-To O’Mahony from Mitchel-May 8, 1861

8 May 1861, Choisy-le-roi, i rue St Nicolas. 2 pp.

Understands O'Mahony is still in Ireland. 'I have been expecting for a good while to hear from you and have felt a good deal more interest in your Phoenix Society since I knew that you were in Ireland and taking charge of it yourself The society is not as widespread or as well-armed as either of them would wish, 'but still, so far as it goes, and to the extent of its organization, it is good'

Has had an interview in Boulogne with The O'Donoghue, who agrees with both of them 'on the hopes, chances, and resources of the cause.' Following his [O'D.'s] failure 'in a day or two' to present the National Petition to the queen, and the rejection of the city of Dublin petition by the house of commons, he will quit parliament and 'ask the people to join him in some organization for further measures .... It will be an organization looking to revolution and foreign aid, and more or less directly preparing for that, though for the moment within the forms of law.'

Mitchel considers O'D. to be honest, determined, and thoroughgoing. No need to fear G. H. Moore's influence, 'we have so arranged matters that we shall make use of him, not he of us.' O'Mahony should arrange to meet O'D. 'either in Dublin or anywhere in Tipperary you please.' As O'D. is earnestly bent on turning the public mind away from parliament and English parties, and directing it towards the prospect of French aid, 'he must be conscious that your organization is a power to be counted on.'

'If you write to me, address to M. Andrew Wilson at this place .... Perhaps it is better not, as I believe all letters to me or from me will soon be in danger of hostile inspection .... I think we may rely on this man [O'D.]. I would expect good results from an interview between you and him.'