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Letters from Fran Talbot, Malahide, Dublin to Charles Aylmer, Painstown, County Kildare (father of Fr Charles Aylmer SJ).

A file of letters from Fr Charles Plowden SJ (novice master at Stonyhurst) concerning Society matters to to Fr Charles Aylmer SJ. Many of the letters relate to the Irish novices studying in Stonyhurst and English novices studying in Ireland and general Society matters.

• Includes a letter concerning the appointment of Fr Lavizzario as the agent of the Society in Rome (11 February 1818, 3pp).
• Includes a letter concerning an official letter received from the Bishop re-affirming that the Society of Jesus had not been restored. Remarks that their property in London is under threat '…Dr Poynter has employed a lawyer to claim our property in London. He has means of succeeding and his success will complete our ruin. We are in fact in a very dangerous crisis.' (23 July 1818, 2pp).
• Includes a letter concerning three scholastics from the English Province he proposes to send to Ireland for their studies. Describes the three (1 September 1818, 3pp).
• Includes a letter referring to a refusal to ordain students from Stonyhurst 'who do not renounce their religious state.' Continues 'very probably a requisition to us all to make such renunciation will soon arrive and this will bring the matter to an issue. Our refusal will be followed by censures, suspension…' ( 10 September 1818, 1p).
• Includes a letter remarking that the Society of Jesus in England has no way of obtaining Holy Orders except by going to Clongowes. Remarks 'The candidates must be adopted there as students of your college in order to be presented by you.' (29 September 1818, 2pp, incomplete).
• Includes an account of money owed to Stonyhurst College for the upkeep of Irish scholastics studying there (18 February 1819, 4pp).
• Includes a letter referring to Fr Kenney's voyage to America (15 July 1819, 3pp).
• Includes a letter referring to lay brothers and the observance of the various customs in the colleges where he (Fr Plowden) studied (19 September 1819, 2pp).
• Includes a letter concerning Fr General's displeasure at having received no communication from Fr Aylmer. Includes details about Fr Kenney's visit to America and the state of affairs in America (22 November 1819, 3pp).
• Includes a letter concerning orders from Fr General to Fr Kenney to remain as visitor to America. Remarks that he heard that Fr Kenney had already set sail for Liverpool (30 July 1820, 3pp).
• Includes a letter remarking on his ill health (30 July 1820, 3pp).
• Includes a letter written from Rome concerning Society matters and directions from Fr General. Refers to Spain, remarks 'In Spain all seems to be lost for the Society excepting their religious spirit. Their letters and petitions for directions how to act show that they retain the full spirit of their vocation…on the other hand God sends comfort from Vienna, where the Austrian Emperor openly protects the Society and settles it in Gallicia and with generous allowances for subsistence and many privileges and exemptions.' Refers to Fr Kenney's return from America (23 September 1820, 2pp).
• Includes a letter referring to the sudden introduction of the Catholic Bill. Remarks '…the Catholic Bill fills my head, heart and time…In this crisis we must have an agent here…there must be somebody to speak in our cause. The General must decide this point before Easter, and he go with me to the Pope...' (7 April 1821, 3pp).

Fragments copies of letters and notes in Spanish by Fr Patrick Moran SJ. Also includes a letter from Edward Chambers to Fr Moran, informing the latter of the passing of the Catholic Relief Bill (1 July 1829; 1p).

A file of letters to Fr Charles Aylmer SJ. A brief précis to the letters is included in the file, and list of Irish Jesuits (1831).

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 to Fr Bartholomew Esmonde SJ. A brief précis to the letters is included in the file.

A file relating to Fr Bartholomew Esmonde SJ missionary work in Malta. Includes documents relating to religious instruction of Catholics, descriptions of clerical controversy, disputes with Protestants, conversions of Protestants to Catholicism, preaching, Catholic education, addresses presented to the Governor of Malta, Fr Esmonde's Journal describing his time in Malta, correspondence. Letters are addressed to Fr Esmonde at San Calcedonia, outside Valletta. This house belonged to the Sicilian Province and Malta had a close connection with the Sicilian Province. Note: at least 50% of the documents are written in Italian.

File of letters from Fr Henry J Rorke SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin to John Bury, Hotel, Portobello, Dublin and various locations in Kingstown (Dun Laoghaire), Dublin relating to religious books, guidance and instructions.

Letter and statement from Fr Matthew MacDonnell SJ, Milltown Park, Dublin to Irish Fr Provincial Joseph Lentaigne SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin concerning trusts held in his name. Remarks that he is still waiting for the "Bishop's Exeat" to enter the Society of Jesus.

Letters by Fr Henry J Rorke SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin, his brothers, John Rorke, 20 Temple Street, Dublin and Edmund Rorke, Tyrrelstown, Dublin, Andrew Rorke SJ, regarding the accounts and financial affairs of Fr Henry J Rorke SJ.

A file of letters from Cardinal Cullen (by his the amanuensis and secretary Patrick Moran) to Fr John Curtis SJ granting permission to Fr Curtis to preach and lead devotions at the Pro-Cathedral, in particular on the feast of the Sacred Heart. Also grants permission for the Association of the Tabernacle and Poor Churches to be affiliated to the main association in Brussels.

Letter from Thomas Furlong, Bishop of Ferns to Fr Robert Kelly SJ. Describes his plans for the introduction of the temperance movement in his diocese.

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.

Letter from Fr E O'Donnell, Redemptorist, Limerick, to Fr Stephen Farrell SJ, Milltown Park, Dublin. Encloses receipt for the sum of £100 (included), received from an anonymous donor through Fr. Farrell for the use of the Fathers at Mount St. Alphonsus.

Notes and letters by Fr John Ffrench SJ, including reports on 12 boys at St Stanisalus College, Tullabeg, County Offaly and what he has taught to them (18 October 1834), letters while acting as Substitute English Assistant to Fr General and English Assistant to Fr General, Rome to Fr O'Reilly SJ and Fr Browne SJ (21 December 1865 & 16 February 1867) and note on the wood used for Tullabeg. Includes letters from Fr George Lambert SJ, Fr General Peter Beckx SJ, Curia Generalizia Compagnia di Gesù, Rome, Italy on the death of Fr John Ffrench SJ (1873).

Letter from Sr Mary of St Mary Magdalene of Pazzi Lawson, Prov. Superioress of the Convent of the Good Shepherd, Limerick, to Fr Stephen Farrell SJ. Encloses a receipt for the gift of £100 from an anonymous donor, and received through Fr Farrell (included).

Letters to scholastic William Sutton SJ from fellow Jesuits, Frs Heinrich Thiemann (Stonyhurst) and Edmund O'Reilly (Milltown Park) on philosophical matters.

Letter from Fr Paul Ginhac SJ, Paris, to [ ], with regard to Fr Maurice Wolfe's trial period in the Irish Province. (In French)

Letters from Fr Maurice Wolfe SJ, Paray-le-Monial, France to Fr Aloysius Sturzo SJ in relation to the former's request that he be accepted into the Irish Province.

Letter to Reverend Alexander Kyan SJ, Milltown Park, County Dublin, from Charles Coyle, Secretary, Catholic Cemeteries Office, sanctioning the use of grave LC 47 South in Prospect Cemetery by Fr Tuite for his eventual burial.

A file of letters from Henry Bedford, All Hallows, Dublin to Fr Matthew Russell SJ.

A file relating to Fr James A. Cullen’s “Exeat”. Includes a letter from Fr Cullen, Tramore, County Waterford to Rev James Tuite SJ, Irish Provincial, Milltown Park, Dublin. Remarks ‘I enclose my “Exeat” which Doctor Warren...sent me this week with seal and signature...It severs the last link which officially bound me to a diocese...’ (24 July 1881, 4pp). Includes Fr Cullen’s “Exeat”.

A file of letters from Fr James A. Cullen to Irish Fr Provincial James Tuite SJ, concerning his noviceship. Includes a letter in which Fr Cullen remarks ‘If I might have a month or five weeks for vacation...I would prize it as it might strengthen my body and soul.’. Continues ‘I am very anxious for many reasons that my noviceship should be on the continent.’ (2 June 1881, 4pp). Includes a letter to Rev Tuite SJ thanking him for organising a place in the Novitiate of Arlon, Belgium (14 July 1881, 4pp).

A file of letters from Amelia Brownlee, 4 Argyle Place, Rothesay and 24 Burnbank Terrace, Glasgow to Fr William Seaver SJ, Glasgow, Scotland and Stonyhurst College, England. The letters are all of a personal nature, inviting Fr Seaver to visit, personal news and wishing him a happy Christmas.

Letter from Maggie Mc[ ], 174 Gowcaddens, Glasgow to Fr William Seaver SJ, Stonyhurst College, England concerning his departure for America. Refers to her desire to become a religious and asks Fr. Seaver to pray for her.

Letter from Fr James A. Cullen, House of Missions, Enniscorthy, County Wexford to Rev James Tuite SJ, Irish Provincial, Milltown Park, Dublin regarding his wish to join the Society of Jesus. Remarks ‘...my life for years has been drifting in this direction.’. Requests a meeting with Rev Tuite SJ; includes a letter from Dr Cruise, 93 Merrion Square, Dublin to Rev Tuite concerning Fr Cullen. Remarks ‘I don’t find any objection to his carrying out this wish.’.

A file containing notes and letters concerning Fr James A. Cullen's suitability to join the Society of Jesus.

Copy letter from Rev James Tuite SJ, Irish Provincial, Milltown Park, Dublin to Fr James A. Cullen concerning Fr Cullen’s entrance to the noviceship and reminding him to obtain his “letteres dimissoriales” from Dr Warren. Remarks that he hopes to be able to secure a place on the continent. Refers also to the issue of money and remarks ‘We have not any shares in Banks nor do we want our money in that way.’ Suggests that the shares should be transferred to Fr Cullen’s name, sold and reinvested.

Letter from M Finlayson, 104 Hill Street, Glasgow to Fr William Seaver SJ, Stonyhurst College, England concerning family news. Includes lines of a poem entitled 'He is Fooling Thee', after Longfellow.

A file of letters from Fr James A. Cullen SJ, Arlon, Belgium to Rev James Tuite SJ, Irish Provincial, Milltown Park, Dublin.

• discusses his progress in the noviceship and details how he spends his days. (23 November 1881, 6pp);
• remarks ‘I am devoting every spare moment to the study of the “Exercises” ' ( 8 January 1882, 2pp);
• refers to the masses sent to him by Rev. Tuite SJ, ‘I am writing for a fresh supply - As I say all the masses primarily for your intentions now...I get through their number quickly...’. Refers to the Bank shares remarking ‘I had a note from Fr. Greene desiring to have the Bank Shares transferred to Railway Stock...I am quite willing that he should do with them whatever he thinks best.’ (15 February 1882, 3pp).

Correspondence between Lyons Fr Provincial Ambrose Monnot SJ, the Irish Fr Provincial Aloysius Sturzo SJ and Fr Tuite SJ, in relation to Fr Wolfe. Refers to his trial period in the Irish Province, and to his final vows. (In French).

Letter from Dr Patrick Moran, Archbishop of Sydney, writing from Kilkenny, to Fr Ronan. States that the work in which the latter is engaged ‘cannot be aided by the Executors of the late Mr. Devereux’, and that ‘there is no fund available which the Executors could apply to [his] charitable undertaking.’ Accompanied by an envelope addressed to Fr Brown in Gardiner Street, with a note which reads: ‘a courteous! letter from Dr Moran - Abp Sydney’.

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 from Fr General Anton Anderledy SJ to Fr Eugene Browne SJ, Rector, Milltown Park, Dublin in which he express satisfaction in the running of Milltown. (In Latin). With an explanation of the letter by Fr Frank Finegan SJ on the front of an envelope (In Irish).

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.

Notes compiled by Fr John Grene SJ, on individual Jesuits of the Irish Province. A note states 'Possibly all are in Memorials Ir. Prov.' Some notes in other hand, post-date Grene.

Browne, Thomas
Burke, William
Butler, James

Cunningham, John
Curtis, John

Ferguson, Charles

Gannon, Nicholas

Halpin, Thomas
Haly, Robert
Hayes, James Mark
Hearne, John

Kavanagh, Michael
Kelly, Michael
Kernan, Edward

Lentaigne, Joseph
Lynch, Henry
Lynch, John

McDonnell, James

O'Callaghan, Sylvester
O'Connor, John
O'Farrell, Michael
O'Reilly, Edmund

Rorke, Henry
Ryder, Alexander

Seaver, Matthew
Sheehan, Patrick
Stackowski, Francis Xavier

A file of letters from Blount, Lynch and Petre, Solicitors, London concerning the estate of Rev. John Errington SJ.

Holograph letter from Thomas Nulty, Bishop of Meath, Mullingar to Fr John Colgan SJ, St Stanislaus College, Tullabeg, Tullamore, County Offaly (redirected to 33 Great Charles Street, Dublin) regarding differences of opinion over theology and the ‘judgement by which a Bishop pronounces a Priest duly qualified by his theological acquirements to hear confessions of the people’. Informs him that he cannot give him permission to appoint any priest in his place to hear confession. Envelope with one penny stamp attached.

Miscellaneous notes on the cause of the Irish Martyrs (none are in English and none of the martyrs mentioned were Jesuits). Includes letter from Rome (In French), 24 October 1888.

A file of letters from S. P. Redington, solicitors concerning the estate of Fr John Errington SJ. Refers to the will of George A. Nicolls (Fr Errington was named, amongst others, as one of the beneficiaries of this will and ultimately came to inherit the estates in Kildare and Westmeath. George A. Nicolls died without issue and his estate passed to his brother Archibald Dowdell Nicolls. The latter also died without issue and the estate was inherited by Fr John Errington SJ).

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.

A file of letters relating to Fr Denis Murphy's work on behalf of the cause of the Irish Martyrs. Includes Fr Ryan, Reginlad Walsh O.P., Fr John Morris SJ, Percy Barron (Cistercian Priest), Sr Benedict Maria, Gilbert Dolan (Benedictine monk), J Clement Fowler (Benedictine monk),

A file of letters from Thomas W. Allies, 82 Gloucester Place, Portman Square, London, England, Inishbofin, County Galway, Ireland and 3 Lodge Place, St Hohn's Wood, London, England to Fr Matthew Russell SJ.

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).

Obituaries of Fr Michael William Shallo SJ, which includes poetry, holograph letter from Fr Michael A. McKay SJ (30 January 1898) and black and white portrait photograph of Fr Shallo.

Letter from Fr William Ronan SJ, Villa St, Joseph Rue Fregis 80, Cannes, France to Irish Fr Provincial Patrick Keating concerning the Madena Mission. Remarks that following a consultation with the doctor, he has decided that his health would not hold up and his is better to remain where he is.

Letter from Mr Patrick Tighe SJ, Maison St Augustin, Enghien to Fr William Kane SJ, Milltown Park, Dublin thanking him for his letter and apologising for the delay in replying. Asks for news from Ireland. Remarks that he is very happy living in France and recounts news of the Irish Brothers studying there reporting that all are very happy. Remarks '..you have experienced the genuine charity of our French brothers, it makes me very glad to have the opportunity of making part at least of one's studies abroad (4pp)'.

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).

Letters to Fr William A Sutton SJ from Isaac Hull Platt.

Letters to Fr William A Sutton SJ from Judge Thomas Webb, author, scholar and fellow Baconian.

Letter from Fr Denis J Murphy SJ, Bishop's residence, Galle, Ceylon to the Irish Fr Provincial. Describes the school and its progress. Outlines what is needed by the school. Remarks that they need a lay brother to prepare food and look after the boarding house 'A coolie in charge ran away with knives, spoons, forks, etc...his successor left today. Besides our boys have a deep caste prejudice against coolies'. Continues, one or two scholastics or young priest from Ireland. Parents look for a good English curriculum... Natives have no confidence in native teachers.

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.

Letters to Fr William A Sutton SJ from Walter Begley (Greencroft Gardens, Hampstead, London, England).

A file containing letters from Mary H. Allies, 3 Lodge Place, St John’s Wood, London to Fr Matthew Russell SJ informing Fr Russell of her father’s death and agreeing to supply information about him for an article.

Letters to Fr William A Sutton SJ from Edwin Reed, Andover, Massachusetts, U.S.A..

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

A file containing two letters written by ‘1st Censor’ and ‘2nd Censor’ to Irish Fr Provincial concerning “Our Life of Grace”. Handwritten notations written by [Rev. George O'Neill SJ] query some of the censor’s points and correct others.

Letters and notes to Fr William A Sutton SJ from various individuals including the Editor of 'The Lamp', Alfred de Burgh (Shankill, County Dublin), Hanbury Geoghegan, Charles Coppinger (Upper Merrion Street, Dublin) and A.H. Matthew (Chelsfield, Kent).

Letter from Fr W. H. Murphy, Irish College, Rome to Fr Joseph McDonnell SJ. Gives an account of his audience with the Pope, at which he presented to the Pontiff the address of Irish Children of Mary.

A file of letters from Mary Banim, Greenfield, Dalkey, County Dublin to Fr Matthew Russell SJ.

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

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

Letters written to Fr Thomas Wheeler SJ from W.J. Gannon, House of John of God, Stillorgan, County Dublin, and Anathoth, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, England, relating to his future spiritual life. In the first letter he writes, ‘I am now satisfied that it is God’s holy will that I am not to serve Him as a Jesuit…’.

Letters addressed to Fr Eugene Browne SJ, Milltown Park, Dublin in his capacity as Procurator of the Province. Includes summary of
accounts from Fr Maher SJ, Crescent College, Limerick (3 March 1903 - 12 January 1904); letter and receipts for rates from J. Baird, Rate Collector, Dromore, Down ‘on your property in Urban District of Dromore, Co. Down’ (6 January 1906); letter from Maxwell Weldon & Co., Solicitors requesting signatures for a new lease to Andrew Brennan of the premises in Commons Street (27 July 1908).

Letters from Bessie Rayner Belloc to Fr Matthew Russell SJ.

A file of letters to Cyril Power congratulating him on the completion of his first vows.

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).

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).

A file of letters from Fr David Bearne SJ to Fr Matthew Russell SJ concerning contributions for 'The Irish Monthly'.

File of letters addressed to Fr Thomas Wheeler SJ. Mainly relates to financial matters as Fr Wheeler was Province Procurator at the time. Includes letters from:

• W.J. Gannon, Stillorgan, who wishes to become a lay brother with a congregation in Hatfield, England (1 December 1907);
• Fr Timothy Kenny SJ, St Patrick’s, East Melbourne thanking Fr Wheeler for ‘getting the faculties to bless Beads’ (29 July 1908);
• Fr. William Delany SJ, University College, St. Stephen’s Green requesting that a separate passbook and chequebooks be established solely for ‘the Kennedy account’, and that no money be drawn unless for the purposes expressed by Mr Kennedy. (8 September 1909);
• Fr Richard O’ Reilly S.J. , St. Stanislaus College, Tullamore detailing the offer of Mr. Joe Corcoran of £500 for the 46 acres of land belonging to the Jesuits adjacent to Tullabeg (3 November 1910) and the legalities involved in the sale of land, trustees and the future of Tullabeg (13 November 1910)

A file of letters from Hilaire Belloc to Fr Matthew Russell SJ. Includes a reference to the French elections. ‘Are you not delighted at the result of the French elections? I am. I do not like Kings...’. (30 October [ ], 3pp). Refers to articles he wishes to contribute to the Irish Monthly. (nd, 4pp). Discusses his future career ‘I have for the last week been visiting various people of importance with a view to choosing a profession, I want to be earning soon; I believe that my mathematics...will help me in Engineering - but I never live except when I am on the water.’ Refers also to his writing and describes it as ‘...the work of a boy, it is like those nasty little plums that come on the young wild plumtrees in the forest of Marly.’ Continues ‘But if you ask me why I write as I do, I will tell you this much: that in the circle of newspapers of criticism of perfectly turned verses, of madly-hunted ideas, I am all at sea. I would have it that no man should write who was not a zealot for something and when I desire, I desire the hills and the sea. I desire the faces of men and women not some unjust imitations. And I desire above all that free and happy forbearance and that perfection of charity which this country is absolutely unable to give.’ (5 February 1889, 4pp). Refers to writing and editing and remarks ‘If I ever become an editor I shall accept everything that touches me - irrespective of merit and shall refuse all well known names. There is a club in Paris called “La Decadence” into which no one cannot (sic) be admitted whose work has not been refused three times!’ (20 April 1889, 4pp). Refers to the Great War and remarks that he is looking forward to it ‘It will sweep Europe like a broom, it will make Kings jump like coffee beans on the roaster...’. Asks Fr. Russell to choose a composition from a ‘batch’. (30 June 1889, 4pp). Enquires why some of his verses have not appeared in the Irish Monthly. Remarks ‘I didn’t love it (The Irish Monthly) half as much as I should have done if my “poor thing but mine own” had been in it.’ (nd, 2pp). Refers to a visit he made to Ireland. Observes that ‘The Country is getting richer and it is high time. The Irish have too much political sense to boast of any success: they insist rather on what they need than on what they have, which is the right way to go about politics; but very soon people over here will wake up to find Ireland transformed.’ (1 January 1910, 2pp). Remarks that suggestions have been made to him to write a Catholic essay on the history of England ‘...but the only thing I can afford to write is a Catholic School history...’ (13 January 1911, 1p).

A file of letters from Jane Barlow, The Cottage, Raheny, County Dublin to Fr Matthew Russell SJ.

Letters to Fr William A Sutton SJ from Professor Edward Dowden.

Letters to Fr William A Sutton SJ from Dr Robert M. Theobald. Includes: copy of letter sent to him as Editor of ‘Baconia’ from an irate native of Stratford-on-Avon (10 Jan. 1903, 2pp); letter to Fr Sutton from Dr Theobald’s cousin, W. Theobald (29 Apr. 1903, 2pp); letter to Dr Theobald from Walter Begley (see also J18/43) (30 May 1904, 4pp & envelope); letter from Dr Theobald enclosing newspaper articles consisting of a review of 'Passages from the Autobiography of a Shakespeare Student' by R.M. Theobald and a letter to the Editor of 'The Morning Post' from an Edwin Durning–Lawrence (27 Dec. 1911, 3 items) and letters to Dr Theobald from a ‘P.S.’ (n.d., 2 items).

Letters from Mr Henry Croasdaile SJ, Stonyhurst College, Lancashire, England to Fr Thomas Wheeler SJ. Accompanied by cheques for amounts of money, which constitute his share of property left to him by his mother on her death.

File on the death of Fr Patrick Keating SJ including letters from Australia describing his funeral.

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).

Letters to Fr William A Sutton SJ from Mrs Constance Pott, founder of the Bacon Society.

Letters to Fr William A Sutton SJ from William [Smedley] (CheyneWalk, London).

Copies of correspondence between John Maxwell, Headquarters, Irish Command, Park Gate Street and the Bishop of Limerick, Edward Thomas O'Dwyer concerning two priests in the diocese of Limerick. In a letter from Maxwell to the Bishop he remarks ‘I consider (the priests) to be a dangerous menace to the peace and safety of the realm and had these priests been layman they would already have been placed under arrest.’ (6 May 1916, 2pp).

A file relating to Patrick Pearse. Includes a copy of [his last letter] to his mother (n.d., 1p). Includes a piece of cloth from the coat he wore when he was executed, and a lapel from 1916 Rising.

Handwritten notes by Fr John O'Brien SJ on subjects such as:

• Illuminated Manuscripts, including letters from Edward Sullivan (23 January 1917), Thomas William Lyster, Librarian, the National Library of Ireland (19 June 1917) and William Alexander Henderson, National Literary Society, 6 St Stephen's Green, Dublin (nd.).

• notes on notable individuals born in Galway, statements on imports and exports and net tonnage of sailing and steam vessels to/from the Port of Galway (1906-10, with letter from the Superintendent of Statistics and Intelligence Branch, Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland, Dublin (1 March 1912) to Fr John O'Brien SJ and pamphlet with the title ‘Good facts about Galway’ with information on ‘The Honourable Past; The Present: Achievements and resources; Some distinguished Galway men’ produced by St Ignatius College, Galway. Written by Fr James Rabbitte SJ. See SC/GALW/3

• Supplement entitled Galway as a Transatlantic Port’ reprinted from The Financial Times (16 February 1912).

Letter to Fr William A Sutton SJ from Fr Herman Walmesley SJ congratulating him on behalf of Fr General, on the Golden Jubilee of his entrance into the Society.

Letters to Fr William A Sutton SJ from his nephew George in Inniscarrig House, Cork. Includes: note enclosing letter from a Mr Michael Holland a ‘local artist and literary man’ explaining the history of a statue of William Pitt, the elder, commissioned by Cork Corporation in recognition of Pitt’s ‘active part in promoting Irish interests in the English Parliament when Vice-Treasurer of Ireland’ (May 1914, 2 items & 1 envelope) and letter containing family news and thanking him for sending a letter of condolence following the death of his [sister] Ma[i] in childbirth (17 Jul. 1918, 2pp & 1 envelope).

Letters to Fr William A Sutton SJ from Sir Edward Sullivan (brother of Fr John Sullivan SJ).

Letter to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V Nolan SJ from T. Stratton, A.P.C., Staff Officer to Principal Chaplain (R.C.), requesting that Fr Browne remain with the Irish Guards as Commissioned Chaplain. Encloses copies of extracts from letters sent to Fr Browne’s uncle, Dr Browne, Bishop of Cloyne from Dr Keating, Catholic Army Bishop and from Colonel Vesey, Commanding Officer of the Irish Guards referring to Fr Browne’s value and admirable qualities as a Chaplain.

Letters and cards sent to Fr William A Sutton SJ from an old school-friend R. Chinnery (Waterloo Place, Cork) for his birthday.

Letters from Fr Francis Browne SJ to the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V Nolan SJ, written from Germany (28 December 1918-9 February 1919, 4 items), Bishop's House, Queenstown (Cobh), Cork (27 February 1919) and from Warley Barracks, Essex (10 March 1919-6 September 1919, 8 items) including one describing his daily routine as Chaplain to the Irish Guards (6 May 1919, 6pp).

Medal of the Order of the Crown (Ordre de la Couronne), class Officier, conferred by the King of Belgium to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V Nolan SJ. Includes official document concerning the decoration (6 May 1919) and letter from the Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs (22 May 1919). The medal in case, with name of Fernanrd Heremans, Schaerbeek, is a five-armed white enamel and silver-gilt Maltese cross with silver-gilt graduated rays between the arms, on green enamel oval laurel wreath suspension; the face with a gilt-edged circular central blue enamel medallion bearing the gilt crown of Belgium; the reverse with a gilt-edged circular central blue enamel medallion bearing the cipher of King Leopold II, founder of the Order. Material hand in by Margaret Doyle, Archivist, Clongowes Wood College, 9 January 2017. Medal given by King of Belgium in recognition for the work of Irish Jesuits in helping Belgian refugees in Ireland during the First World War.

Documents relating to Leonard Sheil's entrance into the Society of Jesus. Includes:
– introductory letter from Leonard to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ seeking information on the Society (6 March 1919, 2pp);
– note from Dr. J. Redmond to Fr George Byrne SJ, [Novice Master] following his medical examination of Leonard Sheil (22 July 1920, 1p.);
– letter from Mrs Helen Sheil, Leonard's mother to ‘Father Rector’ describing Leonard’s education and state of health. Remarks ‘I hope…that you will not discourage him – his whole heart is set on things spiritual & I know that he has it in him to do great things for God. He is so shy that he will perhaps have difficulty in speaking to you…’ (6 August 1920, 2pp) and
– letters from Mrs Sheil to Irish Fr Provincial on financial matters, following his acceptance of her son into the Society, (28 August - 4 October 1920, 3 items).

Documents found among the papers of Fr Willie Doyle SJ (with whom Fr Browne briefly served as chaplain), collated by Fr Charles Doyle SJ, concerning Fr Frank Browne SJ. Includes telegrams to Robert Browne, Bishop of Cloyne (14 March & 25 August 1919) concerning Fr Browne & circular letter from the War Office to Fr Browne, St Francis Xavier’s, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin, informing him of his appointment as an Honorary Chaplain to the Forces 3rd Class ‘as from 1st Sept. 1921 on which date your commission as a temporary Chaplain to the Forces ceased to have effect.’ (14 September 1921).

A file relating to debt of money owed by Fr Timothy Corcoran's late brother, Francis William Corcoran in South Africa. Francis William Corcoran was in the Natal Police, 1904-1912. Includes a signed agreement by Fr Corcoran's brother (Francis William Corcoran) to repay the loan he obtained from Andrew Phibbs (1 May 1918, 1p). Includes letters from A. Phibbs, Police Stores, Pretoria, South Africa to Fr Timothy Corcoran concerning the debt (7 February 1921 - 29 June 1921, 6 items).

Letter to Fr William A Sutton SJ from his brother, Sir Abraham Sutton following the publication of 'The Clongownian' in June 1921, containing a photograph of him (Sir Abraham), following his election as President of the Clongowes Union, for 1920 – 1921, and an appreciation (p.120 – 121). States in his letter ‘Dont fail to read 'The Clongownian'. You will be amazed to read about your younger brother as indeed he was to read about himself.…I suspect who wrote it but I am not quite certain. It is artistically done but much over laudatory. You cried when I returned to the world but Providence decreed otherwise for there were many family matters that required my special attention. Just think I entered my 73rd year on last Monday. Oh how short they appear now!’

Letter with resolution from the Royal College of Science of Ireland, Dublin to Maurice Dowling, SJ, 87 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin expressing sympathy on the death of Mr Dowling, Registrar of the Royal College of Science of Ireland.

Documents inserted loose into the scrapbook belonging to Fr William Gleeson SJ, including newspaper clippings of a rugby match, two letters, handwritten map, prayer cards, receipts, poetry and list of retreats given (1920).

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.

File relating to the admission of Maurice Fitzgerald to the Society of Jesus and the taking of vows.

A file relating to Frank Shaw's entry to the noviceship of the Society of Jesus.