-To O’Mahony from Charles O’Connell-May 1, 1862

May 1862, Cork. 'Beloved Brother, This will be handed you by brother of Michael O'Brien, who has held on here as long as he possibly could,' and is now going to New York because of lack of employment here; 'above all things, he desires to acquire military knowledge in the Phoenix Brigade'; will himself tell O'Mahony the reasons for his dismissal from work; 'you can rely upon what he says as he is genuine unsophisticated honesty itself and as firm as a rock.' .

O'Mahony will be sorry to hear of the 'calamity that has befallen my father and family, who have been completely smashed to pieces;' a? a result of almost total crop failure was 'unable to meet the demands of his landlord and another party, who unmercifully refused to give him any quarter. All lie asked for was a little time, yet nothing would do them but to reduce him to ruin and throw a large helpless family in the world.'

Has not allowed this anxiety 'to interfere with the holy work, which, God be thanked, never before possessed such health and vigour despite man and devil';

never before has Ireland been animated 'by such a grand and earnest soul, and never more earnestly turned her anxious gaze towards you, feeling that her sons here at home are ready and only await the one thing necessary from you.'

Expects O'Mahony has by now read 'the first and second parts of Nation Goula's [A. M. Sullivan] letter.' Does not believe there was ever 'a baser man born of a woman*. 'Our Skibbereen friends are further prepared to reply to the dirty miserable vile wretch. Our friend will tell you how nicely Mr [William] O'Carroll cut away out of the country for Queensland. But he was no loss, that is one thing certain.'

Asks to be remembered 'affectionately' to the Pagan [O'Leary]; not a more fearless-hearted noble-souled being on earth ; was a great favourite while in Ireland, and 'won the good opinion of every sound man, above all of the Captain [James Stephens], for whom he would live or die.' Hopes that 'through your brother, O'Brien may be fortunate enough to obtain employment at the business he knows—the drapery.'

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