-To O’Mahony? from W.M. O’Carroll-July_?, 1861

July 1861, Cork. 'My dear friend and master,' received two messages a few days ago, 'of which I at once advised Mr Kelly [James Stephens] and having got his permission, which I thought it my duty to ask, I now reply to you.' Greatly pleased with 'our rev. friend,' who is to meet Stephens that night; 'I am sure he will do as good service even in Ireland.' Will take care of 'your other envoy' for the present;

'as to his teaching us anything in the shape of drill, we have a superfluity of instructors furnished by the Papal Brigade and the millitia,' but their services cannot be fully availed of, drilling being dangerous 'to the cause as well as personally.'

Agrees with O'Mahony's views on American affairs 'and their probable effect on our work ' ; thanks him for giving them at such length. Corcoran and others have done well 'and just as they should have done'; any other course would have injured 'not only them but us also.' Nothing should induce O'Mahony to take sides in the struggle, 'and I am sure nothing will, save and except England's interference.' Does not think 'the formation of the contingent you speak of will be officially permitted'; wishes O'Mahony would attempt it, 'it would be a test of what Jonathan would permit some future day.'

Will take immediate action 'to stop the frenzied movement of Doheny and Roche, though even if let alone I think they could do but little. I see they have resolved to send an envoy to us over here to take steps with regard to the [Mac Manus] funeral. His eyes shall be opened, depend on it, and he shall take back the news that, unless by your orders, not a hand would be raised with those men or any other; that we will recognize neither a man nor a party, be they great or small, weak or powerful, which does not directly emanate from you, act with you, and over which you are not acknowledged to have supreme control.' Will not wait for the agent to take action in this affair ; as far as possible, everything will be done through the press. Trusts those 'rash and misguided (though I believe well-intentioned) men' will not pursue their purpose any further. Entreats O'Mahony to forgive them whatever evil they may have done him, 'for the sake of the cause this sacrifice is required of you, and you will make it—we are of one mind in regarding such an attempt (at present) as they propose as perfect madness, if not treason.'

Wishes to advert to O'Mahony's lengthy complaint in his letter of being 'kept in the dark.' This is unjust to all here, especially so to Mr. Kelly [James Stephens], 'as it is only a short time since you personally examined into our strength, position, and prospects.' O'Mahony is aware of the 'tour of inspection undertaken by Mr. K. just as you left and of the great difficulties, financial and otherwise, of that tour but just now ended.' Respectfully asks what information could possibly have been sent before now to O'Mahony. At the same time, sees the difficulties of O'Mahony's position, and recognizes that 'the onerous nature of your charge forces you to be more or less exigent.' Cannot comprehend O'Mahony's reference to 'public recognition ';

how could an organization, 'whose life breath is privacy,' publicly recognize any man as its head or even as its agent ? Several of O'Mahony's friends have come to Ireland from time to time, 'have all expressed themselves satisfied of the reality of the organization,' and have had reiterated assurances 'of our submission to you and trust in you'. 'Is it not in trust in what are called our Brethren in America that we have lived and toiled and live and toil still ?—though I should say that many of us have determined sometime since to toil on even though totally unencouraged by them for the future '. Many of their promises remain unfulfilled; less reliance on America would have strengthened the position in Ireland. 'They are unembarrassed by the eternal struggle against the Law and against poverty that we have to maintain. They can do much, and if they had faith they would do much. Alas, we cannot work miracles to give them this faith. I fear that if tomorrow the mail bore to them the news of a Rising here they would, many of them, even then require us to prove we were in earnest by being hewn in pieces before they would be convinced.'

Trusts what he has written will not displease O'Mahony, but he is impatient with 'sceptics and cavilling.' For the future, O'Mahony will be given 'direct and plain information' instead of the'mysterious hints, etc.', that he has been receiving all along;

in the existing situation, however, he must not expect to be given always 'precise details and strictly accurate numbers.' The men are widely scattered, and are in the hands of the best officers that can be had, 'one chosen for his energy, another for his influence, a third for his devotion, a fourth simply because a better is not just now available ; good men all but with little millitary [sic] or organising experience. Their men are not all under canvas, and there is more to do than call the roll; the reports they send in are not always precise, punctual, and exact. All this makes matters very difficult indeed and requires from you much forbearance. As the work goes on it will improve.'

'Were I in Mr Kelly's [James Stephens] place I would feel deeply your holding communication with any unless through me or with my desire.' To do so is to subvert 'that discipline you would so much desire to see enforced.' Leaves this however to O'Mahony's better judgement; 'if you choose to continue to correspond with me, not making me however the medium of conveying open dispatches to Mr Kelly, I will faithfully execute your behests or answer your queries to the utmost of my power;

and thank you for permitting me to serve the cause through you.'

'Finally, to speak of my own progress, I am every day increasing my numbers. I am slowly, but I am, getting them to arm. I have made one most important and entirely new district, and I will continue to do as much, if not better. I am not anything of a "voteen" but I pray, may God strengthen you for your work and prosper you in it. Fraternally and faithfully yours.'

Endorsed: Wm O'Carroll's writing—Rossa.