-To O’Mahony from James Cantwell-November 2, 1860

2 November 1860, Templemore. Acknowledges receipt of letter of October 15. Pained that he has been put in a position that causes O'Mahony to doubt the sincerity of his intentions. Assumed O'Mahony was aware that 'our friend S. [James Stephens] was most anxious that I should if possible settle in Dublin.' At first, did not see any chance of his settling there, and prepared to return to America as soon as he would have heard from O'Mahony. Later, 'was met with a proposition of a business partnership and a matrimonial one.' Accepted the former on certain conditions ; postponed the latter 'until I would hear from you.' Could break off the business engagement at once, 'not so the other.'

Gave a full report of his visit to the estate 'to Mr B., your friend'; understood he would start in a day or two but he is still in Dublin waiting for funds ; sorry B. is 'to be the bearer of this, for he drinks and is about the greatest goose I ever met when he does so.'

Has given all necessary details so that O'Mahony may 'form a just estimate of your family property.' Has not kept a copy and so cannot give the details here. Will not express any opinion 'but leave you to judge from my report.' Must say, to keep O'Mahony on the right road, that the estate was very large, like many Irish estates it has not been taken care of, and promises made to tenants were not fulfilled. Not surprising that the returns 'are not such as those on better managed properties.' Outlook not hopeless. General opinion is that there will be a European war next spring, and increased prices will make up for the shortage of cattle and wheat on the estate. Should war not come, the estate will go bankrupt 'and the property may be sold ;

nothing can save it unless some superhuman effort, which I cannot sse.'

As O'Mahony knows, B. visited Stephens and gave such a pitiable account of him 'that I sent him at once $20. J[ohn] 0'L[eary] was there at the time and he gave ^5, I think. Others gave more or less, in all I dare say near {20.' Gave B. twenty dollars on loan when he returned from Stephens; not yet repaid.

Is living at home at no expense. B. will repay the loan 'as soon as he gets a remittance and S. promises to do likewise.' Can then easily raise the balance needed to pay his passage over 'in case both my alliances fail.' 'I must also tell you that I told my intended (in talking over past events) that should another day come with equal or higher hopes she must not be displeased or disappointed if I should do likewise. I got permission to do so. I hope therefore that I have not forfeited any portion of your confidence or good wishes, for believe me, my dear friend, nothing would grieve me more, and of the many Patriots I have heard and known (many of them blatant) there is not one whose good opinion I so highly value. Ever, my dear friend, faithfully and fraternally yours, James.'