to Fr William White SJ.

Biographical information, and correspondence relating to the health of Fr Michael Erraught SJ.

File of receipts, requests for masses, and bequests sent to Fr Charles Farley SJ, St. Francis Xavier, Upper Gardiner Street, (Province
Procurator). Includes receipts, postcards and letters from Frs Edward Boyd Barrett, James O'Connor, Joseph Flinn, A. Magne, Daniel J. Finn (from R.M.S Orsova on the way to Australia), James Creagh, James Farrell, John Ryan (Valkenberg), William Byrne, Bernard Page, John Nerney, C. Wishoff, Leopold Skarek, and Dr. Conway Dwyer, 86 Merrion Square, Dublin.

Letter from Fr Thomas Cahill SJ, College of St Joseph, Macao, to Fr Stephen Farrell SJ, St Ignatius College, Galway. Refers to two unanswered letters sent to Fr Michael Bellew SJ, and asks Fr Farrell to inquire into the matter. Expresses concern in relation to the fate of money sent to him for the purchase of certain articles, and explains that if he not able to account for the money, the Society will be thought ill of.

Letter from Sr M. Catherine of the Convent of Our Lady of Mercy, St Mary’s, Limerick, to Fr Stephen Farrell SJ, Milltown Park, Dublin. Conveys her thanks, through the latter, to the anonymous benefactor, who gave a donation of £100 for the use of her Convent. Includes a handwritten receipt for the above donation, signed by Sister Mary Catherine Bren.